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!
Brandon Routh is Superman. This is already a done deal. I am still wondering why there is little to no talk about the pending "rights" to Superman brought by the Siegel family. Bryan Singer is scheduled to be deposed by November 30, 2007. The next step in the Superman lawsuit is a trial scheduled to start on January 22, 2008. Until this lawsuit is settled Justice League(with Superman)and the Sequel to Superman Returns will have to put on hold.
Brandon Routh is Superman. This is already a done deal. I am still wondering why there is little to no talk about the pending “rights” to Superman brought by the Siegel family. Bryan Singer is scheduled to be deposed by November 30, 2007. The next step in the Superman lawsuit is a trial scheduled to start on January 22, 2008. Until this lawsuit is settled Justice League(with Superman)and the Sequel to Superman Returns will have to put on hold.
Brandon Routh is Superman. This is already a done deal. I am still wondering why there is little to no talk about the pending “rights” to Superman brought by the Siegel family. Bryan Singer is scheduled to be deposed by November 30, 2007. The next step in the Superman lawsuit is a trial scheduled to start on January 22, 2008. Until this lawsuit is settled Justice League(with Superman)and the Sequel to Superman Returns will have to be put on hold.
Brandon Routh is Superman. This is already a done deal. I am still wondering why there is little to no talk about the pending “rights” to Superman brought by the Siegel family. Bryan Singer is scheduled to be deposed by November 30, 2007. The next step in the Superman lawsuit is a trial scheduled to start on January 22, 2008. Until this lawsuit is settled Justice League(with Superman)and the Sequel to Superman Returns will have to be put on hold.
Are all Routh fans BS artists? But I guess that's all they got. Sad that they got no faith in the guy to get other work. But that makes sense for a failed tv soap actor.
Brandon Routh will play Superman in the Justice League movie, if it ever materializes. There is a great possibility that the Justice League Movie(Justice League America has been dropped as the name) will be put on hold because of the lawsuit as well as the pending strike. Hollywood has been bracing for a strike by actors, writers and directors for sometime. They have been expecting the work stoppage would begin next June when actors and directors' contracts with the studios expire. However, the Writers Guild of America could strike as soon as Oct. 31 of this year and they are targeting big budget/big dollar movies and Justice League is on their list.An Oct.31, 2007 strike would seriously impact the prospects for a large number of major movies including Justice League.
I like Tom Welling in Smallville, although I do not like the direction the series has taken the past two seasons. I am simpply stating what is fact and that is Brandon Routh will be playing the part of Superman in the Justice League Movie.
Brandon can be seen "getting other work" in the upcoming movies: Lie to me(post production) and The Informers(pre production)
Routh fans are such bullshitters. What is funnier, is that they are sooo bad at it.
There is not even any logic to their BS.
The failed tv soap actor is "starring" in direct to DVD fare. That makes sense.
The question arises, why won't real studios employ him?
Erica Durance would be interesting for WW. And Kate beckinsale would need platform boots from Mars to play WW, she's too petite, A$$-kicking aside.
I can see Eva Mendes too but if you go that route, please just give it to Gina Torres. She'd rock WW like a goddess should.
RR as Flash is a given.
GL - really depends on which GL steps up. How about Jesse L Martin from L&O?
Aquaman - uh, CW had it wrong to not grab Justin Hartley for his own show. He can play Green Arrow, Aquaman, or anyone else he wants in my book.
Martian Manhunter - have to give that more thought.
WB suits were not happy.
Time Warner put on the most massive publicity push for Routh that they ever have, for any actor. Routh was on the cover of all Warner mags, and was featured on the inside pages, of their mags, for every month, for a year, leading up to SR. All of Warner's websites featured Routh. All Warner's syndicated entertainment shows featured Routh extensively, for a year.
In the summer of 2006, every single aisle of grocery stores had Routh's face on multiple products. It was impossible to walk down any aisle of any convience store, without seeing Routh's face. From cereal boxes, to grocery bags, and beyond. Routh was on billboards on every major highway in every city in the country.
Every single division of Warner put everything they had into promoting Routh and SR.
When they got back the general audience polling results, it was devastating. They had failed on a scope, they had not believed possible.
Routh is a pariah to them, because he represents their own failure. They can't look at him without seeing their own powerlessness. Before, they were firm in their belief of their own power, as public opinion makers and believed, that like Atlas, they could shift the world, if only Warner put every bit of muscle behind it.
They hate Welling just as much, because he equally represents that failure, and because he has sharks for lawyers, who are screwing them everyway possible on the Smallville contract.
Neither of them will be in JL. Bank on it.
WB suits were not happy. Time Warner put on the most massive publicity push for Routh that they ever have, for any actor. Routh was on the cover of all Warner mags, and was featured on the inside pages, of their mags, for every month, for a year, leading up to SR. All of Warner's websites featured Routh. All Warner's syndicated entertainment shows featured Routh extensively, for a year.
In the summer of 2006, every single aisle of grocery stores had Routh's face on multiple products. It was impossible to walk down any aisle of any convience store, without seeing Routh's face. From cereal boxes, to grocery bags, and beyond. Routh was on billboards on every major highway in every city in the country.
Every single division of Warner put everything they had into promoting Routh and SR.
When they got back the general audience polling results, it was devastating. They had failed on a scope, they had not believed possible. Routh is a pariah to them, because he represents their own failure. They can't look at him without seeing their own powerlessness. Before, they were firm in their belief of their own power, as public opinion makers and believed, that like Atlas, they could shift the world, if only Warner put every bit of muscle behind it.
They hate Welling just as much, because he equally represents that failure, and because he has sharks for lawyers, who are screwing them everyway possible on the Smallville contract.
Neither of them will be in JL. Bank on it.
WB suits were not happy.
Time Warner put on the most massive publicity push for Routh that they ever have, for any actor. Routh was on the cover of all Warner mags, and was featured on the inside pages, of their mags, for every month, for a year. All of Warner's websites featured Routh. All Warner's syndicated entertainment shows featured Routh extensively, for a year.
In the summer of 2006, every single aisle of every grocery store had Routh's face on multiple products. It was impossible to walk down any aisle, without seeing Routh's face. From cereal boxes, to trash bags, and beyond. Routh was on billboards on every major highway in every city in the country.
Every single division of Warner put everything they had into promoting Routh and SR.
When they got back the general audience polling results, it was devastating. They had failed on a scope, they had not believed possible.
Routh is a pariah to them, because he represents their own failure. They can't look at him without seeing their own powerlessness. Before, they were firm in their belief of their own power, as public opinion makers and believed, that like Atlas, they could shift the world, if only Warner put every bit of muscle behind it.
They hate Welling just as much, because he equally represents that failure, and because he has sharks for lawyers, who are screwing them everyway possible on the Smallville contract.
Neither of them will be in JL. Bank on it.
http://www.comics2film.com/index.php?a=story&b=29257
http://movieblog.ugo.com/index.php/movieblog/more/bryan_singer_headed_for_superman_trial/
http://www.filmick.co.uk/2007/08/whats-gonna-come-of-man-of-steel.html
Are you trying to convince others, or yourself?
Maybe the Matrix has caught my signal.
Routh doesn't have a contract for 3 Superman movies. The studio has an OPTION deal to use him for 3 if they want. If they don't want him (which Lin and Co. surely DON'T) they just dont pick up the option and dont have to pay him a bloody red cent.
Superman: Tom Welling - because he's the best.
Wonder Woman: Kate Beckinsale - beauty and strength.
Aquaman: Thomas Jane - a fish talker you can fear.
Martian Manhunter: Christopher Judge - unless it is CGI.
Flash: Shia LaBeouf - young and wry.
Green Lantern: Roger R. Cross - see 24.
It is Chr1st0pher Judge. From Stargate SG-1.
Maybe that'll go through.
Batman: Christian Bale
Wonder Woman: EVA GREEN (!!)
These castings would be my top picks. The other castings seem good to me so far. I especially would like to see Eva Green for Wonder Woman. I looked up some pictures of her and with no doubt, i can say she would be amazing as Wonder Woman. She has the well, look. She has those sharp blue eyes and black hair. She also is a great actress.
superman-tom welling
wonder woman-kate beckinsale
martian manhunter-vin diesel
green lanturn-jamie foxx
flash-ryan reynolds
aquaman-ryan philippe
-BATMAN: CHRISTIAN BALE WOULD OF BEEN THE NUMBER ONE CHOICE FOR BATMAN, SINCE HE'S THE ONLY ONE WHO BEST REPRESENTED BATMAN OUT OF THE WHOLE FRANCHISE, BUT SINCE HE WON'T BE, GERARD BUTLER( 300) IS THE 2ND BEST TO REPRESENT THE DARK KNIGHT OF GOTHAM. HE HAS THE LOOK, EDGE OF BOTH BRUCE WAYNE AND BATMAN, AND PLUS HE IS FITTED FOR IT, 2ND TO BALE.
-SUPERMAN: THIS IS A NO-BRAINER. WHEN I FIRST HEARD ABOUT THE "SUPERMAN RETURNS" FILM, THE ACTOR WHO CAME INTO MIND WITHOUT A DOUBT TO PLAY THAT ROLE WAS CW 11'S VERY OWN TOM WELLING OF "SMALLVILLE". HE HAS THE ATTITUDE, BUILD, AND LOOK TO PLAY THE ROLE OF THE MAN OF STEEL, IN COSTUME. EVEN THOUGH IN THE T.V. SHOW HE IS ADAPTING CLARK KENT DURING HIS PRE-SUPERMAN COSTUME DAYS, HE IS THE 1 AND ONLY CHOICE OF A SUPERMAN. NIC CAGE??? ARE YOU SERIOUS?? MAYBE BIZARRO
-WONDER WOMAN: THIS WAS THE HARDEST CHARACTER TO FIND A SUITABLE ACTRESS TO PLAY. SOME PEOPLE ALREADY HAVE THEIR PICKS ALREADY (BECKINSALE, BIEL, EVA GREEN) BUT HERE ARE MY PICKS FOR WONDER WOMAN: JESSICA BIEL( TOUGH AS NAILS AND CAN DO ME AND THE REST OF THE WORLD JUSTICE IN SOME STAR-SPANGLED TIGHTS), SOPHIA MARTINEZ( I DON'T KNOW HER CREDENTIALS OR MOVIE ROLES SHE PLAYED IN BUT SHE HAS THAT LOOK OF AN AMAZONIAN PRINCESS), CHRISTINA MILIAN IS A GOOD CHOICE( IF SHE DOESNT MAKE THE CUT, I WOULD HIGHLY 100% CHOOSE HER FOR THE ROLE OF ZATANNA IF A JL2 MOVIE IS GOING TO BE IN THE MAKES AFTER THE 1ST JL MOVIE), AND FINALLY ANGIE HARMON ( SHE IS SO BEAUTIFUL AND IF YOU REALLY EXAMINE HER AND W.W., THEY LOOK SO MUCH ALIKE, SAME ATTITUDE, FEATURES, ETC.) I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND JESSICA BIEL OR ANGIE HARMON
-THE FLASH: RYAN RENOLDS IS A GOOD CHOICE FOR THE FASTEST MAN ALIVE. ALSO MENTIONED BEFORE, SHIA LA BEOUF IS ALSO A GOOD CHOICE TOO. IM LEANING MORE TO REYNOLDS FOR HIS MORE COMEDIC ATTRIBUTES WHICH MAKES FLASH WHO HE IS.
-GREEN LANTERN: THIS IS ONE CHARACTER YOU WOULD HAVE TO GET RIGHT, DEPENDING ON WHICH G.L. YOU WANT TO CAST. IF IT'S HAL JORDAN G.L., THEN I WOULD CAST JAKE GYLENNAL OR RYAN REYNOLDS, BECAUSE OF THERE RESEMBLANCE TO HAL AND THE CHARACTERISTICS THEY SHARE BUT IF IT'S THE MILITANT SGT. JOHN STEWART, I WOULD DEFINITELY, DEFINITELY CHOOSE KEITH DAVID. HE EMBODIES THE SAME MORAL FIBERS OF G.L. JOHN STEWART. IF HE IS NOT AVAILABLE, THEN YOU CAN CAST AS MY 2ND PICK ROGER R.CROSS (24). HE ALSO RESEMBLES HIM IN A YOUTHFUL WAY. MY 3RD AND FINAL PICK IS COMMON, THE RAPPER. JAMIE FOXX IS A GREAT ACTOR BUT HE DOESNT HAVE THE LOOK OR THE EDGE TO PLAY G.L. JOHN STEWART.
-AQUAMAN: FIRST OFF, RYAN PHILLIPPE IS THE WORST CHOICE FOR AQUAMAN. HE DOESNT HAVE ANYTHING TO OFFER THIS ROLE. NOW THOMAS JANE, HE IS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR THE ROLE OF THE KING OF ALL WATER ANIMALS. JUST GIVE HIM A LITTLE BLONDE IN HIS HAIR AND HE'S READY TO GO.
-MARTIAN MANHUNTER: WHOEVER SAID KEANU REEVES TO PLAY THE ROLE ARE REALLY TRYING TO MAKE THIS MOVIE SUCK REALLY BAD. HE DOESNT FIT NOTHING CLOSE TO M.M. MY MAIN PICK FOR MARTIAN MANHUNTER IS DJIMON HOUNSOU (BLOOD DIAMOND). SOME MAY SAY THAT IM CRAZY FOR THIS PICK, BUT HE IS VERY WELL CLOSELY ASSOCIATED TO MARTIAN MANHUNTER. HIS SPEECH, HIS CALM DEMEANOR IS ALL THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MARTIAN. IF NOT HIM, FOR SOME REASON, MY 2ND AND FINAL PICK IS CHRISTOPHER JUGDE(STARGATE SG-1/ATLANTIS). HES ANOTHER CHOICE FOR THE GREEN ALIEN.
THESE ARE MY PICKS FOR THE JUSTICE LEAGUE CAST. I HOPE YOU HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM.
Batman: Wentworth Miller--he's built, smart, broody, and just about perfect for Bats/Bruce. For those of you unfamiliar with him from prison break, here's a link (http://www.imdb.com/gallery/granitz/5681/Events/5681/12325872.jpg.html?hint=nm0589505)
Wonder Woman: Gina Torres--she has the beauty, the height, the ummmm...breasts, and the fighting skills. (Second choice for this role is Eva Mendes if they're going for a slightly younger cast)
Superman: David Boreanaz--he's got the all-american looks, square jaw, fighting skills, he'd never be caught dead in those stupid little red "manties" Routh was forced to wear, he's a boy scout type, plus he can act. (The alternate choice for the role would be Robert Sean Leonard, first noticed in Dead Poet's Society, now co-starring in House, he's got the same Superman qualities as Boreanaz. Here's a link to a pic: http://www.imdb.com/gallery/ss/0226935/pic_03_300dpi.jpg.html?path=pgallery&path_key=Leonard%2C%20Robert%20Sean&seq=2)
Flash: Sean William Scott--if the director is going with "Barry Allen" then Sean is perfect. He's slim, goofy, not quite handsome, easy going, and would be totally believeable.
Green Lantern: The rumor is that the director wants to go with John Stewart's GL, I suggest looking at Romany Malco from Weeds, 40 Year Old Virgin and Blades of Glory among other things. He can do "nice" just as easily as "militant and commanding". Again, a link for those unfamiliar with him. (http://www.imdb.com/gallery/granitz/6328/Events/6328/ActorRoma_Leste_14597396_400.jpg.html?path=pgallery&path_key=Malco,%20Romany)
Martian Man Hunter: I think the obvious choice here is Djimon Hounsou. He's got the look, the height, the voice, the regal attitude and the perfect personality to pull off the role. From Alias to In America to Blood Diamonds, he never fails to deliver.
Aquaman: although he's not an original member of the Justice League, people keep casting the role, so I'd like to pitch Hunter Parrish, perhaps best known as "Silas" in Weeds. He's a little young, but has an impressive resume. He's also got a swimmer's build, great hair (which is blonde on Weeds), and is a decent actor. Another link for those unfamiliar (http://www.imdb.com/gallery/granitz/6328/Events/6328/ActorHunt_Leste_14597398_400.jpg.html?hint=nm1446060).
One thing that's kind of bugging me is that nobody has mentioned Hawk Girl. She's an original JL member. I have 2 choices for the part and I think either of them would do an excellent job: Jennifer Garner or Kristin Bell. Both are fighters, both are good actresses and used to "action" and both are beautiful. Whichever wasn't chosen would be a good choice for Black Canary if she's added to the second JL movie (the plan is to do 3 in a 10 year period).
One last note: if Green Arrow is in the first movie or gets added to either of the other 2, the ideal choice would be Justin Hartley. He totally revived Smallville in season 6 as Green Arrow and made the part his own. He'd be the perfect choice to add to my perfect dream cast.
Thanks for reading to the end, you can now flame away :)
SUPERMAN- TOM WELLING
WONDER WOMAN- SOPHIA BUSH
GREEN LANTERN- JAIME FOX
FLASH- SHY LABUFF
AQUAMAN-RYAN PHILIPE
SUPER GIRL- ANNA FARRIS
BATMAN- RYAN RENOLDS
AQUAMAN- Paul Walker/Forbes March/Jason Lewis
GREEN LANTERN- Shamar Moore/Common
MARTIAN MANHUNTER- Wentworth Miller
FLASH- Ryan Reynolds
SUPERMAN- (if no welling/routh)give it to
Dean Cain- he knows how?
BATMAN- (if no bale)give it to
David Boreanaz- why not?
WONDERWOMAN- This one is tough, i don't have
a pick for her? except-
Beckinsale or (Rose McGowan)
--------------------------------------------------
Also for the future cast of the JLA?
ZATANNA- Rose McGowan(definitely 1st)
BLACK CANARY- Victoria Pratt
VIXEN- Vivica A. Fox
HUNTRESS- Alyssa Milano
NIGHTWING- Milo Ventimiglia
ATOM- Joseph Lawrence
HAWKMAN- Chad M. Murray
HAWKGIRL- Sophia Bush
GREEN LANTERN- Forbers March
So that is my picks for the JLA just look it over and see what you like.
B.G. OUT!!!
Cast members were informed late Tuesday their options would not be exercised.
Warner Bros. is now looking to move ahead with a sequel to Superman Returns as soon as the writers strike is settled.