Reportedly he read the script for the first time aboard the flight to the set. :D Not to mention he had to make his decision in a couple days from getting the offer.
It's never easy, stepping into the shoes of someone else. Most certainly, especially in a case like this, with no time for getting ready at all, or even thinking about the role. Fortunately it was the first days of filming and they hadn't been working with McGann for long. Also, in the end it turned out one of those exceptional cases when an unplanned switch of actors works better than anyone really expected and turns the project into a legend. Reportedly again, the crew was anxious as well (understandably), but in the first shots they said they knew they have Sharpe. After years even Cornwell said he hears Sean when writing next books in the series, in spite of him looking very much unlike the literary version (McGann actually fitted the description better). He even adjusted the character's background so it fitted Sean's accent.
got her while she was having her evening meal. She went in and sang - without much preparation. And it was all actually filmed to be on TV for New Year's eve. That's professional. OMG, yes.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2015-11-04 11:17 pm (UTC)It's never easy, stepping into the shoes of someone else.
Most certainly, especially in a case like this, with no time for getting ready at all, or even thinking about the role. Fortunately it was the first days of filming and they hadn't been working with McGann for long. Also, in the end it turned out one of those exceptional cases when an unplanned switch of actors works better than anyone really expected and turns the project into a legend. Reportedly again, the crew was anxious as well (understandably), but in the first shots they said they knew they have Sharpe. After years even Cornwell said he hears Sean when writing next books in the series, in spite of him looking very much unlike the literary version (McGann actually fitted the description better). He even adjusted the character's background so it fitted Sean's accent.
got her while she was having her evening meal. She went in and sang - without much preparation. And it was all actually filmed to be on TV for New Year's eve. That's professional.
OMG, yes.