Exploring The True Appearances Of The Princess Bride Cast

The Princess Bride has been enchanting audiences since its release in 1987, blending adventure, romance, and comedy into a timeless classic. However, many fans are unaware that the beloved film is actually based on a novel written by William Goldman, who cleverly presented it as an abridged version of an imaginary book by S. Morgenstern. This unique narrative style adds a layer of depth to the story and engages readers in a delightful way.

Goldman's novel was published in 1973 and quickly became a cult favorite, much like its cinematic adaptation. Despite the film's faithfulness to the source material, there are notable differences in how the characters are portrayed on screen compared to the pages of the book. This article dives into what the characters of The Princess Bride should really look like, based on Goldman's descriptions. Let's explore the true appearances of these iconic characters as envisioned by their creator!

As we delve into the character portrayals, we'll analyze how closely the actors matched the vivid descriptions provided in the novel. Each character brings their own unique flair to the story, and while some align closely with the original depictions, others differ significantly. Join us as we take a closer look at the cast of The Princess Bride and discover how they compare to their literary counterparts!

Cary Elwes as Westley
Robin Wright as Buttercup
Mandy Patinkin as Inigo Montoya
Andre the Giant as Fezzik
Wallace Shawn as Vizzini
Chris Sarandon as Prince Humperdinck
Randy Savage as The Grandson
Peter Falk as The Grandfather
Christopher Guest as Count Rugen

Cary Elwes as Westley

In the novel, Buttercup’s description of Westley provides crucial insights into his character. She reflects on his blue-grey eyes, muscular build, and perfect tan, attributing these features to his hard work as a farm boy. Cary Elwes’s portrayal of Westley captures much of this essence, but his hair color diverges slightly from the description, being a darker blonde than the novel suggests.

The character’s physicality is important to the narrative; Westley is not just a handsome face but also someone who embodies strength and resilience. Cary Elwes delivers a commendable performance, showcasing both charm and determination, yet some fans argue he could have been a bit blonder to more closely align with Goldman's vision.

Robin Wright as Buttercup

Goldman paints Buttercup as the most beautiful woman in the world, capturing the attention of everyone around her. In the adaptation, Robin Wright's portrayal remains stunning but slightly deviates from the novel, particularly in her hair color and length. The character’s hair, described as "the color of autumn," is portrayed as blonde in the film, which is a notable difference from the book.

Despite this, Wright embodies the heart of Buttercup, bringing vulnerability and strength to the role. Her performance resonates with audiences, making her a memorable character in the classic film.

Mandy Patinkin as Inigo Montoya

Inigo Montoya, known for his iconic line, is described as "blade-thin" and possessing distinct scars that tell a story of his past. Mandy Patinkin’s interpretation captures the essence of Inigo’s quest for vengeance, despite the scars being less pronounced in the film compared to the book. This character’s agility and quickness are well represented by Patinkin, aligning with Goldman's portrayal of the legendary swordsman.

While some fans believe Patinkin nails the character’s spirit, the lack of visible scars may detract from that fierce persona described in the novel. Still, his performance remains one of the highlights of the film.

Andre the Giant as Fezzik

Fezzik is depicted in the novel as a massive figure, perfectly fitting the stature of Andre the Giant, who portrayed him in the film. Goldman's description suggests Fezzik was over 7 feet tall, and Andre’s actual height and weight exceeded those expectations, making him a towering presence. This casting choice was spot-on, as Andre’s physicality brought Fezzik to life in a way that perfectly matched the character’s larger-than-life nature.

His gentle demeanor and strength resonate with audiences, making him a beloved character. The portrayal remains true to the essence of Fezzik, showcasing his heart and loyalty to his friends.

Wallace Shawn as Vizzini

Vizzini, described as a hunchback in the novel, presents a challenge for Wallace Shawn's portrayal in the film. While Shawn’s performance is beloved, his interpretation diverges from the character’s more intimidating demeanor described by Goldman. In the book, Vizzini's anger is reflected in a quiet, menacing manner, contrasting with Shawn’s more animated portrayal.

This difference has sparked debate among fans regarding the accuracy of the adaptation. However, Shawn’s unique take on Vizzini has also gained a cult following, showcasing the character's wit and cunning in a different light.