Showtime series "The Tudors" casting question

Just finished watching the complete Showtime series "The Tudors". I very much enjoyed the show. One of my complaints is the actor whom played Henry VIII.

I am not discrediting the young man's abilities as an actor. The main problem is that he does not resemble King Henry VIII at all.

Does anybody have a source or know why that actor was cast for this role?

casting the-tudors

Best Answer

Creator Michael Hirst explains his choice to cast Jonathan Rhys-Meyers as Henry VIII.

We felt that Johnny captured the essence of Henry. He portrays Henry in a way that shows him as a man while also displaying a regal quality. Which of course you need to portray Henry VIII.

Actor Jonathan Rhys-Meyers on his role as Henry VIII:

I understand that I do not look like Henry, but I have completely immersed myself into this character. I hope my hard work will show through my performance and that people will overlook the physical differences between Henry and myself.

I own the box set of "The Tudors" which includes bonus features. The above quotes are from interviews conducted with the show creator Michael Hirst and actor Jonathan Rhys-Meyers.