10 Candidates for Ant-Man

There is still a lot unknown about Edgar Wright's Ant-Man.  Will it be about Henry Pym, Scott Lang or both?  The internet has been throwing a lot of names around the role of Henry Pym for a number of years.  The consensus seems to be around Adrien Brody, Aaron Eckhart, Patrick Wilson, Simon Pegg, Alan Tudyk and Nathan Fillion (who the internet wants to cast in everything).  Here are my top ten choices for Pym.  Definitely a difficult character.  Pym has never held his own comic and is not well liked.  Ant-Man (or Giant-Man, Goliath, Yellowjacket, Wasp, etc.) is a very different superhero.  Not a traditional leading man, but very insecure and tragic.  Casting the right actor is especially vital for this character as he walks the line between unlikable and tragic.  Need an actor who has a lot of depth, can struggle and gain the audience's sympathy.  Here are some of my picks:

Tobey Maguire

Extremely unlikely that Marvel would consider an actor most associated with Spider-Man for one of their lesser heroes (mainly would confuse audiences).  But in looking at what worked for Tobey as Peter Parker and what a lot of people did not like about his portrayal, those qualities would fit Pym perfectly.  The solemness, sadness, self doubt.  I have read a lot of criticism (that I don't necessarily agree with) that Tobey was a bad Spider-Man because he was too serious.  Well Pym is very much Peter Parker without any breaks.  I think it is a good fit, however unlikely.

Greg Kinnear

This one is also unlikely, even though it would work so perfectly.  Kinnear would be 52 or 53 by the time Ant-Man is released, which would make him too old to start out with the role.  However Kinnear can play a likable sadsack.  He can fail and be introspective without losing the audiences attention.  If he was younger he would definitely be in the top five.

Adam Scott

This was my top pick well before his Parks and Rec cohort was chosen for Guardians of the Galaxy (a casting choice I fully support).  I think that comedic ability is important for the role of Henry Pym in order to not only keep him likable but also to capture his humanity.  Scott has a certain reflectiveness and understated quality that can express a lot.

Casey Affleck

Casey never goes for likable.  He takes a lot of risks and if he were to ever play a superhero this is the one for him to play.  However humor is not his strong suit, and even if this is not a comedy he would come across as too serious to fit into the Marvel Universe.  Still an actor who can make a weasel like Robert Ford fascinating should be considered.

Mark Duplass

Definitely does not seem like a fit on the surface, but Duplass very much has a loser, geeky persona that he has made work in a variety of projects.  In fact I would use his character in Safety Not Guaranteed as inspiration for how to make Pym work in the movies.  Not a movie star, but may be recognizable enough to work.

Michael Pena

I have expressed my admiration for this actor on this blog a few times before.  Pena has a great range and it is often unexpected.  Physically, while he is in great shape, he is of smaller stature which would fit an insecure character like Pym.  Marvel has been great at taking chances on actors and Pena is one who has not quite had his big break yet.

Sacha Baron Cohen

You don't cast Sacha in a movie that he didn't write unless he is really the best choice for the character. Talladega Nights, Hugo and Les Miserables would not have worked without this individual.  I think that he is such a unique performer that he would need a character he could really make his own to justify him in a blockbuster.  That is Henry Pym.  Sacha is not trying to be a movie star, he is an artist that I think would find some definite undiscovered depths tot the character of Ant-Man.  Although having him on board for multiple movies with multiple filmmakers may be difficult.

Jude Law

Can be a leading man without needing to be charming.  Law can play unlikable and second fiddle.  Fits in drama, comedy and action.  Also we already know he could bicker with Iron Man.

Sharlto Copley

I love this guy.  He has only been in two movies, but he had created two perfect characters in those movies.  Between District 9 and The A-Team, Copley has a wide range.  His experiences in both movies would help him with this character.  There is an exciting, almost Sam Rockwell, exuberance to Copley.  For whatever reason Hollywood has not been using him, but this is one of those gambles that Marvel is great at making.

Josh Brolin

The best in the business at bringing humanity to difficult characters.  If he can make an audience follow Dan White imagine what he can do with a mess of a character like Hank Pym.  After Jonah Hex I imagine there would be some trepidation.  But Brolin is a certain type of actor that is difficult to cast in a leading role.  Ant-Man is his type of leading role.

10 Candidates for Captain Marvel

Carol Danvers, the current Captain Marvel (previously known as Ms. Marvel and Warbird), has been a much rumored addition in Avengers 2.  While her solo series has not been selling well the character has potential for a solo movie.  So here are my picks for potential actresses for Captain Marvel.

Emily Blunt

A no-brainer.  Been pursued by Marvel for both Black Widow and Peggy Carter.  May be built too slender for such a strong character, but she has certainly proved herself as an actress.  Blunt is a likable movie star that can do action well.

Rosamund Pike

Pike is a likable star that can play a professional well.  Has not had a big leading role yet, but definitely has leading potential.  Captain Marvel would be a different character for Pike who usually gets cast as the bombshell.

Claire Danes

Back in the spotlight for Homeland.  That experience will work since Carol is a character that works with the government.

Jenna Fischer

When looking at casting Marvel movies definitely need to take a look at sitcom stars.  Fischer has the comedic chops to keep up with the likes of Downey, but also the sincerity to carry a movie.  Has a definite personality and acting talent.  Also she is pretty ripped.

Vera Farmiga

Has played a government employee a few times before.  May not have the body for a superhero, but definitely has the acting ability.  Her more mature appearance would also make her stand out in a lineup of heroes.  Can get more depth out of her than the next starlet.

Naomi Watts

In looking at blonde actresses for this role, Naomi Watts is definitely near the top of the list.  Watts is a prolific actress that really hasn't done a blockbuster yet.  May be too much of a dramatic actress, but those skills definitely would come into play for a character as broken as Carol Danvers.

Anna Camp

Between Mindy Project and Pitch Perfect, Camp has demonstrated a pretty large range.  The up and comer can be likable and loving but also pretty terrifying and intimidating.  Camp plays perfect well without making it look fake.  Even in shallow roles she shows depth.  As far as fit blondes go I think that Anna Camp would make an interesting Carol Danvers.

Zoe Saldana

The main thing I was looking at were blonde characters as Carol's blonde hair is her most defining physical quality outside of her costume.  But the role requires someone who is believable in action movies, which is where Saldana has experience.  Her career has unfortunately not taken off, attaching herself to Marvel would be a good career move.  If the Captain Marvel gets her own movie they will need someone like Saldana to carry it.

Jessica Chastain

The prolific Chastain is now a movie star.  Have not seen any announcements of big upcoming projects.  Although she was unable to do Iron Man 3 a major Marvel universe role like this may be a better fit.  Chastain has experience in government roles with Zero Dark Thirty and can certainly play strong females.  Captain Marvel is a good character who needs a proper actress like Chastain to make her a household name.

Charlize Theron

I think that her appearance is definitely the closest to Carol in the comics.  In Prometheus Charlize rose above a weakly written character to give a good performance.  Prometheus demonstrates her ability to be a serious action star, even in lesser blockbusters such as Snow White and the Huntsman and Hancock she can hold her own.  Charlize can do humor, drama and be believable in action.  I definitely think that she is the one that Marvel should sign.

10 Candidates for Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange has been announced as one of Marvel Studios' phase three films.  There have been several potential actors rumored or suggested online such as Joseph Fiennes, Hugh Laurie, Ioann Gruffudd, Patrick Dempsey (who wants the role) and most commonly Viggo Mortensen.  Here are ten more suggestions that have not been mentioned.  Keep in mind no director has been announced and it is unknown where Strange will fit in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Jeff Fahey

Put a robe on Jeff Fahey with his Machete beard and he would look a lot like the good doctor.  There is a sinister quality to Fahey that would be an interesting take on the character.  Doubtful Marvel would gamble with him on a lead role.

Bruce Greenwood

Although he has voiced Batman for the past several years the Star Trek captain's face is not associated with DC.  Greenwood is a very intimidating screen presence with an eerie quality to him.  Like Fahey he is not an established leading man.  Also may be too old as he is getting close to 60 and haven't seen him with a beard.

Ken Watanabe

Marvel is usually under scrutiny for a lack of diversity in its heroes.  Strange really does not need to be caucasian, in fact it would make more sense for the character to be of Asian decent (gets rid of the unfortunate Mighty Whitey trope that Strange usually has).  Watanabe is one of the best known Asian actors working in Hollywood in the appropriate age range.  Of course he is best known from Batman Begins, but what good actor hasn't been in a superhero movie nowadays?  The Inception star would be an interesting pick for Strange.

Jean Dujardin

Haven't heard him do an American accent yet, but a French voice would be an interesting one for Strange.  Casting a physical idiosyncratic actor in the role makes sense.  Would be a much more suave doctor, which would fit the character's origins.

Irrfan Khan

Khan was one of the better performances in Amazing Spider-Man and gave one of the year's best performances in Life of Pi.  Khan can be humorous, intelligent and reflective.  A definite out of left field choice.  Like many of these candidates he isn't a leading man, but then again Doctor Strange is not a traditional superhero character.

Ty Burrell

While he is mainly known for being extremely likable there is a sort of eeriness to him.  He has a very expressive face and a deep voice.  Also his comedic chops would help with the more outlandish aspects of the concept.  Marvel seems to like to use TV actors, as one of the best known characters currently on television he would be a good choice.  Although this could create a possible paradox with Incredible Hulk.

Woody Harrelson

If Marvel went a completely different route with the concept, instead of an eloquent man focused on the strangeness well Woody is about as weird as they come.  Woody is a unique actor who could play a more modern magician.  Would not look like the character, but would be a great movie sorcerer.

Benicio Del Toro

Pretty much everything I said about the previous candidates this veteran actor possesses.  Expressive face, physicality, strong voice, strong presence and is capable of lot of depth.  Del Toro is one of the best in the business, giving good performances in any movie he is in.  Del Toro would certainly make a one of a kind Doctor Strange.

Christoph Waltz

One of the most fun actors to gain the spotlight in recent years.  Dye his hair black and you've got a Doctor Strange that makes sense in the movies.

Javier Bardem

I am surprised I haven't seen him mentioned with the role yet.  Bardem stole Skyfall away from James Bond and made one of the most memorable villains ever.  Those qualities that make him scary are what would make him a great Strange.  He would also be able to bring that Vicky Cristina Barcelona charm. Physically intimidating, and always exciting.

My First Book is Available Online

Just published my first book through Amazon's CreateSpace.  It is an anthology of fantasy short stories and poems available for $5.38.  Great for kids, adults, whoever.  Would appreciate your support and help getting the word out.