Some really interesting choices.
Michael Nader auditioned for the '91 series but obviously wasn't cast.
But, Stuart - Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Barnabas?! Someone's been watching Velvet Goldmine once too often! And can you just Imagine Barnabas showing up at Collinwood and singing "The Ballad of Maxwell Demon"! [wink2] Though that look might work as a new one for Barnabas:
(http://www.dsboards.com/images/ballad.jpg)
Or better yet, could you imagine Barnabas singing "Tumbling Down" at the Old House:
(http://www.dsboards.com/images/down.jpg)
[lghy]
Jake Gyllenhaal could be a very good Willie, though - but he probably wouldn't be willing to give up his film career for TV...