Back in 2009, I've decided to cast some of the major players in the DC Comics universe, however, this article features characters related directly with the Justice League only. The castings for other DC characters are either on separate articles or have not yet been posted. This casting has (generally) no correlation with any other live action depiction of the Justice League.
NOTE: My fan cast is based primarily on the outer appearance of the actors/actresses because (naturally) I did not examine the acting ability of every single actor/actress. I am well aware that some people CANNOT act…
NOTE: This fan cast only has certain prominent members of the Justice League (pass or present) that I deem fit to belong on this list. No enemies are added.
The Justice League of America
Brandon Routh as Clark Kent/Superman
I kept Brandon Routh as Superman because I felt that he has the potential to play a great Superman/Clark Kent if he jacks up a bit more and has a better script to work with than that of Superman Return. Personally, I didn’t find the Superman suit to be much of a problem except the darken red.
Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman
Personally, I really like how Christian Bale portrayed both Batman and Bruce Wayne so I won't fix what isn't broken. I think it’s great the way Bale portrayed Bruce Wayne and I personally am a fan of the “Batman voice”.
Lena Headey as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman
I know…I know. Why the hell did you cast her!? Well, I’m not really sure. I casted her because I wanted someone who wasn’t too young and had enough “star power” to stand next to the likes of Christian Bale. Plus, I think she looks pretty badass though admittedly, she doesn’t look very strong and she’s not very tall (only 5’6”-ish). However, she could always work out a bit more.
Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan/Green Lantern
Regardless of what some people say, I think Ryan Reynolds is perfect for Hal because he can play the cocky, one-liner guy as evident by his brief performance as Wade Wilson in the Wolverine movie. In that movie, he wasn’t cracking weird-ass, silly jokes. He’s also the right age to play someone who isn’t too old but also can have enough experience. He is also the perfect age especially if there will be sequels.
Chris Evans as Wally West/Flash
I’m a big fan of Chris Evans and I think he has the potential to be a well-respected actor. I realize that he has already done Johnny Storm and will next be Captain America, however, Wally West is a DC Comics character…not Marvel. I think that his particular style of comedy is well suited for the Flash. He definitely has the looks and has the acting chops to pull off this role. He doesn’t need to look super-jacked like in Captain America and obviously he will be portraying the older version of Wally.
Laurence Fishburne as J’onn J’onzz/Martian Manhunter
I casted Laurence Fishburne as the Martian from Mars primarily because of his voice. I think his voice is perfectly suited for the Martian Manhunter. If he could get back into his Matrix I physique, with a bit of CGI and a lot of make-up, I think he can play the perfect J’onn J’onzz. I find that many people may agree with me.
Josh Holloway as Oliver Queen/Green Arrow
There’s no particular reason why I chose Josh as billionaire Oliver Queen except for the fact that he looks so much like the Green Arrow. He’s also of the right age. He is 41 years old which is perfect because I’ve always imagine him a little older than the other heroes (Batman played by Bale 36 etc). I’ve never seen him act, however, but I am sure he’ll do a decent job. Maybe, I’ll see him in Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol.
Jason Lewis as Orin/Aquaman
Once again, I don’t have a particular reason why I casted Jason Lewis as the lead character because I have never seen him act in anything except in a small role in How I Met Your Mother. However, I chose him because he looks a lot like Orin and he’s of that proper age. Personally, I am looking for someone who’s a little older than the actors playing the other heroes (i.e. Bale playing Batman).
Nicky Whelan as Dinah Lance/Black Canary
Again, there’s no particular reason why I chose Nicky as the Black Canary except for the fact that she looks so much like Dinah Lance. If it wasn’t for somebody else casting her (possibly a long time ago), I would not have known her. However, now that I do, I think she’ll be a decent fit. She looks like she can kick some ass and stay hot at the same time
Gerard Butler as Carter Hall/Hawkman
I don’t think much explanation is needed for this cast. Gerard Bulter, as of this moment, is one of the pinnacles of manliness in the movie industry (300). His gruff looks and demeanor is perfect for playing Carter Hall, a man who has gone through much. He’s perfect in age and has the talent to play this conflicted character. Everything you need to know is in 300.
Anne Hathaway as Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl (II)
I casted Anne Hathaway as the SECOND Hawkgirl because, recently, I’ve begun to respect her more and more as an actress. I think she is a great actress, despite her young age, and I think she can definitely pull off this character with ease.
Keanu Reeves & CGI as John Smith/Red Tornado
I know that many of you aren’t big fans of Keanu Reeves and trust me, neither am I. However, because he does act so “weird” and sort of robotic like, I’ve decided to cast him as the Red Tornado (who is a robot). At least, I think Keanu Reeves definitely has the voice to play the character and has the curiosity that embodies the personality of the Red Tornado.
Halle Berry as Mari McCabe/Vixen
I know that even though Halle Berry screwed up big time with Catwoman I’m still willing to give her a chance at the Vixen. The primary reason why I casted her was because she looks like the character pulled right out of the pages of the comic books. Berry, however, is a bit older than I would like her to be but in my opinion, she’s still looking fine…if ya know what I mean. Keep in mind that Halle Berry has won numerous awards earlier in her career.
Djimon Hounsou as Jefferson Pierce/Black Lightning
I decided to cast Djimon Hounsou as Black Lightning, despite his age (46) because I think that he’s one of the best African American action stars out there. I think he would definitely bring charisma to the role and play the role with a lot of heart and courage. He has already stated he would like to play Black Panther (of Marvel fame) but I think he would do well as Black Lightning too.
Serinda Swan as Zatanna Zatara
I know many of you don’t like mixing up the cast of Smallville with the rest of these guys but seeing as Serinda Swan is only person to have played a live action of Zatanna (and do a okay/not terrible job) I think she deserves a second chance to play the character on the big screen. She has the looks down and I think does well acting mysteriously as the magic wielding performer.
Anthony Mackie as Jason Rusch/Firestorm
I casted Anthony Mackie as the third Firestorm because I was very pleased with is performance in the Hurt Locker. Although he is a bit older than I thought he was (when I first casted him back in 2009), I think he can definitely pull of this role with relative ease.
NOTE: The following characters I did not find to be part of the real “Justice League”. This may be because I did not deem them to be the main incarnation of the character or I did not deem them to be significant enough. Or, I could’ve simply forgotten and just added them in. Remember, I casted this back in 2009 and am only posting it now.
Patrick Wilson as Barry Allen/Flash
I originally was going to cast Matthew Fox as Barry Allen, however, I felt that Patrick Wilson (though younger) will be better to portray a smarter, scientific Barry Allen (who is, after all, a police scientist/forensic scientist). I first notice Wilson in Watchmen and I thought he did a good job. Already having experience in a CBM, I think he can definitely pull of this role. However, Wilson is only about 8 years older than Evans, who I casted to play Wally West, his nephew by marriage.
Diane Kruger as Shiera Saunders (Shiera Hall)/Hawkgirl
Honest to God, I haven’t been a fan of Diane Kruger (especially in National Treasure series) until I saw her in Inglourious Basterds. I think that she would do well as Shiera Saunders because she has the acting chops and the look for the role. It clearly doesn’t matter that she isn’t “a grandmother” age compare to Anne Hathaway because if Shiera Saunders was to appear, she would appear in a period piece where she’s nice, pretty, and young :)
Justin Hartley as Roy Harper/Red Arrow
I chose to cast Justin Hartley as Roy Harper because I felt that he does a decent job as a younger version of the Green Arrow on Smallville so I thought that it was fitting to give him the role of Roy Harper. He would obviously have to dye his hair red but that’s not a problem. He definitely has the basic looks down and I want to believe that he has enough talent to pull of this role. The reason why I did not cast him as Connor Hawke (as you will find below) is because I feel like he’s too old for the role.
I hope you enjoyed this. Constructive criticisms are welcome.