I know we've seen this style of fan casting before, but I think it's a neat idea, and I enjoy watching old movies and thinking where they would go.
This isn't pertaining to just one realm of Comic Books, however just individual castings. Some of them may seem cliche, but I think I have at least a few original choices.
First up...
PUNISHER
Played by ROBERT DE NIRO. De Niro is one of the biggest bad-asses on the silver screen. His performance in Taxi Driver, a vigilante taxi driver who takes down gangsters in New York... almost a perfect score for Frank Castle. He may have had to bulk up a bit, but I think it's a fine choice.
CAPTAIN AMERICA
I have chosen PAUL NEWMAN. I saw in a fan cast before (forgive me, I do not know who's it was) similar to this one, where Robert Redford was cast. I tried to be original, so here it is. Paul Newman is a powerhouse of an actor, ranging from classic flicks like The Color of Money and The Sting to more modern films like The Road to Perdition. His wide range of acting makes me believe he would be a dynamite Steve Rogers and Captain America.
IRON MAN
CHARLIE SHEEN is my first choice. He is a more recent actor, but comes from the 1980's and 90's as a party animal actor. Sheen is frequently quoted as a "bad boy of Hollywood" and I think he would give the character the same depth and likability as Robert Downey, Jr.
BATMAN
WARREN BEATTY has played great roles such as Clyde Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde, Bugsy Siegel in Bugsy, and even had a crack at a comic book movie as Dick Tracy. He can easily play both the light hearted side of Bruce Wayne, while also switching to the dark, menacing side of Batman.
SUPERMAN
JAMES GARNER has been in countless movies and is an Academy Award nominated actor. He has the strong jaw line, classic looks for Superman. He has shown his bit goofy side in Maverick, while also playing the serious character of Bob Hendley in The Great Escape with Clint Eastwood.
WONDER WOMAN
DIANE LANE is a very successful actress. Staring in countless movies such as Streets of Fire, A Walk on the Moon, and Unfaithful. She is rarely a damsel in distress, but one that kicks hardcore ass. She is fiery, tough, but can also be nurturing.
GREEN LANTERN
HARRISON FORD is one of the cliched ones, I think. However, he's a great choice based solely on his performance as Han Solo and as Indiana Jones. These two roles helped immortalize Ford as an action star, and showed traits of Hal Jordan: funny, witty, brave, strong, and fearless. Except with snakes, of course.
SPIDER-MAN
JIMMY STEWART has starred in movies like It's a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. He usually plays a man who's life isn't exactly in order, and that's a lot like Peter Parker. His life is usually two steps behind everyone else's. I also think that it would be good to see Spider-Man as, well... a man! I loved the high school adventures, but I enjoy seeing Spider-Man out in the world much, much more.
GREEN GOBLIN
HENRY FONDA has been in classic movies like 12 Angry Men. He has a scary presence on screen, one border-lining psychotic. Fonda would have been a dark, foreboding lunatic - a worthy advisory.
THE JOKER
For this one, I have two picks. The first...
SEAN PENN. Another more modern actor, but one that has limitless potential. From being in Fast Times at Ridgemont High to Milk, Penn has proven his salt as an actor.
The next one is...
CONRAD VEIDT. The original inspiration for the Clown Prince of Crime! Veidt was in films such as Nazi Agent and Casablanca. He is an incredible actor, and for no doubt, why else would Bob Kane pick him for the inspiration of one of the greatest villains of all time?
Well, that's it. I know it seems a bit spotty, but these were just actors I had in mind for certain characters. Thanks for reading, and let me know what you think!