Batman: The Dark Knight Returns was written by one of the greatest comic book writers of our time, Frank Miller. It has gone to inspire a few adaptions of Batman and an animated film based on the graphic novel. It follows a much older Batman who returns of retirement to fight crime once more and take on the evil none other can with the return of The Joker as he plagues Gotham once again. Along his journey he comes at war with the Gotham GCPD and the government as Superman is forced to take him down. A new protege, Carrie Kelly the newest Robin. This older Batman must fight his way with his remaining strength and wits and overcome all the obstacles may be in his path.
This is my fan cast for a live action version to honor the great graphic novel in a way none other can.
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Todd Phillips is just a great visionary director. He has directed the successful Hangover Trilogy and other great films such as Old School and Road Trip. If you could see some of the incredible shots in his films, you would know how talented he is. If the Russo Brothers who directed You, Me and Dupree can direct Captain America and if Jon Favreau who directed Elf can direct Iron Man, then why can't Todd Phillips direct Batman? He has proved himself with a worthy trilogy and knows how to handle the camera right even in intense moments. This would be a choice that would change comic book films as we know it.
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When it comes to making an adaptation of a graphic novel, you still need the graphic novel as a guide but most importantly you would need the screenplay for it to translate to the screen. Todd Phillips has not only proven himself as a great director but an excellent writer. With that in mind another writer that should help guide the adaptation should be Frank Miller who also wrote the original graphic novel. It's a perfect pairing of talents that would move it foward like none other.
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THE CAST
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Here in this version of Batman, we see him as a much older crime fighter. He has been retired for a decade. He is getting old and tired and weary. But when he sees the urge of crime is back on the rise, he knows it's time for him to return. Danny Glover is a perfect choice. In many respects he would be a great Batman geared towards this version as he has also played many iconic roles.
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Carrie Kelly is the new Robin towards this version, and to play her I chose Kat Dennings. Kat Dennings has the true wit and charm to play such a character that has a major impact towards the story.
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Jeffrey Wright is an astounding actor who starred in the recent Bond films and The Hunger Games. In some ways he does resemble the character of Gordon, a man who never gives up and just strides to be a true face.
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The Joker in the version awakes from a vegetable state in Arkham upon hearing of Batman's retirement setting out on one last crusade against him. Bruce Dern recently starred in the nominated film Nebraska and is an amazing veteran actor. I could imagine him being much like an older version of The Joker portrayed by Jack Nicholson. Dern has yet to take on a comic book role and this would be perfect for him.
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Superman is now working with government and his secret identity aka Clark Kent is now known publicly. He eventually agrees in efforts in a cause to take down his own long time friend, Bruce Wayne/Batman. We have yet to see a version of Superman like this which explains the much different casting choice. Braugher is excellent in commanding and leading roles which suits him perfectly for the character.
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Alfred has served Bruce for many years and has always remained loyal to his own cause. Armand Assante is another great veteran actor (Also infamously known for his comic book role in Judge Dredd). He would simply make a great Alfred. Maybe just some old make up effects and vfx and he would look just like him. Technology today is endless.
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Harvey Dent who had his face repaired is still haunted by the memories of Two-Face and still has the evil mentality and persona in his mind. He continues to terrorize Gotham once again. When I think of Harvey Dent I think of someone angry, and someone with a lot of rage. Al Pacino is good at those roles, angry and dramatic type. A character with emotion as like many characters Pacino has played in his time.
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Ellen Yindel is the successor to Gordon as the new Commissioner of Gotham. She plans to get rid of Batman once and for all after he returns. Dunst has also starred in a few comic book roles and is a great actress/personality. I believe the character of Yindel would be in great hands with her.
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Dr. Bartholomew Wolper is the psychiatrist for Joker and Two-Face and is against Batman as he believes his patients are victims of Batman's own actions. Culkin has been acting in a few dramatic roles over the past years and would be interesting to see him in a film as this.
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The Mutants are one of the main villains of the first part of the story. The Mutant Leader decides to challenge and face Batman. To play the leader I chose Louis C.K. He is not only a comedian but a dramatic actor as having also starred in American Hustle. He even has the right build and muscle for a character as this. A truly hidden talent of a genius.
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Oliver Queen joined a rebel alliance after superheroes where outlawed. He is now much older and has lost his left arm in an accident, despite that he still has the skills. This would be a perfect role for Samuel L Jackson to play a much older version of this character.
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Selina Kyle in this version is no longer Catwoman and now also runs a business. Rebel Wilson, another great actor and also looks just like Selina Kyle in this graphic novel! The resemblance is uncanny. In all seriousness I do believe she could hold a role as this.
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Mark Mothersbaugh has recently composed the hit film The Lego Movie and also 21 Jump Street. He would be a great composer to bring new life into Batman and life into this version.
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