The Justice League- My Cast

Warner Bros. recently announced that their thought to be dead movie adaption of The Justice League is back on track. In 2007, George Miller, the director of Mad Max and Happy Feet (weird, I know) had a full cast and even a script for a JL movie. However, with budget issues and tax reasons, the film never was and WB canceled the project. Obviously, now that Marvel is raking in billions with The Avengers, Warner Bros. won't sit by idly while they have all the fun (and the money). I can't be more excited about this idea as I am a true DC fan-boy at heart and can only imagine the places that they could go with the film. If you don't know, WB already has a planned Batman reboot after The Dark Knight Rises concludes Christopher Nolan's godly trilogy, so the next adaption could be an introduction to an entirely shared DC universe with all the heroes running around together with Gotham City being a quick trip away from Metropolis. The possibilities are endless and, of course, when anything along these lines comes to the public's attention, everyone imagines his or her perfect cast. The following is my idea for a cast for The Justice League. Keep in mind, Warner Bros. is probably going to go with a much younger cast than that of The Avengers and I also wanted to think a little more outside of the box for each role.

Founding Members

Superman is The Man of Steel and unofficial leader of The Justice League. He's the strongest of the League and the ultimate symbol of good. He's strong, wise, and pretty much perfect in every way. He has nearly every super power in the book and can do no wrong. Christopher Reeve is arguably the best man to ever play Superman as he carried his films with wonderful charisma and charm, balancing between a clumsy Clark Kent and the powerful hero. Tom Welling did a great job in the role on the small screen and some can argue that Brandon Routh did a fine job in Superman Returns. Henry Cavil jumps into the blue suit next year in The Man of Steel and I can only be optimistic of his performance. Thinking that Warner Bros. may be fast-tracking the JL movie, Cavil may be the convenient and obvious choice. However, if The Man of Steel doesn't bring in big bucks, WB may look elsewhere for a new Son of Krypton.

Miller's Superman was: D.J Cotrona 

My Pick: Matt Bomer 

He has the looks, the charisma, and the talent to not only lead, but kick a whole lot of ass. He's the star of USA's White Collar and I am waiting to see his jump to the big screen. Lately, it seems, to make it big as a movie star, you need to play a superhero and I think Bomer has what it takes. 

Other Choices: 

Alex Russell (Chronicle) Joe Manganiello, of True Blood fame or Jamie Dornan, best known for his role as Sheriff Graham on Once Upon a Time

Batman, in my opinion, is the hardest to cast for a Justice League movie because Christian Bale's turn in the black cowl will be fresh in all of our minds. However, we knew he couldn't play The Dark Knight forever and his turn as our favorite caped crusader would eventually come to an end. Not only is this the hardest casting but I think it will also bring the most pressure to the man to take the role. Batman is a mysterious, mastermind detective and one of the greatest martial artists in the world. Whoever takes over the role needs to be able to brood away in the Bat Cave and Sherlock his way through the streets of Gotham. He needs to be someone that looks good in a suit (for the Bruce Wayne persona) but also someone that you'd hate to run into in a dark alleyway. 

Miller's Batman was: Armie Hammer

My Pick: 

I actually agree with George Miller on this one. Armie Hammer would be an excellent choice for the role of Bruce Wayne and for Batman. He is a terrific actor, he's huge (6'5), and he has a deep, almost menacing voice that would fit perfectly for the role. He's really meant for this role and while he has yet to find huge success after his performance in The Social Network, I believe a turn at ol' Bats would make him the star he deserves to be. Plus, he already has lived the life of a young millionaire, but did end up giving up his wealth to pursue acting. 

Other Choices:

Luke Evans (Immortals), even Jake Gyllenhaal, or Joel Edgerton (Warrior)

The Flash can be considered the comic relief of The Justice League and also the most immature of the group. He is wise-cracking and quick to act and his mistakes usually have to be fixed by other JLers. He is, however, an excellent fighter and hero and certainly deserves his spot in the League. Whoever plays him needs to be genuinely funny while being believable as someone that could actually save the world. Not just any comedian could be Wally West. Earlier in his career, I thought Ryan Reynolds would be the perfect Flash, but after his stints in the X-Men franchise and as the Green Lantern, any hope of him donning the lightning bolt across his chest are no more. 

Miller's Flash was: Adam Brody

My Pick: Jensen Ackles

Jensen Ackles would be the perfect Flash. He's smooth talking and genuinely funny. He could easily play the immature and sometimes careless Flash and although Miller's choice of Adam Brody is a great one, I really believe Ackles would make the role his own. 

Other Choices:

Adam Brody or Ryan Kwanten 

Wonder Woman is the most popular female superhero in the world. She's pretty much a female version of Superman and definitely one of the leaders of the Justice League. She's determined, strong as hell, and very serious at first, as she's learning to adapt to the world outside of her Amazonian home. She's also a princess, but not like the royalty we know, as she is a warrior princess. She represents the strongest of women and should definitely not be sexualized, as her creation was founded on equal rights for men and women. Whoever plays her needs to represent everything righteous and needs to be a symbol of strength and good will. 

Miller's Wonder Woman was: Megan Gale

My Pick: Morena Baccarin 

She's tough and in charge and has the exotic look to her I would associate with Wonder Woman. She's not necessarily tall, but she is strong and I could definitely see her with the golden bracelets and lasso of truth. She's also a fan-boy's dream after playing the role of Inara Serra on Firefly and even has done some voice-work for DC, connecting her to the JL universe in a way. 

Other Choices: 

Michelle Monaghan (Source Code), Gemma Arterton (Prince of Persia), Natassia Malthe (DOA)

So, George Miller cast the rapper Common as his Green Lantern, leading me to assume that it will be John Stewart as GL and not the Hal Jordan we came to know in Ryan Reynolds' superhero bomb. Assuming this is correct, John Stewart is a much more serious and stern Lantern than Jordan. Stewart is a war hero who has trouble with authority but learns to wield the power of the ring and becomes a tremendous hero of the universe. He's much wiser than most heroes and takes his responsibilities as the Green Lantern very seriously. Whoever is to play Stewart needs to be able to be strict without being too belligerent. 

Miller's Green Lantern was: Common

My Pick: Idris Elba

Whenever a big role for an African American comes up, Idris Elba's name always seems to be in the mix. However, even though he's an absolutely incredible actor, he has yet to have the chance to star in a big blockbuster and I can't understand why. He's phenomenal in everything he's in, be it The Wire, Luther, or even his small role in Thor. The man's got one hell of a presence and I can't see anyone but him in the role, even though he will probably not get it. 

Other Choices:

Boris Kodjoe (Resident Evil: Afterlife), Anthony Mackie (The Hurt Locker)

I'll admit, I've never really liked Aquaman. He started off as a ridiculously lame hero, talking to aquatic friends like he's on a Saturday morning cartoon show. But in later incarnations, Aquaman has become much more regal, serious and to an extent- badass. Shifting from Flipper's best friend to King of Atlantis can change a character overnight. Whoever plays the role needs to be authoritative and in charge, as he is a king after all. 

Miller's Aquaman was: Santiago Cabrera 

My Pick: Ben Barnes

He's already played royalty as Prince Caspian in the Narnia movies and proved he can wield a sword (sure, Aquaman uses a Trident, but close enough). He also has great hair, which for some reason I feel to be a crucial part to the role. 

Other Choices:

Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy) or Alexander Skarsgard (yes, another True Blood actor)

Martian Manhunter is pretty much a cooler version of Superman. With similar powers, plus telekinetic and shape-shifting abilities, he's the Justice League's behind the scenes guy. He's an alien, like Superman, but actually looks like a martian, thus his name. His biggest weakness, however, is fire and he tends to let Superman and the rest of the league do most of the fighting while he does the thinking, strategizing, and planning. He's incredibly wise as well as strong and is somewhat a combination of Superman and Batman making him the ultimate JLer. Whoever plays him has one hell of a pair of shoes to step into and needs to be able to be believable as a genius, quiet, incredibly strong hero. 

Miller's Manhunter was: Hugh Keays-Byrne

My Pick: Benedict Cumberbatch

This was a very tough role to cast because the Martian Manhunter is so unique. He may be incredibly strong, but he is not very built, so going for a big actor wasn't necessary. Assuming the majority of the performance will be motion capture, the actor's voice is one of the most important parts of the casting. My choice would be Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock). He has a deep, much older voice and he's also one hell of an actor. I can also see him stepping in the leader role whenever Superman or Batman are unable to as he has a very commanding presence. 

Other Choices: 

Doug Jones, the man can play anyone or anything

What do you think of my picks? Who do you think should play each role? The thought of the film happening is exciting enough and speculating and "dream" casting is always fun. 

March 25: Green Lantern

"A test pilot is granted an alien ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, as well as membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe." 

   Next to Batman, Green Lantern is one of my favorite superheroes and thus, I highly anticipated this film. I first watched it when it was first released and I felt very neutral about it. I think my love for the character hindered my ability to see through the mess of the film and now, after re-watching it, I have learned the error of my ways. Green Lantern is a horrible film that completely tarnishes the Emerald Knight and all of the incredible mythology wrapped around him. After finishing the film, I felt very similar to how I felt after watching Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull- a beloved character brutally murdered by poor writing and over-the-top special effects. 

Rest in peace, Dr. Jones... rest in peace

  If you look at Green Lantern on paper, you'd think there's a masterpiece in the works. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Marc Strong (Sinestro... hell yes), and directed by Martin Campbell, one would think nothing could go wrong. Somehow, it does, and it gets worse the more you watch. Now, Reynolds is Hal Jordan, the ace fighter pilot who becomes the Green Lantern and he fits the role perfectly, bringing his natural charm and charisma to the part. But, even then, it can't save the film. Martin Campbell directed Casino Royale and you would think that the action sequences would be at least similar to those in the Bond flick. Everything's just too over-the-top, including the special effects, and it completely takes away from any sense of danger or peril given by the action, as well as the human factor to the Green Lantern as a superhero. The film really should have been named Green Screen, because everything is computer generated. 

$200 million right here

   Green Lantern could have been so much better. The stars were aligned and a good man was at the helm, but clearly all of the budget went to making it look pretty and not on the script. It may be that the mythology of the Green Lantern is just too vast and deep to ever bring it to film in the proper way. One of the weakest parts of the script is having to explain how everything happens, who everyone is, and why it's all happening. The film does have a post-credits scene building up to a sequel that could be badass, and it teases you about what could be. Here's hoping all the mistakes of Green Lantern will be repaired by its sequel and that The Emerald Knight can have the movie he deserves. 

The Good:

Ryan Reynolds does the best he can with what he's given and I fully believe his casting was very smart

The Bad:

the film is about 80% CGI and it's more of a video game than a movie

The Ugly:

a disgustingly bad script with awful dialogue

Extra Ugly:

Blake Lively continually trying to act and being taken seriously

Overall: 4.8/10

Best Quote:

No, nope, never, nay, not going to happen

Trailer: