Peter Dinklage Reveals the Iconic Role He Longs to Play
Peter Dinklage opened up in a Reddit AMA about his dream role: Atticus Finch. Despite Gregory Peck’s legendary performance, Dinklage shared his deep admiration for the character and the unique challenge the part presents.
Peter Dinklage has never let his appearance define his career, and his talent has consistently proven that he belongs among the best in Hollywood. With a magnetic presence and the ability to fully inhabit any character, Dinklage has built a reputation as one of the most versatile actors of his generation. Even in the face of societal barriers, the Golden Globe winner has taken on some of fiction’s most memorable roles. From his unforgettable portrayal of Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones to his performances as Cyrano de Bergerac on both stage and screen, Dinklage’s range is undeniable. He’s also set to appear as The Fool in Bernard Rose’s upcoming Lear Rex and has voiced Hercule Poirot in a series of audio dramas.
Dreaming Beyond Boundaries
Despite his impressive resume, Dinklage still has ambitions left to fulfill. During a Reddit Ask Me Anything, he was asked if there was a particular character he’d love to play. His answer sparked excitement among fans and writers alike.
“I have a huge soft spot in my heart for Atticus Finch,”
he shared.
“It ’s so hard to say something like that, though. I don’t see myself in the role since Gregory Peck did such a good job with it already.”
Dinklage’s admiration refers to Peck’s legendary performance in the 1962 adaptation of Harper Lee’s classic novel. Peck’s portrayal of the principled lawyer who defends a Black man in the racially charged South is widely considered one of cinema ’s greatest achievements. The American Film Institute even ranked Finch as the top movie hero of the 20th century, ahead of icons like Indiana Jones and James Bond.
Legacy of Atticus Finch
While Gregory Peck’s take on Atticus Finch remains the gold standard, he’s not the only actor to have stepped into those shoes. Aaron Sorkin’s stage adaptation brought the character to life through performances by Jeff Daniels, Rafe Spall, and Ed Harris. Even Homer Simpson once played the role in a memorable episode. Yet, for most, Peck’s Atticus is the definitive version.
Imagining Dinklage as Atticus might seem unconventional, but his career is filled with unexpected choices. His dwarfism challenges the traditional image of the character, but it could also bring a fresh perspective to the story. Dinklage has already proven he can tackle roles as varied as Richard III, the Toxic Avenger, and even a singing goat, showing that he’s never been afraid to break the mold.