Before I start I will just say there is no Johnny Depp in here. Everyone on here has cast him in numerous roles, all of which he would own, and there’s the problem. He’s a very rare talent that will turn his hand to anything thrown at him. Every time I came to cast a role I started thinking “Depp can do that” so I decided to turn away from him altogether to make this more interesting.
Sinestro = Luke Goss
Jason Isaacs is a better choice for this role but I'm trying not to duplicate castings for the same reason you will not find Johnny Depp here. I'll end up with a fan cast of just two or three actors playing several roles and that defeats the point! Isaacs is born for Mr Sinister so I had to come up with a reserve for Sinestro. Goss looks good and has proven his evil credentials in the Blade and Hellboy sequels.
Darksied = Michael Clarke Duncan
There is simply no better man for the job! He has a big intimidating frame, good acting talent and a great voice. Everything about this guy says "power", and that is Darksied to a T!
General Zod = Rufus Sewell
There has been around five different incarnations of Zod in print alone. These ranged from plain kryptonian general on earth with the same powers as superman to an armour clad warrior who got his power from his suit imitating the rays of the red kryptonian sun. Personally I preferred the Zod Terrence Stamp portrayed in Superman 2. This was a subtle blend of the 1st and 2nd Zod's in print (if I remember correctly). To carry on this role there is none better than Rufus Sewell. This picture alone is proof that the look is there but his acting talent is simply outstanding! He can be seen giving a solid performance in the series "11th Hour" but to truly see his talent you need to watch the movie "Dark City" and BBC drama "Charles: The Power and the Passion".
The rest of the castings are from the Batman universe. I'd like to explain that I am going for a Nolan-esque world. One with the dark grit Nolan has given us but also one where Nolan has climbed out of his arse and said "hey, superheroes are not beneath me. They are interesting characters and deserve recognition!”
Joker = Benico Del Toro OR Mark Hamill
Heath did an amazing job but that doesn't mean the role is untouchable and it should certainly not be left to fade away. The Joker is known for reinventing himself and the fact his face is scarred and caked in make-up makes getting a convincing successor easier. Del Toro is quite simply a great actor, I really feel he could do this. But I am torn. As good as Del Toro would be you can't ignore the voicing talent Mark Hamill has already put into this character. Put that together with his look and I think he could transfer into live action brilliantly!
The Penguin = Paul Giamatti
In the Nolan-esque world I imagine the Penguin as a powerful business man much like Bruce’s father but also a secret mob boss bent on controlling Gotham rather than saving it. A small tubby man who get’s his name from the suits he wears rather than from deformity. Paul is a great actor that could easily pull off this role.
Killer Croc= Kevin Grevioux
Whether we get a fully mutated man/crocodile creature or simply a strong man with a skin condition and filed down teeth, there is no one better than Kevin to do it.
Harley Quinn = Brittany Murphy
We’ve all cast her in this role, and with good cause! Enough said!
The Riddler = Jim Carey
OK, so he’s done it before and it didn’t turn out so well. This was due to two things, his stage of career meant he couldn’t break away from face twisting comedy and then there’s the biggest issue…Joel Sh*tmaker! Batman Forever had a good script and a good cast if not a great one, yet Sh*tmaker still managed to balls it up! Now, I’m not going for the same kind of Riddler here. I want a Riddler as dark if not darker than Joker, a guy who tests people’s intelligence in games that mean death for the losers. A guy much like the villain in the Saw films. Jim Carey had the perfect look for this role in “Number 23” and turned in a fairly dark performance. With the right direction I think Carey can go much darker.
Ventriloquist = Robin Williams
Another comedian. Williams has proven his talent at more serious roles in “One Hour Photo” and “Insomnia” and to a lesser extent in “What Dreams May Come”. Even “Patch Adams” had some very good moments of deeply emotional acting. Williams is perfect for playing the mild mannered Arnold Wesker and his criminal mastermind alter ego Scarface.
Hugo Strange = James Lipton
I am particularly pleased with this casting. I was sat looking through castings while my kids watched “Bolt”, a behind the scenes feature came on and there he was. I used to see him and think “that guy from “Inside The Actors Studio” who looks bored to death!” but head to imbd.com and you will be amazed at this guys talent! He composed the Thundercats theme! That alone makes him a god! The guy is perfect for the part of Arkham Asylums chief and puppet master.