Category: Fantasy Film Casting

Recasting Kurt Russell Roles

This article is part of the Kurt Russell Blogathon where you can find my entries here.

Kurt Russell has become an icon in film because of his work and we have loved most of his films, while I have reviewed nearly every film I have been able to get my hands on, I thought I would do something different here.

My Rules are simple, the film is going to be released in 2019, I am casting some of his classic movies with new actors, I will not be including his son Wyatt in any selection or anyone that has played a son of his on screen too, I will also avoid using a rumoured replacement in potential remakes.

I want to make this clear, I enjoy the original performance, I don’t want a remake, this is just for fun.

My picks:

Snake Plissken – Escape from New York – Norman Reedus

Snake Plissken is the first truly iconic original character Russell played, he is forced into going into a walled off New York city filled with criminals after the President is shot down giving the criminal nuclear weapons. Snake is a no nonsense lone warrior that gives everyone the cold shoulder.

I have pick Norman Reedus for this role, he has made a name for himself as the bad boy on the Walking Dead, where he often has solo sequences going into battle and can handle the weaponry with ease.

MacReady – The Thing – Ed Skrein

MacReady is one of the crew in the Antarctica research base, he is the helicopter pilot that wants to get out to the sun as soon as his time is up, he is laid back not getting overly involved in the research side of things and has to keep everyone calm once that ‘Thing’ starts spreading through the camp.

Ed Skrein has been selected here because we have seen him play a selfish character well, but one that will do the right thing for the people he is around a lot. We need someone that look rough around the edges but still be the most popular with the ladies.

Lt Gabriel Cash – Tango & Cash – John Boyega

Cash is the partner to the straight talking suave cop Tango, he is the opposite being overzealous in his action, for this pick we need someone that can bounce of a Stallone like actor and can bring the energy required.

John Boyega is the actor I have gone for here, this role needs someone that can get the most talking in, we have seen this in Star Wars and more recently in Pacific Rim Uprising. He brings the street wise side to his character too which we saw in Attack the Block, making this my pick for this role.

Let me know what you think of these choice and let me know who you would pick for these three roles.

Let’s Recast a Film

You know how us film fans always want to recast a film, well today we play the role of producer and this script has turned up on our desk. The next job is to cast the film as if it the year is 2017, the rules are as simple you can’t use anyone who is in the original film however good or bad you think the film is. So without further ado let’s cast this movie.

Film: Train to Busan (American Version)

Original Cast: Yoo Gong, Yu-mi Jung, Dong-seok Ma, Eui-Sung Kim, Gwi-hwa Choi

New Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Evangeline Lilly, Joel Edgerton, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Josh Stewart

Why I have picked this star: I have only picked these five characters because picking a child actor usually is best to get an unknown and these five adult characters are all the most important to the outcome of the film. I have also decided to avoid anyone actors who have appeared in zombie fighting movies or TV shows or true A-listers for this one and it goes without saying the names will be changed.

Seok-woo – Yoo Gong – Daniel Kaluuya

Seok-woo is a businessman that forgets his daughter’s birthday and to make up for it must escort his daughter to her mother’s house in Busan. We see he is distant from his child but through the film we see the reluctant fighter come out on him in the battle to survive.  I have gone with Daniel Kaluuya here because we need a character that isn’t built to fight and after seeing Get Out this year we get to see a working man entered a horror position where he needs to fight back.       

Seong-kyeong – Yu-mi Jung – Evangeline Lilly

Seong-kyeong is the pregnant wife of Sang-hwa, she becomes the carer for the little girl when the men go off to fight and she is the reason why Sang-hwa is so determined to make it out of the train with their child. Evangeline is a strong actress and hasn’t been afraid to become a supporting character in many different genres.

Sang-hwa – Dong-seok Ma – Joel Edgerton

Sang-hwa is the father-to-be that will pick up any weapon to stop the zombies taking over the train and killing his family. He quickly becomes the favourite character in this film, he does have a stocky build but it shows it is mostly muscle when being shown off in combat. Joel Edgerton is my pick here, we know he can handle combat after Warrior without looking he most muscular and after It Comes at Night we saw him in a desperate to survive situation.

Yon-suk – Eui-sung Kim – Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

Yon-suk is the cowardly businessman who manages to get others to work with him to stop our group of survivors reaching certain points in the train, he will also sacrifice anybody, any age to save himself from the zombies. This character is important because he shows the difference between a man who believes has it all compared to the Homeless man’s actions of a man who doesn’t have anything. Nikolaj is most known for being Jamie Lannister in Game of Thrones where he has done twisted things to a mix of victims showing he can pull of the heartless villain looking to keep himself on top.

Homeless Man – Gwi-hwa Choi – Josh Stewart

Homeless Man is joins the train last minute, but he always turns up when one of our characters needs help before showing his moment of heroics to save our young child in danger. Josh Stewart has built up a reputation in horror in recent years and picking him for this small role but also important role would continue to show his range in the horror genre.

How will this change the film: The only changes you would be adding into this film is the location to where the train is heading too, maybe out of New York to the West Coast hoping it starts on one side, the only other change is the names would need to become an English based for the audience to connect with.

Will you be going to see this new version of the film?
Who would you rather see in this film?

Disclaimer – This is just for fun with the idea being the film is being released in this year, we are not suggesting a full remake to the idea of the film having a different release date or country.

Let’s Recast a Film

You know how us film fans always want to recast a film, well today we play the role of producer and this script has turned up on our desk. The next job is to cast the film as if it the year is 2017, the rules are as simple you can’t use anyone who is in the original film however good or bad you think the film is. So without further ado let’s cast this movie.

Film: Seven

Original Cast: Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Gwyneth Paltrow

New Cast: Liam Neeson, Channing Tatum, Tessa Thompson, Jared Leto

Why I have picked this star:

Somerset – Morgan Freeman – Liam Neeson

Somerset is the experience detective on the verge of retirement, he narrates the film but remains calm during any crime scenes as he searches for answers, you need an experienced actor in the lead role and in the 90’s Freeman was the go to man. Now Neeson is taking stranger roles but has always been calm in his delivery. It would be nice to see Neeson get back into serious roles which he hasn’t done many of in recent years with Silence being the only major one.

Mills – Brad Pitt – Channing Tatum

Mills is the hot-headed rookie detective new to the area being forced into working with Somerset which is designed to help him learn the streets. He is recent married to his sweet heart too. When Brad Pitt took this role he was trying to shake the pretty boy reputation and here he proved that he was a great actor. Channing Tatum is following a similar path, he has been taking risks Foxcatcher and even his small role in The Hateful Eight. This role could be the one that makes him break away for good.

Tracy – Gwyneth Paltrow – Tessa Thompson

Tracy is the wife of Mills, she is lonely in the new city and only turns to Somerset for ideas and a friend with the big secret about her pregnancy. We don’t learn too much from her and we do this character written stronger. Paltrow was one of the popular names at the time and worked for this role. Tessa Thompson has been making a name for herself for a while now Creed broke her into mainstream as the supportive partner and written stronger Thompson could steal the movie.

John Doe – Kevin Spacey – Jared Leto

John Doe is the killer that has been planning the murders for over a year. Kevin Spacey shocked the world with his performance and we all know this is most likely the hardest to pick a name for because there are a lot of actors that could play this psychotic, I had a couple of names Ryan Gosling being my second choice. I did go with Jared Leto because when he plays weird or crazy he shines when he doesn’t have to be a leading character, his Joker was different, Niander Wallace likewise, this guy can play creepy whenever he wants and this role he would relish.

How will this change the film: In all honesty I wouldn’t be changing too much with the film, the only change would be to make Tracy a stronger character.

Will you be going to see this new version of the film?
Who would you rather see in this film?

Disclaimer – This is just for fun and playing into the idea this film was to be released in 2017, this isn’t supporting remakes but just imagining this was a new film.

Let’s Recast a Film

You know how us film fans always want to recast a film, well today we play the role of producer and this script has turned up on our desk. The next job is to cast the film as if it the year is 2016, the rules are as simple you can’t use anyone who is in the original film however good or bad you think the film is. So without further ado let’s cast this movie.

For this I will be turning a loved television show into a modern day one off film.

Film: Cheers

Original Cast: Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, George Wendt, Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson, Kirstie Alley, Shelly Long

New Cast: Dan Stevens, Traylor Howard, John C Reilly, Will Ferrell, Nick Frost, Emory Cohen, Olivia Thirby, Emma Watson

Why I have picked this star:

Ted Danson – Dan Stevens – Sam Malone Sam is the former baseball star who owns the bar which he uses to meet women. He is loved by the bar patrons but when Diane turns up Sam starts to think about actually settling down, while in the show after she leaves Rebecca offers this once more. For this version of Sam, I will have both women involved with the bar and Sam is torn between the two. With this choice I can hear you from here going NO WAY but I do think Sam doesn’t need to be the one telling the joke he needs the funny in reactions to being shot down but needs the look of what he thinks all women want and hello Mr Stevens who could easily pass this role over and if you question his comic chops check out his work in Night at the Museum Secret of the Tomb.

Rhea Perlman – Traylor Howard – Carla Tortelli Carla is bar maid that takes no shit from anyone who is working to supporting her kids who are a pain in her arse but you insult them you deal with Carla. She is tough as they come and could easily be the bouncer of the bar. Traylor doesn’t have the largest filmography with her most notable roles being in TV series Monk and Two Guys and a Girl opposite Ryan Reynolds but I do feel she could play the Carla character because we do see her snap easily through these shows which is needed for this role.

John Ratzenberger – John C. Reilly – Cliff Clavin Cliff is the postman who comes in with his large amount of useless knowledge but best friend chemistry with Norm. I have pick John because along with my choice of Will we know they have brilliant chemistry that will work for this film.

George Wendt – Will Ferrell – Norm Peterson Norm gets his own welcome whether he walks into the bar, he has his own sit which makes a trip down to Cheers a chance to get away from his wife. Norm has a best friend in Cliff and this choice needs perfect chemistry with the Cliff choice. Will and John have brilliant chemistry which will shine through in these roles.

Kelsey Grammer – Nicky Frost – Dr Fraiser Crane Frasier finds himself in the bar when he starts dating Diane but knowing where her heart lies he sticks around to add a higher class to the bar. For this I will have the idea that he still loves Diane while being married to Lilith. This is yet again an unusual choice but this character in Cheers is very pompous before we get to know him in his own show so I am only judging him from this show and we have seen Nick can handle a mix of comic characters and working with the other talent he can pull off the smartest in the room.

Woody Harrelson – Emory Cohen – Woody Boyd Woody comes to Cheers to see his old coach, Coach only to find he has passed away. I want to keep the Woody character in the film version because I do like both characters but as I last watched Woody I am favouring him at the moment. I have picked Emory for this role because we need an actor who can play the innocent but good hearted young man and we saw this in Brooklyn.

Kirstie Alley – Olivia Thirlby – Rebecca Howe Rebecca comes into the bar to help run the place because Sam has been struggling with the business side of everything. Rebecca offers another love angle for Sam which works for the duelling between her and Diane. Olivia has been in and out of comedies for a few years but with the role in Dredd we get to see a developing authority role and this will give her a chance to perform both these roles.

Shelly Long – Emma Watson – Diane Chambers Diane is the woman that works as a bar maid, she thinks she is better than everyone else in the bar constantly having to deal with Sam coming on to her but always shooting him down. I want to keep this character very similar because she is need to be different to the other female cast members. Let’s make Diane British for this and who better than this star Miss Watson who can turn heads and most importantly push anyone she’s not interested in away.

How will this change the film: I do want to keep most of this show the same with his new cast, I do love this show so I don’t want this to be a bad parody of the show and I do think each of these actors can offer everything needed for these roles which is something we do need to see.

Will you be going to see this new version of the film?
Who would you rather see in this film?

 

Let’s Recast a Film

You know how us film fans always want to recast a film, well today we play the role of producer and this script has turned up on our desk. The next job is to cast the film as if it the year is 2016, the rules are as simple you can’t use anyone who is in the original film however good or bad you think the film is. So without further ado let’s cast this movie.

Film: Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Original Cast: Scott Eastwood, Gemma Arterton, Kevin Costner returning.

New Cast: Ben Foster, Alfie Allen, Nathalie Emmanuel

Sam Drake – Ben Foster Sam is the long lost brother of Nathan who returns to his life to make him an offer to search for the treasure they once got so close to finding. He has always protected Nathan through the years and comes off like a much rougher character. I have picked Foster for this role because he can pick up and play any role with ease.

Rafe Adler – Alfie Allen Rafe is the rich man who has been searching with the Drake’s at first for the treasure of all treasures but now he works alone seeing them a enemies. He has hired Nadine to take out anyone who gets in his way giving up nearly every moment of his life to make this happen. I have picked Alfie because I see him being able to pull off any of the roles as the determined millionaire wanting to find the treasure that we can see the calm side and his psychotic side.

Nadine Ross – Nathalie Emmanuel Nadine has an army working for her, she is works on loyalty rather than money which shows just how many soldiers are willing to di fighting for her. Having seen Nathalie in roles through Game of Thrones and Furious 7 we get to see how she can handle herself around demanding male characters which she can use to make this role her own.

Why I have picked this star: This is the first Uncharted game I haven’t played but I have spent time watching the game on Youtube following TheRadBrad play through the game. While I would love to be able to play the game I don’t have the next gen console to be able to play it. Saying this I have loved watching it and been experiencing it like a movie only. This is meant to be the final chapter of the series and I know I have skipped three but I didn’t enjoy the direction that one went, I feel this is a great set of edition to say goodbye to the much loved characters.

How will this change the film:

Will you be going to see this new version of the film?
Who would you rather see in this film?

Let’s Recast a Film

You know how us film fans always want to recast a film, well today we play the role of producer and this script has turned up on our desk. The next job is to cast the film as if it the year is 2016, the rules are as simple you can’t use anyone who is in the original film however good or bad you think the film is. So without further ado let’s cast this movie.

Film: Twins

Original Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Danny DeVito

New Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Jonah Hill

Why I have picked this star:

Arnold Schwarzenegger – Chris Hemsworth – Julius I have gone with Chris because he does have good comic timing without being a pre comedian which is why this role comes off great he doesn’t need all the extra laughs from him we need the comedy coming from making fun of himself.

Danny DeVito – Jonah Hill – Vincent I have selected Jonah for this role because we know he can handle comedy next to a muscle bound partnership with the brilliant 21 and 22 Jump Street. We all know he has the wise cracking but I do understand how we don’t get the full physical difference but the comic timing is working throughout.

How will this change the film: The reason this film worked so well was the odd couple pairing both physical and attitudes with the big guy being the softy and the little guy being the trouble maker. I have pick these two because I think they can work in comedy and create the chemistry needed in this role. I have also ruled out the easy option of Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart because they have done films together and this idea is to create a new partnership.

Will you be going to see this new version of the film?
Who would you rather see in this film?

Let’s Recast a Film

You know how us film fans always want to recast a film, well today we play the role of producer and this script has turned up on our desk. The next job is to cast the film as if it the year is 2016, the rules are as simple you can’t use anyone who is in the original film however good or bad you think the film is. So without further ado let’s cast this movie.

Film: Kindergarten Cop

Original Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Penelope Ann Miller, Pamela Reed, Richard Tyson

New Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Brittany Snow, Thandie Newton, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

Why I have picked this star:

Arnold Schwarzenegger – Dwayne Johnson – John Kimble The reason why this comedy works is because we have a massive muscle bound guy having to work with children and who better to replace Arnie than Dwayne Johnson who I arguable a better all-around actor and could get more comedy out of this film.

Penelope Ann Miller – Brittany Snow – Joyce Palmieri I have gone with Brittany Snow because she can take the teacher role with a shady past which is all this role needs to be.

Pamela Reed – Thandie Newton – Detective Phoebe O’Hara O’Hara is the partner that Kimble has to work with, she has to be different to him being more of a people person and this is what Newton has done for years been a strong supporting actress.

Richard Tyson – Nikolaj Coster-Waldau – Cullen Crisp Cullen is the villain of the film that is trying to cover up any story that could expose the truth, he follows his mother’s instruction while trying to get his kid back. Nikolaj is a great choice because he can play both sides of the villain being strong when needed and a weasel like character.

How will this change the film: I would like to keep the most part of this film again with the only addition would be to add a little extra comedy.

Will you be going to see this new version of the film?
Who would you rather see in this film?

Let’s Recast a Film

You know how us film fans always want to recast a film, well today we play the role of producer and this script has turned up on our desk. The next job is to cast the film as if it the year is 2016, the rules are as simple you can’t use anyone who is in the original film however good or bad you think the film is. So without further ado let’s cast this movie.

Film: Uncharted 2: Among Theives

Cast: We would have the same starts returning with Scott Eastwood, Gemma Arterton and Kevin Costner with the additions of these names. Zoe Kravitz, Garrett Hedlund, Faran Tahir

Why I have picked this star:

Chloe – Zoe Kravitz Chloe is another connection Nathan has through the years she is able to handle herself in a fight and comes off slightly rougher than Elena. I have pick Zoe for this role because we know she can be a tough character with her roles in X-Men First Class and her supporting character in the Divergent series.

Harry Flynn – Garrett Hedlund Harry is a fellow treasure hunter that brings Nathan into his latest quest which involves working for a war criminal. He is an honest hunter much like Nathan and that is why I have chosen Garrett, I feel he does a great job in Tron Legacy where he is standing toe to toe with an established character much like what Harry will be.

Zoran Lazarevic – Faran Tahir Zoran is the war criminal that is long thought to be dead that hires Harry to find Shangri-La. He is dangerous to cross as Nathan will find out through the story making him a much more threaten villain for our heroes to go up against. I have pick Faran mainly because he excels in the roles of terrorists with one of the highlights in Ironman.

How will this change the film: I think the first cast have now gelled which makes these additions great with a new enemy for our heroes to deal with as well as new allies in battle which is something we could all enjoy.

Will you be going to see this new version of the film?
Who would you rather see in this film?