Justice League. The internet has been abuzz with rumors surrounding this film for months. Who is going to direct it? When is it coming out? Can a project like Justice League actually work? The Justice League film seems to be an even bigger topic of discussion on the internet than Avengers 2. This may simply be due to the fact that there is a great deal hope (and no doubt money) riding on this project even though there is no talent attached yet. Everyone (except maybe Marvel) wants this to work as well as Nolan's Bat Trilogy, and, with the right talent, it can be.
The necessary talent obviously includes the director, the writer, the production team, and numerous others, but this article is all about the actors and actresses who are best suited to play DC's most iconic characters. This is not the first or last article on the internet that you'll find about the Justice League cast, but it may be the first to use movie trailers to show all of you out there why these actors can embody these characters better than anyone else. So without further ado, here we go!
Role Call
Superman played by Henry Cavill (6'1")
I won't spend too much time on this one since Henry Cavill has already been cast as the last son of Krypton. I will say that from what we've seen of him in the Man of Steel trailer, he seems to have a grasp on what makes Superman special. He's a natural leader who inspires the confidence of almost everyone around him. He carries hope on his shoulders when there is no hope. Keeping Cavill in the role will help Justice League to make sequel-level profits by bringing in the audience from Man of Steel.
Batman played by Ryan Gosling (6'1")
Christian Bale does not want to do another Batman film, and Joseph Gorden Levitt has already been cast as "Robin" in the Nolanverse. So who's left to take up the cape and cowl? Who better than Ryan Gosling. Widely recognized as a talented actor with the build for a superhero role, Gosling proved that he was suited to play the Dark Knight when he starred in Drive. In the lead role, he showed us his ability to embody Batman's coldness, gravitas, seriousness, and badassery. Batman may not always be the most popular person among his teammates, but he commands respect and loyalty. On film, Gosling could definitely do that too. Some people may be thrown by Ryan's blonde hair, but he does have the choice to darken it for the role.
Wonder Woman played by Gemma Arterton (5'7")
Wonder Woman's nickname--the Amazon Princess--illustrates the beautiful dichotomy of her character. She's a powerful, strong-willed woman who would never back down from a fight or a challenge, but she's also a lover of peace who would never seek a fight or a conflict. She's simultaneously both the most fierce and most nurturing member of the team.With her powerful abilities and vast training, Diana is capable of going toe-to-toe with just about any hero or villain. Gemma Arterton's roles in Hansel and Gretel and Prince of Persia show that she has what it takes to make Wonder Woman work on screen. In Hansel and Gretel, she plays a tough, seasoned witch hunter who isn't afraid to headbutt her enemies at a moment's notice. In Prince of Persia, she not only showed that she can play regal well, she also did some badass stunts. Oh, and she has a pretty sexy British accent (the standard accent for foreign cultures and fantasy films in Hollywood), and she can do humor! She's pretty much perfect. She can look more or less Mediterranean with the right tan--as shown in Prince of Persia if that's a concern of yours. She's willing to shoot on location, she's inexpensive right now, and she has already proven that she can do swords and sandals types of movies.
Green Lantern played by Chris Pine (6'1")
Green Lantern is THE interstellar hero. He was chosen above all others for his courage, his willpower, and his honesty--three vital qualities in a Green Lantern. In many ways, Hal is the most human of the group. He's been irresponsible. He's felt fear. And he's overcome great challenges no matter what set-backs are sent his way. He's always willing to stare death in the face and put his life on the line--something that he does regularly as a test pilot. Not only is he a charming womanizer and light-hearted joker, Hal is also a man's man. He's the guy you want to share drinks with when you go out on a night on the town.
While Ryan Reynolds played the character well in 2011's Green Lantern, the film was a critical flop, and it is not highly regarded by anyone. Justice League is Warner Bros.'s chance to start fresh with the character by recasting him similarly to how Henry Cavill took the Superman role from Brandon Routh and Mark Ruffalo took the Hulk role from Edward Norton. This would be a great way to reboot the character softly so that we can forget about the last film. So who should take the Green Lantern mantle? Look no further than Chris Pine, who played a hero similar to Green Lantern--James Kirk--in 2011's Star Trek.
Cyborg played by Chadwick Boseman (6'1")
Cyborg is the ultimate combination of man and machine, but his creation came from a tragic accident. Victor Stone was a gifted football player who had trouble connecting with his scientist father. While visiting his father's workplace at S.T.A.R. Labs, an experiment went horribly wrong and destroyed much of Vic's body. Desperate to save his son, Vic's father used several experimental and extraterrestrial technologies that turned Vic into Cyborg. Now Vic is plugged into every computer in the world and is a digital and physical tank.
Victor seldom receives the credit he rightfully deserves. He is an everyman--a people’s superhero. Unlike many of the other heroes, Cyborg is a hero that the public is likely to run into on the streets and interact regularly with, whereas some of his team mates stick to the shadows or fly. He’s approachable and passionate, spending his spare time working with disabled children. He's also one of the military's go-to heroes. These attributes make him indispensable to the team, as he provides a vital link between the Justice League and the people they serve. Furthermore, Cyborg is a hero who as personally experienced loss. This loss permeates his being which sometimes leads to him having deeply introspective moments but, overall, this pain gives Victor direction.
The actor who plays Cyborg needs to be able to shift between being superheroic, sweet, and pained. Chadwick Boseman can do those and do them well. He's set to star alongside Harrison Ford in 42, the Jackie Robinson life story, as Jackie Robinson himself. Warner needs to hire this guy soon, because he may be the next Denzel Washington. But right now, he's still pretty affordable for an ensemble cast.
More to come...