With 2014 rapidly approaching, most of us here at ComicBookMovie.com are breathing sighs of relief to be moving on to the next potentially bar-raising installment of the genre.
This year has been the most controversial in terms of assessing which films were worth the time it took to watch or the money they took in. Regardless of what side of the fence you're standing on, you'd probably agree that they all had room for improvements; just to different degrees.
The truest test is observing how each movie will be remembered throughout history.
So, I thought I'd use this time to take a deeper look into the rearview, and, reminisce on what was and what could have been long before 2013.
The year is 1982, and, much like any other year, the stage is set for new beginnings.
The Commodore 64 home computer is released in Las Vegas, Cal Ripken Jr. plays the first of his record-breaking streak of Major League Baseball games, West Germany is beaten by Italy, 3 – 1, for the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain, the EPCOT Center becomes the second largest theme park to be opened to the public, Scott Fahlman posts the first ever emoticons, "Thriller" becomes the highest sold album of all time, and, Christopher Reeve is now a household name.
What if Warner Bros. had the foresight to capitalize on his popularity by introducing the general audience to more of the DC roster in form of the ever elusive Justice League film?
This is my fan casting for Justice League, 1982. I have been doing my research and racking my brain for the perfect cast, and, I am proud to present you with my vision for the best CBM team up to never happen.
Director : George Miller (Mad Max)
Producer : Michael Deeley (Blade Runner)
Release Date : August 04, 1982
Superman/Kal El/Clark Kent - Christopher Reeve
Age : 30
Height : 6'04" (1.93 m)
If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?
The Broadway actor and all-around athlete soundly won the role of Superman, but, only after a very rocky start. It was said that his picture and resumé were discarded at least 3 times from the stackful of hopefuls before he was granted an audition.
Upon recieving the role, the New York City native showed his determination by refusing to wear a padded "muscle suit" in his portrayal of the DC Comics poster child. Instead, he began a high protein diet and intense workout regimen with former British weightlifting champion, David Prowse.
Super Fact : DC approved the producer's choices of Muhammad Ali, Al Pacino, James Caan, Steve McQueen, Clint Eastwood and Dustin Hoffman for the role of Superman.
Batman/Bruce Wayne - Tom Selleck
Age : 37
Height : 6'04" (1.92 m)
Cool car? Check. Detective skills? Check. Credible machismo? Check. Playboy charm? Check.
Thomas William “Tom” Selleck is best known for his starring role in "Magnum, P.I." television series from 1980 - 1988. He played a swaggering private investigator by the name of Thomas Magnum, with his business being based in Hawaii.
Tom Selleck brings the perfect blend of cool charisma and brute intimidation needed to bring Bruce Wayne to life. Also, without his trademarked "stache," he very much resembles the character.
Bat Bonus : Tom Selleck participated in one of television's first shared universes. As a top rated show, episodes of "Magnum, P.I." sometimes alluded to the existence of the special police force "Hawaii Five-O." There were even crossover episodes with "Simon & Simon" and "Murder, She Wrote."
Flash/Barry Allen - Tom Hanks
Age : 26
Height : 6'0" (1.83 m)
Even before undeniable hits like "Big," Tom Hanks was out there making a name for himself. As a college dropout, he was still winning accolades for off off Broadway roles in the Cleveland area. He could retire right now and still go down in history as one of the greatest actors ever. Though most would assume he is too big for CBMs now, he recently expressed interest in being approached for a role.
Mr. Hanks brings a passion to his acting that makes everything he touches into gold. Even though, at this point, he would not have done the famous roles that led me to choosing him, it would have been magical to see him debut some of his most iconic character traits via Barry Allen on the big screen.
Also, with the surprise cancellation of his sitcom, "Bossom Buddies," I'm guessing he would have appreciated the work.
Martian Manhunter/J'onn J'onzz/John Jones - Sidney Poitier
Age : 55
Height : 6'02" (1.89 m)
Looking at his age, one might have some reservations about this casting. But, to really put things into perspective, Samuel L. Jackson has just completed his fourth outing as Nick Fury, with more to come, and he has just recently turned 65.
Besides that, who turns down an Academy Award winner? At this point, Mr. Poitier was a proven veteran in his art, and, his presence alone could bring an air of sophistication that could elevate the entire production.
Aquaman/Orin/Arthur Curry - Dolph Lundgren
Age : 25
Height : 6'05" (1.96 m)
The King of the Sea should appear regal in stature, and, Dolph has that look in spades. His chiseled physique very much suits someone who is constantly swimming. The deep, grizzle of his voice would command the respect of his subjects and the fear of his enemies.
Dolph is still very much unknown at this point. This would have been his first major role in a Hollywood movie.
Honorable Mention(s) : Rutger Hauer, Pierce Brosnan
Wonder Woman/Princess Diana/Diana Prince - Joan Severance
Age : 24
Height : 5'09" (1.75 m)
Joan Severance is hardly the most experienced of actors on the list, but, she has definitely shown potential during her intermittent acting career. This former model, recieved critical acclaim playing alongside Kevin Spacey in the TV series "Wiseguy."
Some of you may have wanted Lynda Carter to reprise her role, but, I felt like Joan looked more like Wonder Woman of Themyscira.
Green Lantern/Hal Jordan - Kurt Russell
Age : 31
Height : 5'11" (1.80 m)
Snake "Mother[frick]ing" Plissken, anyone? Give the man a power ring already!
Snake... I mean Kurt is the star of cult classics such as "Escape from New York," "Escape from L.A.," "Big Trouble in Little China," and, "The Thing."
Kurt Russell would later play a US Air Force Special Operations airmen, Colonel Jack O'Neil, in the sci-fi film, "Stargate."
Lex Luthor - Christopher Walken
Age : 39
Height : 6'0" (1.83 m)
As if that picture is not convincing enough alone, I present to you with "The King of Metropolis."
The Joker - Jack Nicholson
Age : 45
Height : 5'10" (1.77 m)
We get the same insane clown - just younger and more streamline. I couldn't pass on that.
There were elements that Nicholson and Burton brought to this character that are perfect.
Honorable Mention(s) : Brad Dourif
Special thanks to "If Now Were Then...Avengers, 1976" for the inspiration.
http://www.comicbookbrainsplatter.com/2013/12/brain-splatter-if-now-were-thenthe.html?m=1
It's all in good fun, and, I truly hope you enjoyed my vision. Sound off in the usual place...