Kait Mae

As someone who’s always had a soft spot for gothic tales, picking up Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood was a no-brainer. This eerie and atmospheric novel hooked me from the start, blending horror with heart in a way that left me obsessed. With so many adaptation-worthy moments, I couldn’t help but imagine how I’d bring this story to the screen. From the haunting setting to the casting of characters that linger in your thoughts long after you’ve finished the book, here’s how I’d adapt this captivating tale.

What Is ‘Within These Wicked Walls’?

Lauren Blackwood’s debut novel, Within These Wicked Walls, is a gothic Ethiopian-inspired magical retelling of Jane Eyre. Andromeda is hired by a wealthy man plagued by evil spirits to cleanse his home.

As she works, she uncovers dark secrets about Magnus’s past and the curse. And despite everything, she finds herself drawn to the troubled man. To survive, Andromeda needs to confront her own past and Magnus’s.

Read More: Tired of England-Inspired Fantasy Worlds? Try These Fantasies Instead

How Would I Adapt It?

I read this several years ago before I started reading books trying to imagine how I would adapt them. But looking back on how it read, I think a movie would be perfect. A miniseries could also work, but Within These Wicked Walls as a movie just feels right.

As for the aesthetic of what the movie would be like, I struggled with that for a bit. I wanted to find a combo that wasn’t one thing or another. And I decided that combining Ethiopian elements and culture the 2011 movie Jane Eyre would be perfect for this story.

Who I Would Cast

I decided to only cast five of the characters – all five that stuck with me after reading the book.

First up is Andromeda, our leading lady. I wanted to find an actress who is Ethiopian, so that was my main criteria. And I think Lidya Jewett is perfect for this role. She’s a newer actress, but she’s shown her duality when going from Nightbooks to Ivy + Bean to The Exorcist: Believer.

Up next, Magnus Rochester. When I read the book, I will admit I imagined Michael Fassbender from the 2011 movie Jane Eyre. But for this project, I think a fully Ethiopian cast would be amazing. So I went searching and found Ras-Samuel Welda’abzgi. I knew he was the right pick after seeing him in a fan film for Dune.

Read More: Authors Who Created Sub-Genres

Next, Saba. She’s a character that plays a big but understated part. And I knew as soon as I saw her in The Starter Marriage, Elshaday Aredo would be the perfect fit.

Then we have Kelela, the “rival” for Magnus’s affection. I went searching for hours until I decided Tahounia Rubel would be amazing in the role. She’s more known for her modeling and time on Big Brother Israel, but she could do it.

And lastly, Jember, Andromeda’s mentor of sorts. For him, I wanted someone who could portray a character who is cynical and has seen many years of fighting “manifestations” like Andromeda is doing in the book. And that’s how I found Haile Gerima.

Have you read this book? Because if you haven’t, you really should. Lauren Blackwood’s debut was amazing, and I can’t wait to see what else she comes out with in the future.