Okay, I have been promising this one for a while now, and I think it is time. Ever since Marvel and Sony decided to share (yes, they are sharing) the rights to Spider-Man, I have had a ton of fan-casts/picks in my head for who will portray the title character, as well as his unique supporting cast. Recently, it was revealed that Marvel and Sony are looking the great John Hughes as inspiration for their new film, as well as the inevitable Spider-Man franchise.
With that, I have decided to cast the upcoming re-reboot of the popular Marvel character. Now, obviously, Sony and Marvel have already cast The Impossible’s Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, and The Wrestler’s Marisa Tomei as Aunt May, so you will not see different picks here. I have not really shared my opinions on both of these castings, so allow me to do so for a second. When discussing Holland as Parker, I am very, very excited. I think Tom’s a great young actor, and can capture the high school angle of Peter and Spider-Man, something we have yet to (really) see on the big screen. Tomei is a wonderful pick for May, she’s funny, sweet and caring. I think she will really bring something wonderful and different to the role.
So, that being said, how about we actually jump into the Spider-Man franchise, and tackle the castings for Sony and Marvel? Have a seat, grab a drink, and enjoy the ride.
Vince Vaughn as Norman Osborn/Green Goblin
As we kick off this fan-cast, I have decided to pick someone who I know will get people talking. Star of such comedy classics like Wedding Crashers and Swingers, Vince Vaughn is one of the funniest actors around… So why is he perfect for Norman Osborn? Well, I have see something of a change in Vaughn. Currently starring in season two of True Detective, Vaughn has really showcased some mad dramatic abilities. The dude is empowering, scary, and physically demanding, traits a great Norman Osborn should possess. Vaughn has been dying to have a crack at a character with such range as Osborn, and I think he would really showcase a side to him we have yet to see on the big or small screen. I think this portrayal of Norman should be very different to both the books, and films. I think these movies should explore Osborn as a father-figure to Peter, as we have yet to really see that fully-explored on the big screen. While I do not think we will be seeing Osborn become The Goblin right off the bat, it is inevitable that we will see Gobby once more, and I think Vince is a perfect pick for the role.
Jason Bateman as Dr. Curt Connors/The Lizard
Another comedic actor who does wonders with dramatic material, Jason Bateman is one of my favourite actors. Ever since 2011’s Horrible Bosses, it was obvious that Bateman has much to show audiences everywhere. After having a major supporting role in the Oscar winning film, Juno, Bateman showed a really unique side to his acting, as he portrayed a real douchebag in the picture. While Connors is not exactly a “douchebag” he is a really wonderful character to see. After seeing Rhys Ifans’ portrayal in The Amazing Spider-Man, I think it would be amazing to see a Connors who sticks around and helps Peter throughout his life. Like the comic books, we do not need to see Connors become the villain straight away. The studios now have so much time to explore the relationships of these characters, so let us do that! I think Bateman would make for a wonderful Dr. Connors and would have awesome chemistry with a talented individual like Holland.
Jonah Hill as Dr. Otto Octavius/Dr. Octopus
This one… This one is a doozy. Jonah Hill, star of 21 Jump Street, is one of Hollywood’s best actors around. No question. The dude is funny, smart and demanding. Dr. Octopus has been done on the big screen before, and he was portrayed so beautifully by Alfred Molina, that it would be virtually impossible to replicate that authenticity. However, never say never. Here is my pitch for his character, and his portrayal; being a youngish version of the character, what if Octavius was trying to work for Oscorp, what if he was promised everything, until Peter Parker showed up. Osborn could offer Parker a job at his company, and this could immensely aggravate Octavius, and would spark him to create the metallic arms from the comics and prove to Osborn that he is better than Parker. Obviously, things do not go according to plan, and he becomes the super villain we know and love. I think that is a really unique and different way to approach a character who has been around for almost as long as the title character himself. Mind you, Hill is not just a funny guy. The dude has been nominated for two, yes… Two, Academy Awards, and will win one, eventually. With Hill being thirty-one, and Holland ben nineteen, the age difference between the two would be realistic, and could really add something to their relationship.
Lily James as Felicia Hardy/The Black Cat
I was originally not going to have Felicia in this, but I was convinced by my own brain. I recently saw the remake of Cinderella, and was really surprised by how solid and well-acted the film was. One huge stand out for me was Lily James, who of course played the title role. James has a very gorgeous figure, as well as a face to die for, she’s drop-dead stunning. This is something a character like Black Cat needs. James has a ton of roles coming up, and yet none of them are in any superhero related franchise, but these films could change all of that. I think Marvel and Sony are going to introduce Black Cat, as she is a really fantastic character, and could add something unique and new to the Spider-Man movies, as well as giving Peter another problem… But really, though, would you consider her a problem?
Joel Edgerton as Sergei Kravinoff
I love Kraven The Hunter. He is a really cool character, and one I can guarantee we will see on the big screen in the 2017 Spider-Man film. That being said, what take on the character would Marvel and Sony be willing to do? I mean, his original version is not exactly “realistic,” but then again, in a universe with a Norse God wielding a hammer and a dude shrinking to the size of my *&^%, we can have Kraven, right? Anyway, I do not think Marvel will poach (get it, ‘cause he is a hunter) that take, instead I think the studio will adapt the Ultimate version of the character. In that version, Kraven was an Australian television host, who was a mock of Aussie legend Steve Irwin. I do not think he will be a TV host, but I think Kraven will be portrayed as an Aussie who is hired by Norman Osborn to either kill, or capture Spider-Man. Now, who would play this version of The Hunter? I could not think of anyone better than Exodus’ Joel Edgerton. The dude has really, really impressed me, and it is a damn shame he has not appeared in a superhero film yet. Edgerton has just finished his directorial debut in The Gift, so I think he would love to appear in a huge film like Spider-Man, especially as such an iconic and awesome character.
John Cena as Flint Marko/The Sandman
I will admit this, I am a little bit of wrestling fan. I grew up watching WWE and have since found myself tuning in every now and then, the shit is addictive! Anyway, one wrestler who is making his way into Hollywood is current United States Champion, John Cena. Cena, who will appear in this month’s Trainwreck, alongside Amy Schumer and Bill Hader, has another comedy film coming out this year in the Tina Fey-Amy Poehler flick, Sisters. The Sandman has always been portrayed as a comedic character, well, ever since Sam Raimi nailed the dramatic angle in Spider-Man 3, and personally, I would not change that. I think the Spider-Man reboot is in some desperate need for a comedic villain, someone Spidey can have some fun with, while at the same time, could come back to haunt him with some buddies (hint, Sinister Six). I think Cena would nail the sheer stupidity of Flint Marko, and would be a truly hilarious Sandman, especially under the direction of Cop Car’s Jon Watts.
Jason Sudeikis as Herman Schultz/The Shocker
Yes, I know what you are all thinking; “We get it, you have an obsession with Jason Sudeikis.” And, while that is true, I put him in here to establish that The Shocker is apart of this universe. I have always loved Herman Schultz, I think he is a truly fantastic character. He is essentially the worst super villain out there, and still, he tries to be the best. There is something so beautiful, and kinda inspirational about that. When I wrote my (ridiculously well-received) Superior Foes of Spider-Man pitch (which you can read here), I had Jason in the role, and everyone seemed to adore it, so there are no changes here. While Shocker would not appear throughout the franchise, I would have him appear in the first film, to set up the spin-off film, with Sudeikis portraying him.
Nick Offerman as J. Jonah Jameson
Another member of Parks & Recreation who is ready to leap to the big screen of Marvel, is none other than Ron F’n Swanson himself, Nick Offerman. Offerman is one of the most under appreciated actors working today. The dude is funny, witty, and immensely empowering. While, sure, replacing J.K Simmons would be a tough thing to do, I think given his prior efforts and ridiculously awesome role on the NBC show, Nick should nail JJ’s large mouth, and piping hot temper. Offerman has a film in theatres now, he actually has a supporting role in the Sundance hit, Me And Earl And The Dying Girl. Seriously, imagine Offerman yelling, at the top his all macho-American lungs, “Parker!”
Hailee Steinfeld as Mary-Jane Watson
Ah, yes. The girl next door. Mary-Jane Watson has always, and will always be, my first crush. There is something so sexy, and just cool about her red hair, and dazzling eyes. So, when it comes to Marvel and Sony’s choice for Peter’s longtime crush, I think they should go with Pitch Perfect 2’s Hailee Steinfeld. Steinfeld is eighteen years old, a full year younger than our new Spider-Man, Tom Holland. When I look at this version of Spider-Man, and how they are going to capture the John Hughes angle, I could not imagine the series without the whole “friends who wanna be more” thing. I think that just works. For a series like this, where we will see Peter and MJ grow up together, I think it could be really beautiful if we have the two as friends who are both too scared to make a move. Peter, being the loveable idiot he is, asks MJ how to pick up girls, and instead of using them on the red-haired beauty, he uses them on the dashing brunette, Liz Allen. I think by having Peter and MJ be friends, Marvel and Sony could explore angles to the duo we have never seen on film, and would totally make the romantic side of Spider-Man unique and could stand out among the onslaught of superhero films.
Victoria Justice as Liz Allen
As I previously stated, Peter Parker is an idiot… But he has a great taste in women. I think one of the things The Spectacular Spider-Man captured so well, was the high school angle. The TV show really brought you in on who Peter Parker was, and what he was feeling. One of the really amazing things about the show, was how it juggled characters. One character who I never knew about was Liz Allen, however, the show made me really care about her as a character. In short, Liz is a cheerleader who is way out of Peter’s league, but when Liz needs help tutoring, Peter steps in. Liz is instantly attracted to him, and the two have a relationship. I think there is something really cool, and realistic about that. Victoria Justice is a wonderful actress. She is funny, sweet, and you would fall in love with her in a second. She is just the works. I think with Holland as Peter, would could really explore this angle of Parker’s life we have yet to see on the big screen, and it could make for a really emotional movie, and very true to the John Hughes angle Kevin Feige is discussing.
Nick Robinson as Harry Osborn
I love Harry Osborn. He is seriously one of my favourite characters in all of comics. Harry has been portrayed as a real enemy for Peter in a ton of movies, and I think Marvel are going to change that. Harry is Peter’s best friend. That is it. Sure, they become enemies, but that is when they are both in their mid, to late 20s. They are kids for now, let them have fun! After seeing Jurassic World, I wanted Robinson to play Peter Parker, but Holland was cast in the role instead, so I had to make due. I think Nick would be a brilliant Harry, and would have some solid chemistry with Holland as Peter. I think the two would make for a really great duo, and would provide the audience with some truly heartfelt moments, while also not shying away from the laughs, as Harry, in the comics, was a pretty funny guy.
Keith Stanfield as Flash Thompson
I might get some stick for this one, but honestly? I do not care. Flash Thompson’s a great character, I have always found him undervalued and appreciated in the movies. However, if Marvel were to cast someone as ridiculously talented as Short Term 12’s Keith Stanfield, I think that would change all that. Stanfield has been my pick for Miles Morales for a long time, but after coming to the decision that we are stuck with Peter Parker, I decided to move on. I think having Flash in this series, and giving him a substantial role, embracing his inner Spider-Man nerd, could be really fun, and would add a whole new dimension to the Parker/Thompson relationship.
Abbi Jacobson as Betty Brant
One of the funniest TV shows on at the moment is Comedy Central’s Broad City. Starring Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson, the show is hysterical. A while back, I cast Glazer as Janice Lincoln/Beetle in Superior Foes of Spider-Man, and so it was only fair that I cast Jacobson in a role too. I think Abbi would be a wonderful Betty Brant, she could make the role really snarky, and quite hilarious. I also think she would obtain ridiculously dope chemistry with Nick Offerman as JJ, and the two of them could have some truly hilarious back-and-forth, something we have been missing from these Spider-Man films as of late.
Jack Reynor as Eddie Brock/Venom
Eventually, we will see Venom on the big screen. I have always been a fan of Eddie Brock, and I love the Ultimate portrayal a great deal. I think there is something so cool about Eddie being the older brother/uncle to Peter, and showing him the things their parents were hiding. With such a young Parker, I really do think Marvel and Sony will eventually go this route, and would introduce Eddie in college. After seeing last summer’s Transformers: Age of Extinction, I understand that Reynor may not be a popular pick. However, if you have seen Delivery Man or What Richard Did, you would know that this kid… This kid can [frick]ing act. He is such a ridiculously talented dude, and was not that terrible in Transformers, he just was not particularly great either. I think under the right direction, and with a solid script, Reynor would own the role of Eddie and could have some truly great chemistry with Holland.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, that wraps it up. I would love to hear what you guys and girls think in the comments below. So be sure to hit the tumps up button, as well as sharing this with all people who you deem to have some sort of interest in this topic. Anyway, thanks for reading, and I hope to see how many of these I get right, I am doing rather well recently when it comes to predicting the future.