Giles Matthey
Last week, we learned that there would be a new Claude in Season 5 of True Blood. The fans were at first, confused by this because in Season 4, we saw Claude in the first episode played by Neil Hopkins. So, it was surprising when a new casting call appeared and actor Giles Matthey was chosen to assume the fairy wings previously worn by Hopkins.
It’s now considered that the reason the part was recast is due to fan criticism of the choice of Neil Hopkins, thought too old for the part. I don’t remember that criticism, and Alan Ball hasn’t let the fans influence him too much, instead preferring to use his own “exceptional” judgment, (of which we approve) but for whatever reason, we now have a new Claude.
Claude is a character in the books and the twin brother of Sookie’s elegant fairy cousin, Claudine, who appeared at the end of the show’s third season. In the book series, Claude is an arrogant little queen whose only redeeming quality is his protective nature toward Claudine.
While the part of Claude will not be a series regular, the role will be considerably expanded into a multi-episode arc and could develop into something even larger. In the books, Claude and Sookie eventually grow to be close friends.
source: tvguide.com
So different from the books. But I actually love the show. The books have kind of fallen by the wayside.
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But still…Claude was supposed to be drop dead gorgeous!
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wtheck?! looks nothing like the books Claude :(
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So glad I have never read the books, that way I have no preconcieved notions on what a character should be, look like, yadda, yadda, yadda. I completely trust Mr. Ball’s vision! I <3 TRUE BLOOD! V'''V
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WTF, noooooo wrong, wrong, wrong, claude is supposed to be the hottest, model material fall to your knees, hunky fairy. but then again, claudine was nothing like the books either. yes the actress was very pretty, but nothing like the books described.. i know it is hard to top alex, bill, ryan, joe… etc, but at least TRY. sorry alan, absolutely huge fan, but this time you go it WRONG
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I just have to stop thinking this show is even loosely based on the books. TB has already wrecked so many characters in my eyes. The only way to even remotely enjoy this show is to just pretend it is a completely different beast. :P
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it is annoying me too that they aren’t sticking close to the books… I have been hanging to see what Quinn will look like, dont think i was to know if that’s claude…
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I will await developments and see what Alan has in mind with this casting.
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SUCKS!!!!!!!! Neil should have played Claude again!!!!!!!!!!!
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@Andrea – I so agree! I couldn’t be happier that I haven’t read the books than when a casting choice is announced, and the uproar begins.
Perhaps if I had read them I would be upset too, but as it is, I am free to enjoy whatever Alan Ball & Co. come up with, without expectations. Cannot wait for S5!
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I think that they should have stuck with Neil Hopkins playing Claude just because he’s a cool actor. I can’t really see that they would have changed the casting because of fan criticism – it doesn’t seem likely, seeing as how Alan Ball and co. are not influenced by fans in that way. What’s more likely is that Neil wasn’t available, and when they had to re-cast for the role they decided to choose a younger actor because the show already has a plethora of hot guys in their 30s and 40s.
This kid had better be one heck of a good actor or I will be very disappointed!
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I’m actually really glad the show doesn’t follow the books…
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Seriously, Jessica is wayyyyyy too much woman for this new dude…I agree with Mary, this guy looks like he would be more at home in Hotshot. ROTFLMAO!!!
BRING ON THE REAL MEN! Alan.
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I’m glad Alan isn’t sticking to the books. If he did we would have a long haired, romance novel, cheesy Eric instead of Alexander Skarsgards fantastic portrayal. We wouldn’t have Jessica at all, and Godric would have been a horrible child molester and murderer. Thank goodness he’s not sticking to the books.
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Anyway, I think Neil Hopkins is gorgeous and a really good actor.
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