NEWS FLASH: Channing Tatum’s ‘Dear John’ to Film in South Carolina
July 22, 2008 · Print This Article | Email This Article
It all started last year with the announcement that Channing Tatum was cast in the lead role and for a while, that’s all we knew about his romantic drama ‘Dear John‘. For most fans, that was enough to get us hooked, but we all know that you need more than just one actor to make a movie (even if it’s Channing Tatum).
Recently, they announced a director (Lasse Hallstrom). Then, they announced the casting directors (Joanna Colbert and Richard Mento).
Now, thanks to Fabulous Channing Tatum Fan Brandi, I can let you all know exactly where they will be filming this fall. OK maybe not exactly, but close enough…
The South Carolina Department of Commerce just announced last Wednesday that ‘Dear John‘ is one of two new films that has been approved to begin filming in South Carolina in 2008.
‘Dear John‘ is based on the book written by Nicholas Sparks, and is a New Line studios production with Production Designer Sarah Knowles. New Line studios and Knowles both worked on ‘The Notebook,’ which was filmed in South Carolina in 2003.
The film will be shot in multiple locations along the South Carolina coast. Last I heard, they are supposed to start filming in mid-September, but the production company is still finalizing the exact schedule.
‘Dear John‘ is set to hit theaters some time in 2009. For those who don’t know, it is a story of a soldier who falls in love with a conservative college girl who he plans to marry, but time and distance take their toll on the fledging relationship.
One of many things we don’t know about this film yet is who is going to play the female lead. If you were the casting directors, who would be you choose (other than yourself) 
to play Channing’s love interest? Fans can leave a comment on this post to share your choice(s).
Stay tuned to Channing Tatum Unwrapped, and (as always) I’ll keep you posted on any new developments with the film.
Source: WISTV.com
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OMG…I can’t wait to see this movie…i think that Savannah (the female lead) should be played by Rachel Bilson…
OMG… this movie is going to be great. I think that Rachel McADAMS should play the female lead.
I already think at Leelee Sobieski, her play has a beautifull deepness and the right part of innocence
I think Savannah should be played by a real southern beauty like model turned actress Brandy Moon.
Why is Jenna Dewan not being looked at for his love interst in the upcoming Dear John
Rachel McAdams would be a 2nd if I cant get Chenna for the movie!!
i definitely think that Rachel McAdams should play the part of Savannah
I like Alexis Bledel from Gilmore Girls and the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants movies.
I think definately Jenna Dewan…. or Rachel McAdams.! They are BOTH great actresses.! Love them both! but Rachel has already done the “southern” roll in the Notebook. and she was awesome in it ! So why not cast her for another Nicholas Sparks book?
Ya I agree with Amy for Alexis Bledel, she’d do great job, she’d be really sweet. Or maybe Rachel Bilson…
100% for Alexis Bledel <3 she’s so sweet and great actrice too
I agree with Bridgett 110%…Jenna Dewan and him have the perfect chemistry already…why not put it on film again so we can all enjoy…Chenna would be PERFECT for this movie….again if not Rachel Mcadams would be the next best choice and would do wonderful!!!
I think either Mila Kunis (Jackie from That 70’s Show) or Kristin Kreuk (Lana from Smallville) would be perfect for Savannah.
I still say Jenna –chemistry there is undeniable—or rachel if we cant have them together on screen again
Drats! Since I can’t nominate myself then my first pick for Channing Tatum’s co-star would be Natalie Portman and the second pick would be Alexis Bledel.
i think jessica alba should be cast to play savannah she is beautiful and her and channing would be so hot together
Jenna Dewan would be a good match, but I think it might drag too much of the Step Up story along with it. I do think she would make a great Savannah. I just read the book this weekend and yesterday found out that it’s going to be a movie. But… I’m not so sure it’d go as smooth- only because of prior movies- and this movie would be pretty serious. Jessica Alba could make a good one, but again, I think it needs to be someone almost fresh and new. Even Alexis, she has the innocence supporting her from Gilmore Girls, but she wouldn’t fit- it would be awkward on screen. I still have yet to think of someone perfect myself, but if I think of anyone, I’ll drop a note!!
While reading the book before I knew about the movie I was picturing, Mandy Moore, or even Amanda Bynes again, they worked great together.
Ok. I’ve given it some thought as to who could pull off Savannah and also look the part (The wonders of makeup and hair styling always can be done!!) Even though they aren’t brand new (I still think it would be awesome to bring in a fresh face for this role) I thnk that the following could do it, for they have an innocence (although some have shown a bad girl side in some movies) and that’s important for this role: Erica Christensen, Scarlett Johansson, Anne Hathaway, or Vanessa Hudgens. I know, you are probably thinking “WHAT?!?!?” You have to remember that Savannah wasn’t anything like John in how they looked. Channing can pull off the tough tattooed kind with an attitude and ready to strike when necessary. These girls can start with the sweet and innocent heart and then turn into the worn-down-by-too-much-going-on-in-her-life kind of woman she grown into when John leaves. Vanessa Hudgens would be coming off the Disney circle, but if she really put herself into the role, I know she could pull it off. Erica Christensen has been in smaller or forgettable roles for the most part (like Flightplan or The Perfect Score), but that could make this her really big break to get herself known. And she can portray an innocence needed. Anne Hathaway would be the last choice of the bunch I mentioned, but she does have the wholesome look. Scarlett Johansson has done her share of not-so-good girls, but she can also be nothing short of graceful, especially if they made her hair long. I will try to see if I come up with anyone else.
When I say that I fell in love with this book, I honestly mean it. And because I love this book so much I think that giving the role of Savannah to an actress well known would be the wrong thing to do. Savannah is a very delicate character and someone who has played in many other movies before just won’t be right to play her. It doesn’t feel right and I think it would ruin the entire movie. I’ve been waiting and praying that this book will make it to the big screen and now that it is and people are talking about all these famous actresses playing the role it’s just disappointing me. If you had to pick a somewhat famous actress for the role I’d say Minka Kelly definitely.
Jenna would be my first choice, because I think their chemistry is amazing and translates well on screen. Since I know she is not available for filming, I think that Minka could totally pull it off based on what I pictured from the book, her performances on “Friday Night Lights”, and after seeing her in person a few weeks back. I think it would definitely be a great match.
- Q
Me too. It would be perfect, her look is almost exact to how I pictured Savannah looking when they first described her in the begining and through out the rest of the book, maybe with a little shorter hair, but I think she’s perfect.
I just found a few pics of Minka… yep, she would be a great candidate!!
I dont get why they chose Amanda Seyfried, shes aight but shes not even brunette or a hint of tan. I would have chosen Jessica Alba as Savannah
amanda seyfried is the actress playing savannah according to imdb.com
i loved the book, and dont think she is a good choice to play savannah.
Amanda Seyfried was cast as Savannah. Boo! Poor choice I think. But they never would have casted Rachel McAdams or Jenna Dewan as her tho either. 1. Jenna and Chan were already in a movie together and 2. Rachel McAdams already got a lead in a Sparks adaptation. I was rooting for Mandy Moore but again knew she wouldnt get it cuz of A Walk to Remember. I think that Alexis Bledel or Minka Kelly, even Sophia Bush would have been better choices. Oh well what can you do?
is there any casting for extras for this film?
I don’t know if they are still casting extras or not, but here is the contact info…If you are interested in possibly becoming an extra in the film, you should send an email to dearjohncasting@gmail.com for more information. As always, no e-mail photos or submissions can be accepted.
- Q
what the heck… they cast KARREN from mean girls to play savannah? ooo boy….. not what i pictured at all… channing was perfect but really. KARREN FROM MEAN GIRLS?! ugh.
Megan Fox!
Megan Fox should play savannah
i really don’t think amanda seyfried should have gotten that role i think the best choices would be 1)Rachel Bilson 2)Minka Kelly
3)Kristen Kreuk or 4)Jenna Dewan
they have cast that girl from mamma mia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! she doesnt suit the part in my opinion
You ladies are complete amateurs…. Michelle Monaghan should play the role as Savannah. But I guess it might be a little too late… hey, the person running this site. Can you get me in touch with the director Lasse Halstrom? Or NS? I just feel I need to get my word out. For those of you who don’t know Michelle. GOOGLE HER! Peace….
I am so excited to see this movie! By the way the lead gal wil be Amanda Seyfried (the lead in Mamma Mia!) Channing Tatum is an awesome actor–from STEP UP to SHE’S THE MAN.
Nicholas Sparks has written some pretty compelling works of fiction–and am anxiously awaiting to see how this one will turn out!
I absolutely loved this book. Especially since I know what the girl was going through, because I am dating a soldier. I love Channing Tatum and I think the girl should be Rachel McAdams or Rachel Bilson!
WOW I CANT WAIT!!!