Previous Pitches
Plastic Man
Roy Harper, Snowbird
Enigma
The Brave and the Bold
So I just saw Thor: Ragnarok. It was pretty neat. Taika Waititi brought his Kiwi sensibilities and needle-sharp comedic wit to this one, and injected life into what I used to think was the rotting corpse of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It showed that you can take something old, or tired, or lifeless, or maybe all three, and bring it back to life if you have the right person for the job. You see what I'm doing here? It's a transition, you knob. Get it? Because Ted Grant is an old man who's gonna... gonna do superhero stuff again?
Ah, forget it, it wasn't that clever.
We're four pitches into this DCEU Rebirth series, and things can only get weirder from here. After the offbeat surrealist antics of Plastic Man, the darkly comical political satire of Roy Harper, Snowbird, the arthouse social commentary of Enigma, and the knowlingly-kitschy sci-fi fun of The Brave and the Bold, where else can we really go? Well, I figured we can only go backwards. And to do that, let's give a legendary genre auteur his due...
... and yet another comic book property to direct.
W I L D C A T
"Wake Up. Kick Ass. Take Names. Play Some Bingo. Oversleep. Repeat."
Directed by Sam Raimi
Written by Sam Raimi and Donald Glover
Based on Wildcat by Bill Finger and Irwin Hasen and characters by DC Comics
***
Is it a bit of a random property for a director like Raimi to tackle? Almost certainly. But there is a method to my madness, and I'll get into that later. All I can say is that Ted Grant, even within the comic books that spawned this dreamt-up adaptation, is a character with wasted potential. Oft-forgotten and too frequently sidelined, Wildcat has faded into obscurity in the minds of many. And that's a shame, because while he doesn't have any story arcs worth writing home about necessarily, I always saw him as a character you could invent a winning narrative around. Not every comic book film needs to adapt a storyline that's already been told. In fact, innovation should be encouraged.
Unfortunately, I can't include much in this opening here, because the pitch came up after Raimi's name came up in my head. The themes of the story are very much integral to choosing Raimi as the director, and as a result, there really isn't too much I can get into without leaving much of the next section empty. And we can't have that. I've got space to fill! It's like I'm trying to reach a word count and just can't figure out what to say, you know?
Anyway, let's just get right to the plot. Reader be warned: it's political.
Ted Grant (Bruce Campbell, Ash vs. Evil Dead) is a man out of time. Classically-macho, a bit of a sexist, and old school in his vigilante tactics, he dons the mantle of Wildcat, kicking ass and taking names in Metropolis. A former member of the beloved JSA, he's shocked to find false stories surrounding his tactics ciruclating the web. And not only that, but plenty of his allies, notably the Star-Spangled Kid (Bruce Willis, Unbreakable), seem to be hellbent on defaming him. Struggling to find the truth, he gathers a ragtag group of heroes including the likes of his progressive old flame Power Girl (Natalie Dormer, Game of Thrones), a legacy hero and daughter of the original Huntress (Evan Rachel Wood, Westworld), and a scientist/metahuman studying the link between fake news and political activism (Donald Glover, Atlanta). Assembling a new team of heroes, Wildcat hits the streets to clear his name and catch the culprit, leading him down a bread cumb trail left behind by influential Silicon Valley icon Barbara Lord (Maika Monroe, It Follows).
You see what I'm doing here, right? Clever enough, I hope? The story deals with themes of police brutality, what's fact and what's fiction in the dangerously-deceptive landscape of fake news online, and how an everchanging culture can put a previously-accepted societal element in a new light, reevaluating the standard we hold it to and rewriting its legacy.
Director
Sam Raimi
The latter theme is what made choosing Raimi as a director so essential here. I could've gotten Tim Burton, but he's shit now. Maybe Bryan Singer, but he's a creepy sex pervert. Hell, even Brett Ratner, but... yeah, he's also a creepy sex pervert. Raimi was definitely the best out of the bunch when it comes to respective comic book adaptations, and I feel he could bring the most unique voice to the project. Some may argue Burton, but his work is so dominant in counter-culture culture that the counter-culture is now the popular culture.
That's a long sentence.
Anyway, I'm sure every user on this site knows who Sam Raimi is, but in case not, allow me to offer a refresher course. Sam Raimi is a director specializing in low-budget genre features, making a name for himself with the 1980 release of cult classic The Evil Dead. Praised for its blend of horror and comedy elements, it went on to spawn two equally-beloved sequels (Evil Dead II and Army of Darkness), a warmly-received reboot in Evil Dead, and a critically-lauded TV spinoff, Ash vs. Evil Dead. Outside of the horror world, Raimi is responsible for bringing us the original Spider-Man trilogy, with the first two commonly included within the pantheon of CBM greats. However, since Spider-Man: Homecoming, many have written the once-adored films off as hokey exercises in camp.
With a talent for genre subversion and experience in the superhero genre, Raimi is the right candidate for the job. His return to the world of comic book movies echoes the arc of our interpretation of Ted Grant. Living in a world that's slowly begun to turn its back on them and the work they once appreciated, they set out to prove they have greatness left in them, and that they earned their respect for a reason.
Screenwriter(s)
Sam Raimi and Donald Glover
We've already gone into what makes Raimi the right man for the job, so let's move on to the person I think would best suit this pairing-up: Donald Glover.
Donald Glover, Childish Gambino, mcDJ... he's went by many names. He's a regular renaissance man, dipping his toes into the worlds of acting, screenwriting, producing, directing, singing, DJing, rapping, songwriting, and stand-up comedy. Does it make you feel like a talentless loser when you hear about this man's achievements, or is that just me? It can't be, right? I mean for the love of God, he's basically millenial da Vinci. Best part is, he excels at pretty much everything he does. That's the part that really hurts. I can probably attempt all of this hear, but chances are I'd suck at it.
Anyway, what really made me consider Glover for this is two things: his love for comic book characters and his screenwriting ability. Back during the Webb era of Spider-Man films, there was uproarious demand for Glover to portray Peter Parker. As we know, it was unsuccesful, but it led to a guest spot as Miles Morales on Ultimate Spider-Man and a reference in the title of Logic's song "Black Spiderman" (but Logic isn't very good, so you know, it isn't necessarily worth a listen). He's also been announced as executive producer on an upcoming Deadpool cartoon series for FXX. As a writer, his hit show Atlanta successfully married absurdist black humor with the occasional bit of scathing social commentary, making him ideal for Wildcat.
Individually, Raimi and Glover have mastered their crafts from very different angles. However, their natural talents and experience in a mutual field can only help to bring out the best in each other and put a solid product on screen.
Misc.
Produced by Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, and Sam Raimi
Music by Ennio Morricone (The Hateful Eight)
Cinematography by Bill Pope (The Spider-Man Trilogy)
Edited by Bob Murawski (The Spider-Man Trilogy)
Production Companies
DC Entertainment
Renaissance Pictures
Atlas Entertainment
Cruel and Unusual Films
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures
The Cast
Unlike the production team of Wildcat, I opted not to fill the cast of actors with Raimi collaboraters sans the lead role. That's both because the Raimi-Campbell duo is inseperable, and that their collaborations yield positive results pretty much every time. Besides, I felt it was time for the mainstream to get in on that Bruce Campbell goodness. I'm convinced the dude's charm could have stopped every major tragedy in history. No Holocaust, no Black Death, no Soviet Union... you get the idea.
-Bruce Campbell as Ted Grant/Wildcat-
Protagonist of the film. A bit out-of-touch socially, taking staunch conservative stances and acting with force not common in the vigilante world. Well-respected nonetheless. A classic macho man and wisecracking action hero type, disillusioned by his own status. Unaware of his own shortcomings and oblivious to his age, choosng instead to behave a bit immature and cocky.
Notable Works: Ash vs. Evil Dead & Bubba Ho-Tep
-Maika Monroe as Barbara Lord-
The film's antagonist. Estranged daughter of Maxwell Lord, famous playboy head of Lord Technologies. Icon of the millenial Silicon Valley world, being Lord's daughter, and for starting her own news outlet. Secretly funding an operation to defame Wildcat for unknown reasons. Hides her inherited devilshness behind a quirky, "nerdy girl" personality. Immaturity often gets in the way of her true prowess.
Notable Works: It Follows & The Guest
-Bruce Willis as Sylvester Pemberton/Star-Spangled Kid-
Former ally of Wildcat on the JSA, and currently under the employ of Barbara Lord. Opposed to murder and excessive cruelty. Excessively-patriotic, holding onto the wide-eyed optimism of his youth. Manipulated by Barbara into believing the stories about Wildcat are true, and that their mission to take him down comes from a place of virtue. Exceptionally skilled in combat, but a bit unintelligent compared to others.
Notable Works: Unbreakable & Die Hard
-Natalie Dormer as Karen Starr/Power Girl-
Ex-girlfriend of Wildcat and former member of the JSA. Often butts heads with Wildcat over their radically-opposing ideologies. Intends to confront Wildcat for his acts, but decides to help him after learning of the deceit behind the stories about him. Retains her youthful look due to her Kryptonian heritage. Finds herself attracting perverse men everywhere she goes, which is played for laughs.
Notable Works: Game of Thrones & The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part I
-Donald Glover as Michael Holt/Mister Terrific-
Former child prodigy made a celebrity for his unmatched intelligence in a multitude of fields, including theoretical physics, political science, and chemistry. Currently researching the link between fake news online and the direction of modern politics amongst the larger culture. Recently discovered his metahuman abilities.
Notable Works: Atlanta & Community
-Evan Rachel Wood as Giorgia Bertinelli/Huntress-
Legacy hero carrying the Huntress mantle, and daughter of the original. Inherited her mother's more extreme tendencies when approaching vigilante justice, which puts them both under the spotlight. Motivated by her mother to help Wildcat, who sees her company as bad press. Snarky and hot-headed, but retaining a motherly humanism.
Notable Works: Westworld & The Wrestler
-Pamela Adlon as Helena Bertinelli-
Mother of Giorgia Bertinelli and original Huntress. Ex-JSA member, stuck spending her days in a wheelchair due to her old adventures. Mirrors her daughter's easily-triggered Italian temper and familial hospitality. Surprisingly capable when considering her physical disability.
Notable Works: Better Things & Louie
-Tyler Labine as Albert Rothstein/Atom Smasher-
Once the muscle of the JSA, and currently a grunt of Barbara Lord. Nearly mute, only speaking in short sentences when approached with conversation and never taking off his mask. Has violent outbursts of anger and rage, triggered by provocation or frustration when feeling foolish.
Notable Works: Tucker and Dale vs. Evil & Reaper
-Gabriel Basso as Todd Rice/Obsidian-
Son of JSA member Alan Scott and supervillain Rose Canton. Lured onto the side of Barbara Lord due to his romantic infatuation with her. Has convinced himself he's doing the right thing, unwilling to accept his own selfishness and immorality.
Notable Works: The Kings of Summer & Super 8
-Ryan Simpkins as Jennifer-Lynn Hayden-
Former wielder of Starheart who retired with her brother Obsidian from superheroics to live a normal teenage life. After her brother's turn, she reaches out to Huntress, her local superhero, to investigate. Assists the heroes with intel on Barbara Lord she gets from her brother.
Notable Works: Brigsby Bear & A Single Man
-Ted Raimi as Skinner-
Old rival of Wildcat's from his heyday, responsible for the murder of his mentor. Tracked down by Barbara Lord, who sends Star-Spangled Kid in to threaten him into supplying info on Wildcat to help validate the news articles. Kept on as a henchman.
Notable Works: The Evil Dead & Xena: Warrior Princess
Additionally, Brad Pitt has a mid-credits cameo as Maxwell Lord. A recurring gag throughout the film is Barbara getting calls or texts from her father during otherwise serious scenes, thus interrupting the tone for comedic effect, though his voice is never heard and face is never seen. In the mid-credits scene, Barbara finally answers, and Maxwell introduces the idea of a collaboration to take down a much more important group of heroes. Ezra Miller has a post-credits cameo as Barry Allen/The Flash. He shows up at Wildcat's gym and apologizes for circulating the fake news stories around him unknowingly. After fanboying for a bit, he pitches a team-up, leaves his number, and speeds off.
So, what are your thoughts? Was this what you expected of a Wildcat solo film on the offchance that he ever got one? If your approach is different, let me know down below. I'm always curious to hear other interpretations of a character, because all it does is ensure that discussion and fandom around them will continue on, and that maybe one day, a filmmaker will decide to finally bring them to the big screen and just hopefully do them justice.
Anyway, it's about that time... for that movie sign! Cheers!