Peter Dinklage’s Dream Role: Why Atticus Finch Still Calls

Peter Dinklage has never let the world’s narrow views hold him back. Despite the challenges that come with being a person with dwarfism, he’s managed to carve out a career that most actors would envy. With a knack for slipping into any character, a sharp wit, and a presence that draws punters in, Dinklage has become a household name. He’s not just the bloke from Game of Thrones—though his turn as Tyrion Lannister is legendary—he’s also tackled roles like Cyrano de Bergerac on stage and screen, voiced Hercule Poirot in audio dramas, and is set to appear as The Fool in an upcoming adaptation of Lear Rex. There’s no sign he’s slowing down, either.

Chasing a Classic

During a Reddit AMA, Dinklage was asked if there’s a particular character he’s always wanted to play. His answer was both surprising and heartfelt.

“I have a huge soft spot in my heart for Atticus Finch,”

he shared.

“It’s so hard to say something like that, though. I don’t see myself in the role since Gregory Peck did such a good job with it already.”

It’s a fair point. Peck’s portrayal of the principled lawyer in the 1962 film adaptation of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is the stuff of legend. He brought Atticus to life as a deeply human figure, standing up for what’s right in the face of ugly prejudice. The performance is often cited as one of the best ever put to film, and when the American Film Institute ranked the top film heroes of the 20th century, Atticus Finch landed at number one—beating out the likes of Indiana Jones and James Bond.

Big Shoes to Fill

Peck’s take on Atticus has set a high bar, but he’s not the only one to have a crack at the role. When Aaron Sorkin adapted the story for the stage, he brought in a string of well-known actors—Jeff Daniels, Rafe Spall, Ed Harris—to step into those shoes. Even Homer Simpson had a go in a later season of The Simpsons. Still, for most, Peck remains the definitive Atticus. Dinklage’s admiration for the character and the performance is clear, but he’s also honest about the challenge of following in those footsteps.

New Perspectives

Imagining Dinklage as Atticus might seem a stretch to some, given the traditional image of the character as the archetypal ‘all-American’ lawyer. But Dinklage has never been one to stick to the expected path. His career is full of roles that break the mould—Richard III, the Toxic Avenger, even a singing goat. If anyone could bring something fresh to Atticus Finch, it’s him. His unique perspective could add a new layer to the story, if handled with care.