So with the presumably leaked Comic Con announcement list coming out, we now have a fairly clear picture of what to expect from Warner Brothers and DC in the coming couple of years. While much of the casting seems set, with shooting already taking place, I thought I'd take a look at who should be cast in the remaining major roles. Now, what we currently know is that Ben Affleck will play Batman, Henry Cavill will play Superman, Gal Gadot will play Wonder Woman, Ray Fisher will play Cyborg and Joseph Gordon Levitt will play Sandman. I know that rumours are abound that Jason Mamoa is set to play Aquaman, but I thought I'd cast it anyways, since that isn't totally confirmed. So what we'll look at is casting Shazam, Flash, Aquaman and Green Lantern. Note: For Shazam, I'm not going to cast Billy Batson, because I can't think of a kid to play his current New 52 iteration. Can we just age him up and hire Logan Lerman, already?
The thing to remember with this list, is that I'm not going for the big names if they don't fit. Chris Evans wasn't really all that well known before Captain America (I know he played Johnny Storm, fuck you), and Chris Hemsworth was a complete no-name from Australian TV. So just look at this list with an open mind, and agree with everything I say. Just do it.
SHAZAM
"Captain Marvel, also known as Shazam, is a fictional superhero created in 1939 by artist C. C. Beck and writer Bill Parker. Originally published by Fawcett Comics and later by DC Comics, he first appeared in Whiz Comics #2 (February 1940). Shazam is the alter ego of Billy Batson, who works as a radio news reporter and was chosen to be a champion of good by an ancient wizard (also named Shazam). Whenever Billy speaks the word "Shazam!", he is struck by a magic lightning bolt that transforms him into an adult superhero empowered with the abilities of six archetypal, historical figures."
JOE MANGANIELLO
With rumours going around that the Rock could be involved with the Shazam movie, it makes me think that Rock will take the role of villain Black Adam (a favourite character of his), which means that you need a Shazam that looks like he can beat The Rock. So it should really not come as any surprise that my top pick for Shazam is True Blood werewolf and Magic Mike big dick swinger Joe Manganiello. Manganiello combines a strong charisma with a tough exterior and one arm pull ups. Dude is literally built like a superhero. He also comes across as someone who might actually be able to take The Rock in a fight. Here's another thing. He was the runner up to Henry Cavill to play Superman, which means he already has a pre-existing relationship with Zack Snyder and DC.
JON HAMM
My runner up is a guy many thought could play Superman, given his perfect jawline and all-American presence, and my personal pick to play Batman (don't worry Affleck, I'm okay with you). Hamm is a supremely talented actor, who is among the best around yet to make a big splash on the big screen. It's fine though, because Hamm has been crushing it for the past seven years as Don Draper on the critically-acclaimed Mad Men, as well as showing up in memorable supporting in the likes of Bridesmaids, The Town, 30 Rock and A Young Doctor's Notebook. He's an actor who is clearly adept at both drama and comedy, which would suit Shazam perfectly. The only thing would be his age, but we can get around that. Also, googling a picture of him alerted me to the fact that people take pictures of his crotch and post online. Cool?
FLASH
"The Flash is a name of a fictional comic book superhero from the DC Comics universe. Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Harry Lampert, the original Flash first appeared in Flash Comics #1 (January 1940). Nicknamed the Scarlet Speedster and the "Crimson Comet" all incarnations of the Flash possess "super-speed", which includes the ability to run and move extremely fast, use superhuman reflexes and seemingly violate certain laws of physics. Thus far, four different characters—each of whom somehow gained the power of "super-speed"—have assumed the identity of the Flash: Jay Garrick (1940–present), Barry Allen (1956–1985, 2008–present), Wally West (1986–2006, 2007–2012), and Bart Allen (2006–2007, 2009–present). Before Wally and Bart's ascension to the mantle of the Flash, they were both Flash protégés under the same name Kid Flash."
AARON PAUL
Like Chris Pine (above), Aaron Paul is an actor on the cusp of A-list leading man status. While many people will always remember Breaking Bad for Bryan Cranston's iconic performance as Walter White, it was Paul's Jesse Pinkman who was the heart and soul of that show. With Breaking Bad now over, and Paul set to break out into feature films, DC would be wise to lock him up. He's an amazingly talented actor who is constantly captivating and not afraid to be let other actors shine in his presence. He's also so god damn good at crying. I know that has nothing to do with The Flash, but damn, he can get a good man tear going. With his first foray into a leading franchise not going well, with the critically panned Need For Speed, Paul could make a nice recovery joining a large ensemble, then getting his own movie. Bitch.
JOEL EDGERTON
Joel Edgerton is most likely the least well known actor on this list, which is a fucking shame, cause this guy can act. For those of you going "Where do I know this guy from?" he played Brendan Conlon in the movie Warrior, opposite Tom Hardy, so you know he can handle the physical preparation needed for a role like this. Edgerton is one of those character actors who constantly gives fantastic performances, getting major notice for his performance in the Australian film Animal Kingdom which had many people talking Oscar for him. It didn't happen because the Academy doesn't know how to recognize talent, but he got the Aussie equivalent to the Oscar, so it worked out.The only thing that would work against him is the fact that, at 39, he might be too old for the part. Regardless of that, he's still my pick as runner up. Heh, runner. Nice.
AQUAMAN
"As part of The New 52, DC's 2011 relaunch of their entire superhero line, Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis and Joe Prado served as the initial creative team of the company's new Aquaman series, the first issue of which was released September 28, 2011. The three creators remained on the title for the both first 16 issues. That subsequently lead into the first New 52 continual, Aquaman related 'Mega-Event' (cross-over) in years "Throne of Atlantis". The relaunched series cements Aquaman's status as the half-human son of Tom Curry and Atlanna, and sees him return to Amnesty Bay along with Mera. Greatly distressed by the harsh treatment given to the oceans during his time as ruler of Atlantis, Aquaman decides to abdicate the Atlantean throne and return to full-time heroics. However, he now struggles with his lack of reputation with the greater public, which views him as a lesser metahuman with less impressive powers than those of his peers. Also, in The New 52, Aquaman is once again a founding member of the Justice League and is a main member of the team."
ALEXANDER SKARSGARD
Yes, I realize that Skarsgard is the second True Blood alum I've put in this post. But let's look the fact that both men were fan favourite characters, and Skarsgard's performance as Eric Northman is the best on the show, and through movies such as The East, and Disconnect, he's shown that he has a ton of range. I realize that Jason Mamoa may indeed have this part, and if that's the case, that's fine. But it's insane to me how much Skarsgard resembles Aquaman. Couple that with the fact that he has an inherently tough feeling about him, and the gravitas to not let Aquaman fall to the side, and it's obvious that he's the guy to do it. There's also something kind of off with him, which would help greatly with Aquaman having problems with the Justice League, and especially Superman.
ARMIE HAMMER
Honestly, I think this may be the only character where I don't have a runner up. I think Skarsgard is great, and I think the same of Armie Hammer. While he may have failed to become a big star in Lone Ranger, his performances from The Social Network are ones that I still remember. He's an actor who resembles the part, has the physique, as well as the certain frustrated nature that Aquaman possesses. Anyone that has talked to me about Aquaman knows how I'd love for Hammer to play him, as he's one of the few actors around that I could believe delivering his dialogue. Also, his Social Network connection with Jesse Eisenberg, as well as the fact that he recently shot a movie with Henry Cavill, could clearly aid in his casting.
GREEN LANTERN
"Green Lantern is the name of several superheroes from the fictional DC Universe, all of whom are characterized by a power ring and the ability to create solid constructs with the ring. Each Green Lantern possesses a power ring and green lantern that gives the user great control over the physical world as long as the wielder has sufficient willpower and strength to wield it. The ring is one of the most powerful weapons in the universe and can be very dangerous. While the ring of the Golden Age Green Lantern (Alan Scott) is magically powered, the rings worn by all subsequent Lanterns are technological creations of the Guardians of the Universe, who granted such rings to worthy candidates. These individuals made up the intergalactic police force known as the Green Lantern Corps. Most prominent of these are Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner and Kyle Rayner."
ZACHARY LEVI
I've been a big fan of Zachary Levi for a long time, ever since I first watched Chuck. He's clearly quite good at being funny, which is something Hal Jordan will need. His performance in Tangled, though purely voice work, showed he can play the cocky-jerky-cool guy who is actually pretty alright. Sound like a certain Lantern? Levi has the right look for the part, and the right chops, with the only problem being that he recently played Fandral in Thor: The Dark World. The thing with that is that Fandral is such a small part, that won't grow, so let the Nerd HQ founder be a part of a comic property that can showcase him better. And that doesn't require a fake British accent.
JAKE GYLLEHAAL
It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Jake Gyllenhaal. He's a supremely talented actor who is incredibly likable and has charisma constantly at the ready. He's the most well known actor on this list, because he's earned it. He has a habit of taking serious, weighty, emotionally taxing roles, but being cast as Hal could help him to showcase some more of that quick wit and humour he possesses. Personally, I think he's itching to get into a big mainstream movie and prove himself as a box-office draw, especially after Prince of Persia didn't do as well as they all hoped. The man has range that would make most actors jealous, and he's still young enough to be involved in these films for a while.
Well that's that. With the shooting already started on Batman v Superman, and cameos for these characters expected to show up in that film, we should know casting fairly soon. They probably won't go with any of my picks, but that's because they are dumb. Till next time.
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