FEATURE: Five Actors Who Could Play Aquaman In JUSTICE LEAGUE
Once considered a joke, writer Geoff Johns and artist Ivan Reis have completely turned that idea on its head with their Aquaman series in "The New 52" continuity. Here are five actors who I believe would be right choice to bring the character to the big screen in the planned Justice League movie.
This time last year, if you had asked any comic book reader to name their favourite superhero, it's unlikely that you would have heard too many of them mentioning Aquaman. However, "The New 52" relaunch by DC Comics arguably changed all of that. Openly acknowledging the fact that many consider him to be a joke, Geoff Johns has completely changed how fans look at the character and made him a pivotal member of the Justice League. So, I think it's fair to say that it's about time Aquaman got the chance to make his big screen debut. Below are five actors who I believe should be considered to do exactly that in the planned superhero team-up movie. Check them out below and sound off with your thoughts in the usual place.
5. SAM WORTHINGTON
Sam Worthington has shown off his action chops in everything from Avatar to Terminator Salvation and Wrath of the Titans, so a superhero role is surely on the cards for the Australian actor at some point in the near future. Why not Aquaman? "The New 52" version of the hero is, for lack of a better word, a badass. All of the films mentioned above have shown that Worthington has absolutely no issues with characters like that, and while Aquaman may still considered a joke by some, the actor could really make him a believable and worthy member of the Justice League. Now if only he can do something about that "Austra-merican" accent of his...
4. JOSH HOLLOWAY
Considering the fact that he spent so much time in Lost wet and shirtless, Josh Holloway may seem like a clichéd choice. However, it can't be denied that he was one of the best parts of the series, and it's a damn shame that he hasn't been inundated with big screen roles since his time as 'Sawyer' came to a conclusion. Despite a disappointingly brief appearance in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, his action-packed few minutes in that movie were more than enough to show that he has a lot to offer a future blockbuster. Holloway most definitely looks the part and does in fact seem like one of the best choices for "The New 52" version of the character.
3. JENSEN ACKLES
Jensen Ackles was a fan favourite choice for Captain America before Chris Evans was cast in the role. Since then, his name has been put forward for many heroes, but his commitments to Supernatural have made those little more than wishful thinking from comic book lovers. After seven years on the CW show (and an upcoming eighth), now might finally be the time for Ackles to make the transition to the big screen, and during that time, he has shown himself to be capable of some fantastic performances and also a great talent behind the camera. Taking on a role like Aquaman would be a smart move for the actor, and it's hard to imagine him not doing an incredible job.
2. GARRETT HEDLUND
At one time rumoured to be in the running for both the roles of Captain America AND Daredevil, Garrett Hedlund is yet ANOTHER actor who it's hard to imagine still hasn't played a superhero on the big screen. He certainly came close with a leading role in TRON: Legacy, but has since been seen in much smaller projects. Like the rest of those mentioned on this list, he most definitely looks the part, and has just the right level of stardom for Warner Bros. to spin-off Aquaman into his own solo franchise while also keeping costs down. Hedlund is a likeable presence and at only 27, he has the youthful look associated with "The New 52" version if the studio are planning on going in that direction.
1. RYAN GOSLING
After starring in films such as Drive, The Ides of March and an upcoming Terrence Malick project, you could be forgiven for thinking Ryan Gosling would never take on a superhero role. Well, while it does seem unlikely on the surface, it's also hard to think of a reason why the actor would turn down a major blockbuster with the right talent involved. Of course, when that includes the writer of Gangster Squad Will Beall (who has written Justice League for Warner Bros.) then the odds of him accepting a role like Aquaman are all the more likely. Admittedly, he would be just as well cast as a character like Batman, but Gosling would be the perfect choice for people to finally take Arthur Curry seriously.