7 Reasons To Be Excited For Ender’s Game

Though some hardcore fans were likely irked that the film adaptation upped Ender’s age from six to closer to sixteen, I’m of the opinion that it was a great move, mostly because it allowed the terrific Asa Butterfield to secure the role.

Butterfield, who previously starred in Holocaust tragedy The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and Martin Scorese’s ode to classic cinema Hugo, has shown off a tremendous capacity for emotional pathos throughout his still-blossoming career. I fully believe he is capable of doing justice to the moral and emotional complexities of Ender Wiggin, and I’m convinced that Ender’s Game will mark the young actor’s finest performance yet.

I am equally excited to see what Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld can do in the meaty role of Ender’s sympathetic peer at the Battle School, Petra Arkanian, Steinfeld has already proven her ability to play a strong-willed protagonist in True Grit, so it should be a real thrill to watch the rapport between her character and Ender.

Finally, Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin, in the role of Ender’s sister Valentine, will likely bring some emotional gravitas to her supporting role. Though it is still unclear how heavily the film will feature Valentine’s political commentator alter ego Demosthenes, it’s safe to say that the well-respected young actress is a valuable asset to the film whom director Gavin Hood will likely utilize as much as possible.

There are several unknown quantities in Ender’s Game, including Jimmy Pinchak as Peter Wiggin, Aramis Knight as Ender’s ally Bean, and Moises Arias as his enemy Bonzo, but the film has been in development for so long that I highly doubt any severe casting mistakes would be allowed to stand.