Ryan Kwanten who plays Jason Stackhouse on True Blood is Australian. Was a trip to listen to him talk in his normal voice for the first time. I have to say accents do matter. Kevin Costner minus english accent made Robin Hood even lamer. But I think casting the best actor possible should be first and foremost and the accent while still important should still be secondary.










Wiseguy, the concern over accent and mannerisms for nationally iconic roles has always been part of the casting debate. And the British have had some of their favorite roles co-opted by American actors. Renee Zellweger played Bridget Jones. Gwyneth Paltrow played Emma. Johnny Depp in every other movie. And look who's playing Sherlock Holmes. LoL
You're taking this personally when it's really a mostly-friendly rivalry. Lighten up. And sometimes it does make a difference. Think of Cold Mountain. Some people loved the book but hated the movie because the couldn't stay with the Southern accent. You might not be able to hear a bad west country imitation, but someone from England could, and it could ruin a movie for them.