Editor’s Note: This is the first of two “Casting Call” articles on “Justice League,” each offering up casting suggestions from an MTV Movies Blog writer. Larry Carroll kicks us off…
I honestly don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that, in the entire history of motion pictures, there has never been a greater casting opportunity than the soon-to-film “Justice League of America” movie. Think about it: normally, people like us burn through thousands of words discussing the actor who’ll star in a single superhero movie. Now, we have a half-dozen iconic characters, many of whom have never before been embodied on-screen, all of whom will become forever linked with the actor who’ll portray them.
As the leaks continue to flow, and the casting sessions continue, here’s a brief list of my own personal “Justice” dream team - just in case director George Miller is looking for some inspiration:
Superman: Tom Welling - This is by far the toughest casting call, because the Man of Steel’s features are so etched in stone, and there’s no thought more gag-inducing than casting some inappropriate-looking actor (a la Nic Cage) to “re-invent” the character. In my mind, if they won’t let Brandon Routh do another Johnny Bravo (as in “he fits the suit”), give the gig to the “Smallville” star and let’s see if he can take things to the next level.
Batman: Christian Bale - Batman is Christian Bale, and anyone else who takes the part is setting themselves up for career suicide. I know, WB has effectively said Bale won’t be in “Justice League”, but they need to just keep throwing money at the guy until he changes his mind.
Flash: Ryan Reynolds - We’ve been hearing the rumors for years, and at this point it’s hard to imagine anyone else (besides John Wesley Shipp) shooting that costume out of his ring.
Green Lantern: After considering the likes of T.I. and even Mos Def, it seems that only Jamie Foxx could bring the appropriate mix of charm and physicality to the role. He wouldn’t be perfect, but at least he’d be interesting.
Aquaman: Ryan Phillippe - The only established names that could fit in this role seem to be Paul Walker, Phillippe, or somebody like Chad Michael Murray - and the thought of the other two horrify me to no end. Yes, Phillippe seems to think that the more he squints the better his performance will be - but playing a guy who’s constantly emerging from salt water, that would be a plus.
Wonder Woman: Kate Beckinsale - Naturally, my first vote is to see Jessica Biel in those star-studded panties. But Beckinsale is a better actress, more physically appropriate for the part, and we know how effective she is at kicking ass.
Martian Manhunter: Keanu Reeves - Sure, it’s my most controversial pick. But the missed opportunity of Keanu as Dr. Manhattan in “Watchmen” is still sticking in my craw. His aloof personality and lanky build, coupled with a head shave and a skin dyeing, would make him a fascinating otherworldly being. And for once, the stiffness in his acting style would be a super strength.
UPDATED: Larry’s colleague Shawn Adler offers up his own “JLA” suggestions. Read them here!
September 27th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Thank the powers that be that you’re not a casting director…for ANY film.
September 27th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Superman: Tom Welling –> Check
Batman: Christian Bale –> Check
Flash: Ryan Reynolds –> Check
Green Lantern: Jamie Foxx –> God NO, I’ve come to really dislike the guy lately
Aquaman: Ryan Phillippe –> Maybe but how about Jason Lewis? Now that’s a guy I would pay to see wet.
Wonder Woman: Kate Beckinsale –> I like Jessica Biel too. They’re both “juicy” for the part.
Martian Manhunter: Keanu Reeves –> Really?
September 28th, 2007 at 12:11 am
Definitely Tom Welling as Superman:)
September 28th, 2007 at 12:31 am
Superman: Tom Welling
Perfect. Chris Reeves was my parents superman and I respect him alot. But my generation grew up watching Tom Welling being Superman. Even tho my friends and I don’t watch smallville anymore (too much Lana drama), Welling is perfect as Superman. We would be real excited to see him as Supes in big screen action.
As for WW: Kate is a better actress than Biel, but I would be ok with either of them.
September 28th, 2007 at 12:45 am
Superman- Tom Welling
Batman- Christian Bale
Flash- Ryan Reynolds
Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)- Nathan Fillion
Green Lantern (John Stewart)- Morris Chestnut
Wonder Woman-Taylor Cole
Aquaman- Matthew McConauhey
September 28th, 2007 at 12:52 am
Superman: Tom Welling would be perfect!
Batman: While Bale would be great, he’s clearly not available. Would Gerard Butler be? He’d be an interesting choice…
Flash: Ryan Reynolds would be awesome.
Aquaman: I like Paul Walker better for this than Philippe but is Aquaman even in this film?
Wonder Woman: Jessica Biel could really carry this part well, she’s got a killer body and is beautiful to boot…
Martian Manhunter: Keanu Reeves? I’m not sure what you’re thinking. I know the guy’s a shape-shifter, but the Martian has to be a commanding presence. I don’t buy Keanu for that, however Tony Todd would rock as J’onn…
I don’t really have any ideas for Green Lantern.
September 28th, 2007 at 12:58 am
Superman: Tom Welling - Definitely agree with you on this one
Batman: Bale. If not, I really don’t mind another actor.
Wonder Woman: Cobie Smulders. She definitely fits the profile and is a good actress; btw she was a fav. of Joss Whedon.
September 28th, 2007 at 1:17 am
I think the movie’s linchpin is the casting of the right Superman. The only right man for the job is Tom Welling.
September 28th, 2007 at 1:31 am
i dont much care about the casting of this movie excpet for The Batman…as Mr Carroll states, Bale IS Batman…So let Bale shine in the solo Batman franchise..i hope we see more than 3 good “bat-Flicks” from the new franchise! I would prefer to see an “older Batman” in the justice league movie..along the lines of Frank Millers version in the graphic novel “the Dark Knight Returns”
September 28th, 2007 at 1:49 am
Brandon Routh is Superman…There’s no denying that.
September 28th, 2007 at 2:11 am
Superman: Tom Welling Good Choice
Batman: Bale but sinces he isn’t a choice possibly Matt Damon because it fits his movies background in action flicks i think it just fits
Wonder Woman: Suggestion Milla Jovovich or Charlize Theron although Jessica or kate would be excellent choices
Green Lantern if Hal: Josh Duhamel
Green Lantern if John Stewart Jamie Foxx
Flash most likely Wally or Barry so my choice would be Aaron Ashmore
J’onn: Give it to someone who is perfect for the role ie Phil Morris if not what the heck Sam Jackson
Aquaman IDK How about a real swimmer like Michael Phelps
September 28th, 2007 at 3:56 am
tom welling is superman
September 28th, 2007 at 5:44 am
Superman (Clark Kent) - Tom Welling
Batman (Bruce Wayne) - Christian Bale
Wonder Woman (Diana Prince) - Jennifer Connelly
The Flash (Wally West) - Ryan Reynolds
Aquaman (Arthur Curry) - Thomas Jane
Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) - Nathan Fillion
Martian Manhunter (J’onn J’onzz) - Dominic Purcell
September 28th, 2007 at 6:01 am
Tom Welling for Superman!
September 28th, 2007 at 8:27 am
Tom Welling for superman. It’s not that hard to see that one. I Love you Tom Welling
September 28th, 2007 at 9:38 am
Yep, Tom Welling would ROCK as Superman!!!!
September 28th, 2007 at 9:52 am
Tom Welling is Superman
September 28th, 2007 at 9:53 am
Tom Welling needs to be Superman in this movie. End of story.
September 28th, 2007 at 10:23 am
Batman - Get James Caviezel. This guy can do intense and broody.
Superman - Just go with Welling. Get the teen demo excited about their Superman and to come out in force.
Wonder Woman - How tall is Eva Mendes?
September 28th, 2007 at 11:03 am
“But Beckinsale is a better actress, more physically appropriate for the part.”
Wonder Woman is an amazon-like warrior that is about 5 ft 11 and weighs in about 155 lbs solid.
She’s confident, very powerful, highly intelligent and VERY curvy. Beckinsale may be a great actress, but she needs to eat a sandwhich or two and hit the gym.
Peace….
September 28th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
How about mature men to play Superman and Batman? No more kids or metros. Green Lantern is Hal Jordan so forget Jimmie Foxx. Wonder Woman needs a real presence on film, no emaciated little bimbo please. How about Denzel Washington to play the Manhunter? Pretty much anyone can play the Flash.
September 28th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Tom Welling is the only actor that I will see playing Superman in this new JLA movie. Last night’s Season Premiere of Smallville proved just how suitable Tom is to the role of Superman.
No one else in my eyes will be Superman.
Tom Welling all the way!!
September 28th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
agree with all but jaime foxx for gl. i think if the gl is going to be hal jordan, then david borenz would be a great choice, and if gl is john stewart, then the guy that plays dl on heroes would be awesome
September 28th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Tom Welling to play superman. No one else has the looks and innocent charm (like Christopher Reeves did) to play this part.
September 28th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
tom welling tom welling that is all i have to say…tom welling… superman
September 28th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
Tom welling if its a younger cast, Eric Bana if its older.
September 28th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
What…is this guy retarded. ~#$# Keanu Reeves, martain manhunter belongs to a better more established actor. not ?@@%%%@ neo. And as for green lantern…no, no , no. I am ashamed of this lineup except for Tom Welling and Ryan Renolds. Other than that…lame!
September 28th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
TOM WELLING is Superman. Period. I can’t think of anybody else alive who radiates Superman as well as he does. If he were Superman opposite Christian Bale’s Batman in Justice League, I’d die happy.
September 28th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
TOM WELLING is Superman. Period. I can’t think of anybody else alive who radiates Superman as well as he does. If he were Superman opposite Christian Bale’s Batman in Justice League, I’d die happy. Ryan Reynolds for Flash too, while I’m here.
September 28th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
What about the Rock as someone in JLA?
September 28th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
I will boycott this film if TOM Welling ISN’T cast as SUPERMAN. WB should know by now that the FANS are shouting for this to happen!!!
September 28th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
Tom welling should play superman, I don’t know why they didn’t put him to play in the return of superman ? I also think the transformer girl would make a pretty hot wonder women!
September 28th, 2007 at 11:22 pm
I think Catherine Zeta-Jones would be the perfect choice for Wonder Woman. Tom Welling is the natural choice for Superman. Why not stir things up a bit, and bring back Michael Keaton as Batman?
September 29th, 2007 at 12:19 am
Tom Welling and Christian Bale are great picks for Superman and Batman respectively. How about Denzel Washington for the Green Lantern? That would be awesome! And for Wonder Woman? How about Megan Foxx? She was really good in Transformers, so I think she would be a great Wonder Woman.
September 29th, 2007 at 12:52 am
TOM WELLING HAS 2 B SUPERMAN BUT DEF. NADIA BJORLIN AS WONDERWOMEN SHE IS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!
September 29th, 2007 at 10:53 am
Tom Welling is the ultimate choice to play the man of steel. He has surely grown into the part during the past 6 seasons of Smallville. They may cast another lesser actor but they could not cast a better fit than Tom Welling. Movie…hit or bomb? They decide.
September 29th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Alana De La Garza for Wonder Woman. You’ll get my $9.00.
September 29th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Tom Welling. Brandon didn’t have the conviction. Besides, Tom’s been playing this character for almost as long as Reeves (correct me if I’m wrong) and wouldn’t that give him some credibility? I should say so. Catherine Zeta-Jones should be Wonder Woman…she is so exotic and beautiful (blue contacts?)
September 29th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
Wonder Woman-Jolie, Zeta Jones
Martian Manunter- Morpheus…not neo
and hello no to Jamie Foxx…
September 29th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
Only Tom Welling can play Superman. He’s this generation’s Superman. Cast him and you get my money. Don’t cast him and you’re setting yourselves for another flop like SR.
September 29th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Wells and Reynolds are a must. Perfect fits. Green Lantern: Michael Jai White (I’m not sure if he’s still chiseled, but he can’t be that out of shape.) Most of all, my three choices for THE MOST IMPORTANT character, Wonder Woman should definitely be between (1) Kate Beckinsale, (her proven skills and beauty are a terific fit), (2) Megan Fox, (the perfect look: totally hot in a kick ass sort of way), and (3) Nadia Bjorlin (looks ALONE would push for “public’s opinion” oscar). Maybe Viggo Mortensen as the Martian Manhunter or Batman. Any blonde hardbody with some acting skills could pull off Aquaman.
September 29th, 2007 at 6:53 pm
K, first off, joe flashman is an idiot, who likes mature men, not kids or metros (who’s a metro? Unless you mean residents of metropolis… oh you clever devil. Kids? Welling’s 30 and Bale is 33… who do you want, Pierce Brosnan? guys in their 40’s and 50’s don’t pull off superman well, Christopher Reeve was 26 in his first appearance) and “no emaciated little bimbo” for wonder woman? We’re not talking Mary Kate Olsen or Nicole Richie, Kate and Biel are healthy and fit. Both 5′8″, around 115-120 lbs. Lynda Carter who played the Amazonian Beauty in the 70’s and was also in the Miss World USA Pageant, had measurements of 38/26/38. Now our Beauty Pageant girls are more like 34/24/34, and our actresses are thinner too. Their thin but their not eating disorder thin. 2nd, I’d rather kate beckinsale for the role over biel, but I believe they have both turned it down… Jessica Alba is already in the fantastic 4, NADIA BJORLIN? a soap star? I have no faith in her acting skills, she is pretty hot tho, and tall enough atleast, not like Meghan Fox (can only b like 5′5″), tho Megan wasn’t bad in transformers (more than I can say for Shia LaBouhfe) I really havent seen enough of her to think she can pull off acting along side the stars you all think will be in this movie, tho common sense says there will b atleast a few no-names, Alana De La Garza? Who? to be honest I had no idea who this was, but upon looking her up I think she could actually b a good fit for this role. ‘Course I’m baseing this on looks, height, at least some expiereince working with big names… I have never seen her work, she could sound like fran dresher. I really don’t want to c Angelina Jolie or Catherine Zeta-Jones in this role.
September 29th, 2007 at 10:33 pm
SUPERMAN: Tom Welling (he has played the role for over 5 years…a no-brainer)
BATMAN: Christian Bale (Warner Brothers has to just pay up to guarantee he does it. NO ONE ELSE CAN PLAY BATMAN)
MARTIAN MANHUNTER: Carl Lumbly (he already does the voice for JL animated series. Sure, he’s older but this part will require make-up anyway.)
AQUAMAN: Paul Walker
GREEN LANTERN: Derek Luke
WONDER WOMAN: Ketra Knightley (minus the English accent)
September 30th, 2007 at 9:34 am
I’ve been waiting for this film since the first xmen movie came out…Ok here are my suggestion… Sups, Brandon R. first choice, Tom Welling second choice nothig follows, Batman, Christian Bale first choice, an actor that looks like Christian Bale in the bat suit second choice, Wonder Woman…Kate B. would have been great (tsk,tsk), Jessica Biel good second choice, my pick Christina Lokien (i know its a stray bullet) but hey I saw her on HBO in that Siegfred movie where she played the Queen of Iceland she rocked my world there…(I wished Lucy Lawless was fifteen years younger) Green Lanter, depends which lantern..if Hal then my pick is Josh Duhamel I think he can pull it off, if John Stewart then Tyrese could do it (hey I enjoyed there performance in transformers ok) Aquaman, I can go with anyone with this even an unknown actor, the Flash Ryan Reynolds is ok I guess, I would have loved Cris Evans on this one too bad he is already a part of the Fantastic four francise.. Martian Manhunter…I heard they are reconsidering the addition of this character in the movie but if they decide to add him (which they should since he is one of the original founder and the constant on JLA in the comics) it can be any of there choice after all he would be covered with green stuff or sometin like that, I’ll think of more and send it again
September 30th, 2007 at 10:50 am
ok heres my picks for the cast:
superman- tom welling. the guys good and a pretty good actor. but might be a little young if they’re going for an older JLA
batman- christian bale was great in batman returns. good choice.
flash- i don’t know if anyone else can be as sarcastic and quick witted as ryan reynolds. perfect choice
green lantern (john)- micheal clark duncan. great voice and presence. plus he isn’t as bulked up as before so he wouldn’t over shadow anyone else in the movie
green lantern (hal)- maybe jason stratham. good action movie actor. might be a good fit.
aquaman- paul walker would be a great choice. not the best actor but he’s already got the blonde hair and the body. not too bulky, more like a swimmers body (see “into the blue”)
wonderwoman- tough one. girl from redline or charisma carpenter would be good. both beautiful women with busty and curvy bodies. will fill out the outfit nicely. =)
j’onn- its tough to pick this one. the actor might be under make up so you’d need a great voice character. will have to get back to you on this one.
September 30th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
I agree with most of your choices, but I am surprised that no one has suggested Nathan Fillion for the role of Hal Jordan. He is a great actor and would really make a great Green Lantern. As to Tom Welling is the same age as Superman in the comics. he is in his 30’s and thus could play an adult Superman just well as he can play a teen Superman. Justin Hartley Is the best choice for Green arrow hell the entire cast they had in Justice on Smallville should be allowed to play their parts. In fact if I had it my way the producers of Smallville should be allowed to run the show for making this movie. Since they have had more success then anyone else. As to Linda Lawless as Wonder Woman that ould be a bad mistake. She simply doesnt have the figure and is to old. Though I do think Kate Beckinsale would be a good choice.
September 30th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Superman- Welling
Batman- Bale(suck it up guy and take the job)
The Flash- Renolds
Green Lantern–the dude from spawn(jon) AJstyles(hal)
WW- has to be curvy and strong.KB would be good cuz shes dreamy.beil is good but she sems to stupid
Auqaman- paul walker.but wih a voice actor cuz hes annoying.ha
September 30th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
Bale’s Batman simply doesn’t exist in the same “unviverse” as superheros with superpowers (e.g., Superman, The Flash). His appearance in a Justice League movie would undermine Nolan’s vision.
October 1st, 2007 at 3:07 am
Laurence Fisburne is top choice to play Martian Manhunter, using Pan’s Labyrinth style body prosthetics.
October 1st, 2007 at 3:49 am
There is no way in hell Tom Welling should even be allowed at the premire much less given a title role in the film. No offence to the guy, but he lacks the acting ability to pull off Superman on the big sceen. He should just stick to the Smallville series and maybe Cheaper by the Dozen 3 (fingers crossed!!!). My casting choice would have to be Jude Law. As Bryan Singer’s only choice on playing the role of General Zod in the sequel to Superman Returns, it only seems appropriate that he take on the Man of Steel, although a taller actor would be ideal(Law is only 5′11). Next is perhaps an even more challenging task, casting Batman…Obviously any actor would pale in comparison to Christian Bale’s Batman, however Bale staring in the JL movie seems highly unlikely. My choice would have to be Jake Gyllenhaal, who was in contention for the role in Batman Begins, he has the acting ability and enough star power to pull off the performance. However the casting of an unknown actor seems more plausible. The easiest part to cast is the Flash, Ryan Reynolds. Reynolds has been attached to the part since the begining and it only seems right that he take the role in the JL movie. With Jessica Biel out of the running, I find it hard to think of another actress that would fill out the outfit as well. Having said that, for all those hard core O.C. fans out there, I would like to endorse Rachel Bilson for the part after seeing her in the Wonder Woman costume in the first season of the show. Odd choice, but I am partial to her and the show…From what I have read I am not sure if Aquaman will be in the pic., but if he was I think that either Ryan Gosling or Ryan Phillippe would be the most fitting to play the character. And finally Green Lantern, Jamie Foxx would be a perfect fit but I don’t see him taking on the part. Look for a lesser known actor in this role. Maybe Derek Luke( Friday Night Lights)or Damaine Raddiff (Glory Road).