Change age of protagonist when submitting...

[Pasquali56]

The protagonist in my most recent screenplay is 40. I just queried a major star's agent and they agreed to read it -- but the star is actually 44. This is probably a dumb question, but should I change the age of the protagonist to the actor's age (or just say early to mid 40's) before submitting it? I know four years isn't much of a difference, but I'm wondering if I should play it safe by making this easy change. Any thoughts?

[carcar]

Don't change. It's a minor difference, well within the actor's age range. And it's to the younger side of that. You have no problem.

But even if the actor were concerned, you can do it after it's sold. Send it off and don't worry about it.

[Grandmaster]

Remember that Simpons episode where Homer asks Mel Gibson how old he is...?

[NikeeGoddess]

what actor wouldn't be flattered if you said his 44 years made him look 40?
most actors play in an age range anyway.
and this is such a minor detail change... its not like he was 44 and now 22.
did you know that sally field played tom hanks love interest in one movie and his mother in another?

[TheKeenGuy]

Change it to "(mid-30s)."

[sc111]

Originally Posted by Pasquali56

The protagonist in my most recent screenplay is 40. I just queried a major star's agent and they agreed to read it -- but the star is actually 44. This is probably a dumb question, but should I change the age of the protagonist to the actor's age (or just say early to mid 40's) before submitting it? I know four years isn't much of a difference, but I'm wondering if I should play it safe by making this easy change. Any thoughts?

Or ....you could change the character's age to 38.

Everyone in the 40s wants to think they still lokk like they're in their 30s.

[silvercop]

I would never write anyone as 30, 40, or 50 unless he or she was undergoing a crisis due to that age.

[NikeeGoddess]

Originally Posted by silvercop

I would never write anyone as 30, 40, or 50 unless he or she was undergoing a crisis due to that age.

so not many A-list actors for you.

[Pasquali56]

At least you can get Justin Bieber.

[silvercop]

Originally Posted by NikeeGoddess

so not many A-list actors for you.

You mean all A-list actors are either 30, 40 or 50? No one is 29, 39, or 49? Can't they act a year younger?