Yeah I haven't done a fan-cast in a while and I've been itching to do one for sometime. There are not so many Iron Man Reboot fan-casts on here so I figured I'd give it a shot. Hope you at least find this an interesting read.
Iron Man/Anthony “Tony” Stark: Jack Huston
Clint adapted his archery skills to become a star carnival attraction, a master archer called Hawkeye, known as “the World’s Greatest Marksman”. He witnesses Iron Man in action and is inspired to become a costumed hero. However, after a misunderstanding on his first outing, Hawkeye is accused of theft and believed to be a criminal. On the run, the naive Hawkeye meets the Black Widow, a spy for the Soviet Union, whom he falls in love with. Blindly following the Black Widow, Hawkeye aids her attempts to steal technology developed by Tony Stark. In one of their battles with Iron Man, the Black Widow is seriously injured. Hawkeye rescues her and flees the battle to save her life. But before Hawkeye can take her to a hospital, the Black Widow disappears. Hawkeye decides to go "straight" from then on. He soon after joins S.H.I.E.L.D along with Black Widow, and then later becomes a member of the Avengers. Although he is an ally of Tony’s the two have an interesting relationship.
Rob is a very skilled and underrated actor who just recently left the Hobbit film for personal reasons, however the fact that he was cast in what is surely to be another of Jackson’s masterpieces proves that he is becoming more recognised as a talented actor. Being a relative unknown within the states makes him the perfect person to play Hawkeye, so that he can make the role his own. He gives off a cocky but likeable attitude and looks just like the character. I think he would play well off of Jack Huston’s Tony Stark.
STARRED IN:
DREAM TEAM
RED TAILS
EASTENDERS
Bethany Cabe: Malin Akerman
Bethany Cabe was a former girlfriend of Tony Stark. She met him at a party where he was taken aback by her beauty. The beautiful red-head turned out to be a bodyguard. The two had an interesting relationship however it was strained as Tony refused to tell her of his true identity. They eventually decided to end the relationship as Bethany felt there were too many secrets. However they remain close friends.
Malin Akerman is a talented actress who has proved her acting capabilities in recent years. She is more than qualified to portray the character of Bethany Cabe, she looks similar to the character and would be satisfying in the role.
STARRED IN:
WATCHMEN
THE BANG BANG CLUB
CATCH. 44
Rumiko "Ru" Fujikawa: Fann Wong
Rumiko is the daughter of Kenjiro Fujikawa, the man who was a business rival of Tony’s and also planned to take over Stark's company. She begins to date Tony largely as an act of rebellion to parents who disapproved of Stark. Rumiko's romance with Tony enjoys many highs and lows. She enjoys his jet-set lifestyle but finds he is often too obsessed with his work and does not pay enough attention to her. This fact is made even worse due to all the problems facing Stark in his career as Iron Man.
She may be 40 years old but she doesn’t look a day over 29. Fann Wong was considered for the part of Rumiko back when Iron Man 2 was going to feature her as a character. For whatever reason they decided not to go with her character in the sequel. However I think she’s an interesting character and Fann Wong is a talented actress who I believe could play the character well.
STARRED IN:
THE LEGENDARY SWORDSMAN
THE UNBROKEN CYCLE
THE TRUTH ABOUT JANE AND SAM
Nicholas “Nick” Fury: George Clooney
Nicholas Joseph Fury was a solider in WWII who led the legendary team of ‘Howling Commandos’. During the war a piece of shrapnel hit Fury’s left eye and so he began to wear his famous eye-patch. After his service in the war was finished Fury was approached by early S.H.I.E.L.D representatives to come and join the organisation. He accepted and became their top agent throughout the years. He then volunteered to take part in a special project where he would be injected with something known as the Infinity Formula. This caused Fury to age at an incredibly slow rate. Throughout the 70’s Fury worked alongside Howard Stark within S.H.I.E.L.D and in the early 90’s took over operations as the director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
I was going through a lot of different actors in regards to Nick Fury, from Denzel Washington to Bruce Willis however I eventually settled on George Clooney. George totally has the look of the original Fury and would bring a bad-assness to the role like no other man could. Clooney is well overdue to make a comic-book movie appearance after his first ‘disaster’ but that was due to poor direction. Clooney would totally own as Fury.
STARRED IN:
FROM DUSK TILL DAWN
SYRIANA
O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?
Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff: Milla Jovovich
Black Widow is a Soviet agent trained as a spy, martial artist, and sniper, and outfitted with an arsenal of high-tech weaponry, including a pair of wrist-mounted energy weapons dubbed her "Widow's Bite". She begins her career as a villainess but slowly under the guidance and advice of Nick Fury decides to use her skills for good alongside S.H.I.E.L.D and becomes a high ranking member of the organisation and later the Avengers. She has had romantic relationships with both Tony Stark and Clint Barton.
Milla is a highly skilled actress who is no stranger to the action genre, she is in my opinion perfect for black Widow. Being born in the USSR gives her a background worthy of the Widow herself, and she is incredibly good looking. She looks very similar to Natasha and I think she’d do a wonderful job in the role.
STARRED IN:
THE FIFTH ELEMENT
RESIDENT EVIL
THE FOURTH KIND
The Mandarin: Ken Watanabe
Hoping to find a means of avenging himself upon the civilization that had taxed him and rendered him homeless, the Mandarin explored the forbidden "Valley of Spirits," where no one had dared to set foot for centuries. There he found the skeleton and star-ship of Axonn-Karr, an intelligent dragon-like alien from the planet Maklu-4, who had come to Earth centuries ago and died. Over the following years, the Mandarin studied Makluan science until he mastered it. He also learned how to use the ten rings he found within the stars-ship which were apparently its propulsion source, among other things. The Mandarin then became a conqueror and subjugated the villages around the Valley, and, through his advanced science, rapidly became a power that not even the Chinese Army could successfully challenge. He then embarked on a long series of attempts to achieve world domination.
The Mandarin sees technology as the surest means to achieve his goals. Over the years, he has frequently attempted to turn the weapons of various nations against them. Among the Mandarin's earliest schemes is the sabotage and theft of American missiles and spy planes built by Tony Stark. To restore public confidence in his workmanship, Stark donned his Iron Man armour and flew to China to investigate. Iron Man soon became the Mandarin's principal obstacle against his plans for world domination.
Ken is a fantastic actor and is also a fan-favourite for the role of the Mandarin. I’m certainly not one to argue with that. He fits all the requirements the role needs. He would be able to make the Mandarin more believable and frightening, I would also love to see how he would play off of the Jack Huston Iron Man.
STARRED IN:
INCEPTION
BATMAN BEGINS
MEMORIES OF TOMORROW
Whiplash/Blacklash/Mark Scarlotti: Josh Brolin
Mark Scarlotti is originally a gifted electrical technician at Stark International's Cincinnati branch, but desires a life of luxury and becomes a professional criminal. With a costume and a sophisticated metal whip of his own design, the character becomes Whiplash, a weapons designer, special agent, and assassin for the criminal organization the Maggia. On behalf of the Maggia, Whiplash fights the hero Iron Man – secretly inventor Tony Stark and Scarlotti's former employer.
This may seem like an odd choice but I believe that Whiplash could do with a bit of a revamp. Brolin is a great actor and could deliver a menacing and intimidating Whiplash that we’ve never really seen before. I would love Whiplash to be somewhat sadistic and cruel as a villain, which is why I think he needs an amazing actor to portray him. Brolin is that actor.
STARRED IN:
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
W.
MILK
Blizzard/Gregor Shapanka: Vincent Cassel
Gregor Shapanka is a Hungarian scientist obsessed with immortality, and decides studying cryonics is the first step towards his goal. Shapanka then joins the company Stark Industries to fund his research, and eventually attempts to steal directly from Tony Stark - secretly the hero Iron Man. Shapanka is caught and fired, but, following a remark made by Stark, he creates a suit containing cold-generating devices. After Shapanka uses the suit for committing robberies, he is dubbed by the papers Jack Frost. He then attempts to raid Stark Industries, but is defeated by Iron Man. Several years later, Shapanka returns with an updated suit and using the alias Blizzard. He again attempts to steal from Stark Industries and is once again defeated by Iron Man.
Vincent Cassel is a great actor who could bring a uniqueness to the rather bland character of Blizzard. He looks villainous and would deliver a powerhouse performance in the role. He’d make an excellent Iron Man foe.
STARRED IN:
BLACK SWAN
EASTERN PROMISES
A DIFFERENT METHOD
Blizzard II/Donald “Donnie” Gill: Desmond Harrington
Donald “Donnie” Gill became a criminal mercenary at an early age and was hired by Justin Hammer to don the guise of the Blizzard as the previous Blizzard was killed. Donald then donned an upgraded version of the original Blizzard’s suit and alongside Blacklash and Beetle attacked Tony Stark/Iron Man. He has become a recurring villain ever since, but unlike his predecessor shows some form of compassion and it is a possibility that he can be reformed.
A relatively unknown actor, who has achieved moderate success in TV and film. However I feel he is a very underrated and deserves a shot at the big-time. The second Blizzard is a perfect starting place for him due to the character being a bit goofy, however Harrington has a serious demeanour which I think would eventually make the character threatening.
STARRED IN:
LOVE OBJECT
DEXTER
TiMER
The Beetle/Abner Jenkins: Jude Law
Abner Jenkins was a master mechanic at an aircraft parts factory who became dissatisfied with his boring, low paying job. Using his considerable mechanical knowledge, Jenkins built an armour-plated, strength-augmenting suit, a pair of gravity-defying wings, suction-fingered gloves, and a cybernetic control helmet. Calling himself the Beetle, Jenkins decided to use his battle-suit for fame, wealth, and adventure. He hired his services out to many different people including the Kingpin and Norman Osborn, but most notably was Justin Hammer who sent the Beetle to steal some Stark weaponry only to be confronted by the Invincible Iron Man.
I wanted the Beetle to sound intelligent and cunning, I felt that Jude Law would provide this. Jude Law is a skilled actor and has a cocky, mischievous presence to him that I think would suit the Beetle well.
STARRED IN:
SHERLOCK HOLMES
REPO MEN
SLEUTH
Ghost: Stephen Moyer
Virtually nothing is known as yet about the true identity of the Ghost. He claims to have been a business executive at one time, and that businessmen made him what he is. The Ghost works as a freelance industrial saboteur and seeks to destroy various corporations through sabotage, and is apparently most interested in attacking those dealing in electronics and high technology. He is willing to do this without financial re-compensation, but often hires himself out to corporations that wish to destroy rival companies, having developed a pathological hatred for high technology businesses and business executives. The Ghost is a brilliant inventor, technician, engineer, demolitions expert, and computer scientist.
Stephen Moyer is a great actor who I think would be perfect as the mysterious Ghost. I imagine the Ghost to be quite a sinister character and would have a distinctive voice, which is where Stephen comes in. Moyer could pull off both the physicality and menacing presence of Ghost, and would make for an excellent foe against Jack Huston’s Iron Man.
STARRED IN:
TRUE BLOOD
THE CALLER
PRIEST
Iron Monger/Obadiah Stane: Bruce Willis
In adulthood, as a wealthy financier, Obadiah Stane becomes the president and CEO of his own company (Stane International) as a munitions dealer. He also goes into business with Howard Stark. After Stark and his wife died in a car accident, Stane turns his sights on acquiring control of Stark International, the industrial corporation he had worked with, now owned by Tony Stark. Stane managed to steal designs for a new Iron Man armour and created a replica of the suit, dubbing himself ‘The Iron Monger’ he proceeded to attack Stark and has become a recurring enemy ever since.
It was very difficult to think of an actor skilled enough to top Jeff Bridges amazing performance in the first Iron Man but I finally came to choose the legend that is Bruce Willis. At first I thought he maybe to likeable but upon further though I realised that Willis is a skilled enough actor to portray a menacing villain, I think he’d do a great job as Iron Monger.
STARRED IN:
DIE HARD FRANCHISE
UNBREAKABLE
PULP FICTION
Justin Hammer: John Hurt
Justin Hammer was born in Surrey, England, and later became a citizen of Monaco. A rival of industrialist Tony Stark (Iron Man), multi-billionaire businessman Hammer later became a criminal financier using unethical methods. In exchange for fifty percent of the crime profits, he would pay bail for costumed criminals and finance the development and replacement of both their weaponry and equipment. In the event that a mercenary under his employ violated his contract, Hammer would send an enforcement unit, usually led by his most reliable super villain employee, Blacklash, to attack the rogue and confiscate his assigned equipment.
Although I really enjoyed Sam Rockwell as Hammer I’d really love to see the original Justin Hammer make an appearance. John Hurt would do wonders as the menacing rival of Tony Stark and Iron Man. Hurt is beyond perfect for the part being both of the right age and nationality.
STARRED IN:
V FOR VENDETTA
1984
HELLBOY
Titanium Man/Boris Bullski: Karl Urban
While working as an administrator of a Siberian labour camp, he commissioned the imprisoned scientists at the camp to build a suit of armour using the lab of Anton Vanko, the creator of the original Crimson Dynamo armour. Seeking to win back the Party's favour, Bullski conceived the idea of winning a propaganda victory against the West by defeating the American superhero Iron Man. He assigned the scientists to create a powerful suit of titanium armour based on the Iron Man technology, though the inferior resources available to the scientists meant that the armour was twice the size of Iron Man's. Bullski received permission to issue his challenge and Iron Man accepted, defeating Titanium Man in a battle before a worldwide television audience.
Karl Urban has achieved critical acclaim in recent years and rightfully so. He is a very talented actor who needs more challenging roles. I think the villainous Russian villain Titanium Man would be a great test of skill for Urban. I think he possesses the physicality of the role, that sort of domineering persona.
STARRED IN:
STAR TREK
JUDGE DREDD
LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY
Crimson Dynamo/Anton Vanko: Christopher Meloni
As the Crimson Dynamo, Vanko was tasked by the Russian government with defeating Iron Man, his American counterpart, in battle. After losing to Iron Man, Vanko defected to the United States out of fear that his superiors would kill him for failing. Vanko began to work for Tony Stark as one of his chief scientists. Eventually, the two became friends, and Vanko developed pride and admiration for his new home. Unfortunately, soon the Soviets came for Vanko, just as he predicted. The KGB sent their top agent, the Black Widow, as well as Boris Turgenev, the latter of whom stole the armour and became the second Crimson Dynamo. Vanko died saving Iron Man by firing an unstable, experimental laser pistol at Boris, killing himself in the process.
A talented actor who I think could pull off the classic Iron Man villain, once again he’s another actor who’s yet to really shine on the big screen and be challenged. This role would be a great example of his skills.
STARRED IN:
LAW AND ORDER
OZ
THE LAST DON
Madame Masque/Whitney Frost: Carla Gugino
As a young adult, Whitney was a debutante and socialite, and became engaged to politician Roger Vane. The Frosts died and Count Nefaria approached Whitney and revealed her true parentage. He told Whitney that he wanted her to take his place as leader of the Maggia, a Mafia-like organization running the East Coast of the United States. Whitney at first refused, but when she told Roger about her father, he left her, afraid that her connections to a known criminal would hamper his political career.
Whitney accepted her father's offer to become a professional criminal mastermind and was trained by him in strategy, criminal activities, and combat. She turned out to be a brilliant student and when her father was imprisoned, she became the new Big M, the leader of the Nefaria family of the Maggia. Her role as Big M brought her into conflict with Iron Man. Whitney was forced to flee after a raid on his company, Stark Industries. The plane she escaped in crashed and Whitney's face was scarred, but she was saved by the criminal Mordecai Midas and started to work for him as his agent. Midas was obsessed with gold and Whitney hid her face behind a golden mask and used the alias "Madame Masque”.
A wonderful and beautiful actress who is usually the highlight of any movie she’s been in. She is more than capable of playing the villainess Madame Masque who manages to keep on luring Tony in. She would be fierce in this role.
STARRED IN:
WATCHMEN
SUCKER PUNCH
SIN CITY
Living Laser/Arthur Parks: Tobias Menzies
Arthur Parks was a struggling scientist who felt robbed of his fame by Tony Stark and his constant scientific advances. In retaliation of the creation of Iron Man, Parks created a two bracelets that created powerful laser beams that rivalled Iron Man’s. He set out to attack and destroy the Iron Man armour, not knowing that Stark is operating the armour from inside. He has since become a recurring enemy for the Invincible Iron Man, the Living Laser constantly updates his tech to battle Iron Man.
Another talented actor who needs some recognition, Tobias knows his way around a character and can really bring out a very human response in his acting. This would do well with the Living Laser as he can at times be portrayed as a sympathetic villain.
STARRED IN:
SPOOKS
CASINO ROYALE
ROME
Unicorn/ Milos Masaryk: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Milos Masaryk was a Soviet intelligence agent assigned to track down the original Crimson Dynamo, who defects to America after being tricked by Iron Man. Wearing technology designed by the Dynamo, Masaryk gives himself the alias the "Unicorn" and battles Iron Man after Iron Man catches him spying on Stark Industries. Although Iron Man crashes the Unicorn's plane, the villain manages to escape and he has continuously returned to battle Iron Man again and again.
An up and coming star in the states, Nikolaj has already achieved stardom in his home country but is now becoming recognised for his talents in Western media. Considering the Unicorn is a rather bland villain this gives much room for the actor to experiment and create and be much more comfortable in the role.
STARRED IN:
NEW AMSTERDAM
VIRTUALITY
GAME OF THRONES
Spymaster: Matthew Macfadyen
The original Spymaster was a costumed freelance industrial spy, saboteur, and assassin with advanced weaponry. He was a master of espionage, and died without revealing his true identity, although it is known that he was once a boxer. He and his team of assistants, the Espionage Elite, were hired by the criminal organization the Zodiac to infiltrate Stark Industries and steal all of company owner and genius inventor Tony Stark's secrets. His efforts were stopped by Stark's alter-ego, the armoured superhero Iron Man.
Matthew is a phenomenal actor who has gained more and more recognition in recent years, starring in increasingly more acclaimed film and TV. Matthew has a certain presence which I think would fit well with the Spymaster, a cunning and ruthless individual who is scarily still and quiet. Not too dissimilar to the Ghost, although without the charm.
STARRED IN:
FROST/NIXON
ROBIN HOOD
THE THREE MUSKETEERS
I hope you enjoyed the fan-cast, cronstructive criticsm is welcome. Cheers.