Who Should Get the Cover?

I love Persuasion. My favourite JA. Sadly I’ve never found a screen version that’s as good as the book, for me, but Ciaran Hinds is the best. Also, for the cover, 5, 6, or the immortal heartthrob Gregory Peck, 4. Why? Because Captain Wentworth has had a hard time, both at sea, and emotionally with Anne. Both factors will have left their mark, the physical stress and the emotional. Your cover needs, I think, to reflect this, and just being a good looking film star isn’t enough. We have to believe in his stress, as well as fall in love with him., and I think only Ciaran really achieves this. And also, because he’s not quite “chocolate box” good looking, which is more human.
Good luck! I live in UK, and would prefer a “real ” book. Is this going to be possible please?
Kate

This is tough when you look at both the actors and the poses. I prefer Ciaren Hines and I always imaging Wentworth as a brunet in any case. With just those criteria, I like number 5. But I really like the Poldark pose. I appreciate the person who likes having the ship in the picture, and it is a nice idea, but it is not really necessary. So, ideally, I would see Hines, but more in the pose of number 3.

#1 and a close second with #9

Can’t be anyone but Ciaran Hinds. He has the true weathered good looks of a man who spent years on the sea.

5. Ciaran Hinds looks like a naval commander who has been at sea 8 years. He has presence. Those pretty boys who look like they bathe in sunblock look like they have never been in a rowboat much less captained a ship and fought fir crown and country. Also. 2007 film git mire and more ridiculous, especially with that never ending run at the end. I laughed and laughed.

Let’s see. I would discard the full frontal images 1 anfd 5 (although the facial expression of Ciaran Hinds on 5 suggests the desperate longing that can be associated with Persuasion). I think neither of the Rupert Penry-Jones pictures show the naval uniform in a very recognizable way and his face doesn’t show to advantage at a still caption. Definitely not No. 7. I just don’t find him attractive at all (haven’t seen this movie, so perhaps he is better in motion too). And I think No. 6 mostly expresses anger and disdain of the fickleness of women (it does fit with Wentworth but I don’t think it would attract readers). No. 3 and 4 are beautiful poses and I love the bicorne hat, I would love either of them as a book cover (of any naval officer). I am surprised to find that No. 9 Ioan Gruffudd as Hornblower fits very well in a role as Captain Wentworth, especially at the time of being rejected by Anne – young, determined, vulnerable. I think that’s my final favourite (the one of him in a hat doesn’t have that oh so romantic expression, but perhaps you could find another one of him in a bicorne hat. My vote is No. 9, 3 or 4, in this order. I’m sure it will be gorgeous in any case of course.

6 looks the most heroic to me.

#4 Gregroy Peck or #5 or #6 Ciaran Hines

Hi. My personal pick for Capt. Wentworth would be Ciaran Hines. He was in my favorite Persuasion adaption. He looked the part of a man who was older and lived many years in the Imperial Navy .
Billie Barrett

5 or 6–love them all but it has to be Ciaran Hinds.

#5

#5 or 6, although I’d like to see more of his hat in #5.

It has to be Ciarin Hines! Hands down, he portrayed the strongest Captain Wentworth, and his physical features were/are perfect for his naval character. I love both pictures of him, but #5 shows his vulnerability, and he was oh, so vulnerable. I really like RPJ, but his portrayal, and his pictures shown here, made for a good gentleman but not a strong naval character.

How can you go wrong with Rupert Penry-Jones? Tall, blonde and gorgeous with a {Colin Firth’s} Darcy vibe? The most swoon worthy Wentworth IMO. Definitely 1 or 8; though 8 fits the kind of sideways look that the other books have.

#4 first choice, #5 second choice.

My too pick is for sure is #6!!!! Absolutely the best Capt. Wentworth!!!

Definitely #6!!
Looking forward to the cover reveal~~

Definately 1 or 8 Rupert so handsome hurt and those looks it he is epitome of the Captain it HAS to be him

Hi Shannon,
This post is really fun so thanks for giving us the chance to suggest a Wentworth “profile” 😉
I watched Penry Jones in the BBC series and I liked him so he would be a good choice but, having said that… AIDAN TURNER is the perfect choice because in “Poldark” he performs a passionate and sometimes vindictive hero (I understand him very well given he has to fight against evil Warleggan) and Wentworth is the most resentful Jane Austen´s hero and I think Aidan Turner´s features can show the different feelings of love, hurt, strenght and pride that Wentworth displays in “Persuasion”.
I hope all this answers from janeites can help you in the search of Captain Wentworth 🙂

Teresa

Ciaran Hinds #6 photo, hands down is the best pick, and he looks like a weathered sea captain with his rugged good looks!!!

#1 would be my choice

Ciaran Hinds, I like #5 photo best but either would be great. The other actors are good looking, but I think not “weather beaten” enough to have been at sea (and war) for 7 years. Plus I like to think of Ann as discerning and would be attracted to a man of maturity and character, not just a pretty face. To me, Hinds is THE OG Captain Wentworth.