Things have been running a bit rampant here lately, with everyone bickering over, defending and overall celebrating Spider-Man's inclusion in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It's gotten downright exhausting just how many Spider-Man articles have been posted, often saying the same things over and over again. While y'all were off fighting over Miles Morales or Peter Parker should be the next Spider-Man, I've been here assembling only a few characters and the actors I think should portray them.
There was a recent rumor that went out on Reddit saying that Mysterio would be the main villain of the 1st film with Kingpin in the background and Shocker under his employment. I believe that's how it went, anyway--but I think it'd make the perfect plot of a movie. With this information in mind, I casted these characters and only a few others that are relevant to Peter Parker's life. I didn't even attempt to cast Mary Jane Watson, as she's hard as hell to put an actress to. Besides, I think we can all agree they need to give the romance a light rest. However, I will say that fan-favorite Jane Levy definitely looks the part.
So let's get started, folks.
Daniel Radcliffe as Spider-Man
At 25, I think Radcliffe is hitting the outer age limit for the younger Peter Parker that Marvel desires. However, I think he is a fantastic choice. While he may not want to commit to another long-term franchise after Harry Potter, it would definitely help his career and give another big-time role for the audience to identify him with. Daniel can give a perfect American accent, and can deliver the nerd-but-still-relatableness that is Peter Parker.
Helen Mirren as Aunt May
Helen is, well, old so she's played all kinds of characters throughout her career--including several motherly roles. At the end of the day, Aunt May is the most important person in Peter's life, and Helen could definitely make that dynamic feel real. Also, I didn't cast Uncle Ben as I wouldn't want the film to re-explore the origin or even spend too much time on flashbacks. But, if they go that route, my personal choice would have been Harrison Ford.
Tom Cruise as Norman Osborn
If anyone can dance between charm and mischief, it's Tom Cruise. While I loved Raimi's Green Goblin(s), I feel like they've really missed the mark with what that character is capable of. The audience knows that he's evil, but being the head of a company means he can sit back and do his work while the rest of the chaos ensues--think the Thanos of New York City. Of course, we know at his core he's just downright crazy--and I know I'm not the only one who would love to see Cruise play that sort of character.
Callan McAuliffe as Harry Osborn
Tracing all the way back to I Am Number Four, I've only seen a couple movies that he's starred in, but they're enough to sell me. At age 20, he'd be a perfect candidate for Peter Parker himself, but I think his skill set is more geared towards a character with villainous purpose. Like other Spidey characters, we've seen plenty of Harry Osborn in the previous films--so for the reboot, I'd definitely put him on the backburner, acting more as a crutch for Peter's 'normal' life rather than major plot importance.
Bryan Cranston as Dr. Otto Octavius
Cranston is a fan favorite for a lot of characters, as he can pretty much pull off any role. And the mastermind/leader of the Sinister Six? I think he's a great choice for the villain, and could very well hold his own one-on-one movie against Spider-Man.
Jeffrey Donovan as the Chameleon
Donovan is known for his stick-up-his-ass roles, often playing a douchebag that stands in the way. While the Chameleon--brother of Kraven--had a distorted past, it's hard to feel sympathy for him as he's such a [frick]ing bastard. Donovan can bring this bastardization to life, consistently manipulating those around him in a deliciously evil way.
Manu Bennett as Kraven the Hunter
Now I know what you're thinking, and I usually think it too. I downright hate when someone fan-casts an actor from a CW show in a feature-length movie. It's become very stereotypical. But the fact of the matter is, Bennett has had experience in feature-lengths, and in every role I've seen him in he plays a character that demands recognition of his presence. He's badass, just like Kraven the Hunter is, and is the perfect fit for this greedy, violent villain.
Johnny Depp as Quentin Beck/Mysterio
While this is sure to be another controversial casting choice, we all know Johnny Depp can act out damn near anything. While a villainous character isn't the norm for him, I think the deranged Mysterio is right up his alley. In a Spider-Man movie, Mysterio needs to frighten our hero and make him face his demons; I think this needs to be Marvel's version of DC's Scarecrow, to an extent. He needs to scare us, but also keep us guessing. Depp is that guy.
Billy Miller as Shocker
Billy Miller is a talented actor, but can't seem to get his breakthrough into the film industry. Starring in several recurring roles on television, I think it's time we give this guy a chance. Shocker has never been a major villain, and he shouldn't be. He's an antagonist for Spider-Man, but more of an annoyance than anything. Miller would do good in this role and it could get him noticed, a stepping stone for larger roles.
Zac Efron as Eddie Brock Jr.
If you've made it this far in my fan-cast, congratulations, you're not lost yet. But casting Efron as Brock just might send you over the edge. Oftentimes you'll see this guy fan-casted as different heroes--Daredevil, Spider-Man, Iron Fist (which I hope happens, actually). But you never seem get casted as a villain--and I think the Venom character would work well with him. See, Venom is always going back and forth between anti-hero and villain. Everybody knows he was a Daily Bugle reporter who developed a hatred for Peter Parker/Spider-Man. And acting this struggle with wanting to be good yet wanting to kill Parker is something that I think could launch Efron to another level of stardom. This is a complexity I'm confident he can handle, and present to us in a fun way.
Well guys, it's been fun. I may be wishing for the absurd, but I hope you liked my cast. Be sure to let me know in the comment section below!