Casting Call: The Awesomes

Last night I finished re-watching the first season of the Hulu show, The Awesomes.  In an age where superhero films and entertainment are more popular than ever I find this show refreshing, smart, and hilarious.  It was conceived by Saturday Night Live alumni Seth Meyers, who voices Prock, along with some other SNL, and notable comedians, lending their voices to the show.   Season two of this series starts in August and I'm excited to see where the characters go after the season one finale.  The other night I was lying in bed and I came up with a few casting choices if The Awesomes ever made it to a big screen live adaptation.  So naturally, I had to think about who I would cast in all the roles instead of actually sleeping.

Micheal Cera as Prock

Prock is the leader of the new Awesomes.  His father, Mr. Awesome, has departed Earth and left Prock in charge of the team.  Because of this, everyone quits, so Prock has to fill his roster with a bunch of reject superheroes.  Prock is a genius, but everyone thinks he has no super powers so no one takes him seriously.  However, his best friend is the only one who knows that Prock has the ability to freeze time for ten seconds increments.

If you need a whiny, self-obsessed, uptight, nerd then look no further than Michael Cera.  He's been great in films like Superbad and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.  I think he'd be a perfect match for Prock. 

 

Chris Pratt as Muscle Man

Pratt has proven he can play the dimwitted best friend of Prock with his role as Andy in the television show Parks and Recreations.  He also beefed up to play Star-Lord in this summer's Guardians of the Galaxy.  Put these two combinations together and we've got our Muscle Man!

Keira Knightley as Concierge

Originally thought of to be more of a babysitter for the Awesomes, Concierge has become the team's know-it-all to any question they may have about super villains and their pasts.  She's super organized and super serious.  Which is good considering she works with guys like Muscle Man and Frantic.  I also think her and Prock have some kind of un-spoken connection, or it that just me?

Knightly wowed us all with her role in the Pirates of the Caribbean films and then went on to do roles in Domino and Anna Karinina.  She's got the build of Concierge, and I think her British accent will add a little more flavor to the character.  I'd even say she can skip the red hair.  I really don't mind.

 

Will Poulter as Frantic

In We're the Millers, Poulter played a doe-eyed kid who believed in everyone, and his comical performance was one of the best things about an otherwise forgettable film.  He'd be great as Frantic, the super-speed hick who joins the Awesomes in search of heroism and fame.

Jonathan Ke Quan as Sumo

Yes, I know Ke Quan is like 40 now, but I couldn't think of any other Asian actors under the age of 13 currently working in Hollywood; can you?  But think of how great the actor from The Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom would be as the boy who knows nothing about the world and turns into a giant sumo wrestler when he's angry.  I'd love you see that!

 

Emma Stone as Gadget Gal

This was the first casting choice that started all the rest in my head.  I can think of no other actress out there who has the quick tongue and tough skin to pull off this swinging character.  Gadget Gal was enjoying retirement when an aging ray turned back her clock about 50 years.  Now she's back in her prime and fighting bad guys with the Awesomes while still giving them her 1940's attitude.

Stone has charmed us in films like The Help and Crazy, Stupid, Love.  But it's her break-out role in Easy A that made me love this actress and all her talents.  Watch the film and tell me she isn't the perfect Gadget Gal.  I dare ya!

 

Minka Kelly as Hotwire

Hotwire is the daughter of Prock's father's mortal enemy.  She is trying to be a good guy and fight with the Awesomes but her past soon catches up with her.  Which is all a bummer because she's sweet and has left Prock smitten.

With her roles on television shows like Almost Human and Friday Night Lights, Kelly proves she is the sweet girl-next-door with a smokin body!  If she were to put on the Hotwire outfit I dare any guy not to be smitten.

 

Lamorne Morris as Impresario

This character is hilarious because of his flaws.  He is a huge mama's boy who just so happens to make anything he wants using his mind; think Green Lantern minus the ring.  So all of his constructs are his mother as a car, a hammer, a missile, etc.  It's hilarious and disturbing at the same time.

On New Girl Morris plays the lovable, yet slightly troubled, Winston.  You like the guy, but you're not sure if you'd really want to be his friend because he's got issues.  That's Impresario.

 

Ben Stiller as Dr. Malocchio

One of the funniest things about The Awesomes is the villain. Dr. Malocchio can hypnotise anyone except Mr. Awesome and his son.  He also has a lot of quirks that make his scenes interesting because you never know what minor detail he'll yell at his henchmen for.

I'm really not a Ben Stiller fan.  I feel like he plays the same character a lot, but when he steps outside of that character in movies like Dodgeball and Zoolander he is quite hilarious.  I think Malocchio would be a nice fit for Stiller to help bring out more of his comedic talent I know he has inside of him.  I just don't want another Night at the Museum sequel.  Dear Lord, make those stop!

Channing Tatum as Perfect Man

Hmmm.  An actor who looks like a guy that is a pretty boy, way into himself, but the actor himself is decent at comedy to pull it off?  Well I'm going with the 22 Jump Street star, Channing Tatum.  Anybody else got a suggestion? 

 

Casting Call: Aquaman

Last week I read an article online where actor Leonardo DiCaprio gave $10 million for ocean conservation.  In that same week the Internet was buzzing how Jason Momoa was officially cast as Aquaman in the DC cinematic universe; although still not confirmed by Momoa, Warner Bros, or director Zach Snyder.  I think Momoa has the attitude to play the King of the Seven Seas, but he doesn't quite have the look, and the possible depth.  But you know who does; Leonardo DiCaprio.

Unfortunately any Aquaman movie will be compared to the parody film starring Vincent Chase from HBO's Entourage.  But I think if Leo brought the commitment and performance he has when working with Martin Scorsese I think he could rock this franchise. Especially with a great supporting cast.  

Leonardo DiCaprio as Arthur Curry/Orin/Aquaman

DiCaprio has been proving himself as a great actor as far back as What's Eating Gilbert Grape.  He also has given some great performances in films like The Aviator, The Departed, and the Wolf of Wall Street.  He has the look and the scowl that goes with the character.  I feel like DiCaprio could really make this film great and help make the public think of Aquaman as the bad ass ocean hero he is instead of the butt of every DC punchline.

Karen Gillan as Mera

If you're going to have Leonardo DiCaprio play Aquaman then you have to have a strong female lead to play opposite him.  Mera becomes the queen of Atlantis and possesses aquakinesis that helps her control water and bend it to her will.  She also is just as tough as Aquaman, and was originally sent to kill him, before she fell in love with him.   

This was probably the hardest part to cast.  I considered former co-stars of Leo's like Vera Farmiga and Kate Winslet, but I wanted an actress who is tall-ish so she'd command a presence. But she also has to have the good range of emotion Mera would have to bring; from kick-ass to compassionate.  And I wanted a redhead.  Gillian is most famous for her role as Amy Pond in Doctor Who. This summer we'll see her play the deadly Nebula in Guardians of the Galaxy.  This role proves to me that Gillan has the physicality and commitment to play Mera.  Especially after she shaved her head just to be in GotG.

Idris Elba as David/Black Manta

As Aquaman's most famous villain you need an actor with a high level of skill.  Elba has been phenomenal in films like Thor, Pacific Rim, and the television show Luthor.  He has a distinct quality I think would really bring this character to life.

Black Manta and Aquaman have been bitter rivals ever since Black Manta killed Aquaman's father, though Manta also blames Aquaman for his own father's death.  That kind of hatred can run deep, and come across great with the right pair; such as DiCaprio and Elba.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Orm/Ocean Master

No rivalry is more heated than that of two brothers fighting over the throne of a kingdom.  Orm is the younger brother of Aquaman who rules when the king passes, that is until Arthur returns to Atlantis and Orm steps down to let Arthur rule.  However, when Orm sees that his brother shows too much compassion for the surface world he conspires against him.

Meyers has had some great roles in television shows like The Tudors and Dracula.  He has also had quite the film career in movies like Mission Impossible: III and Match Point.  He walks the line of good guy/criminally insane.  I think Meyers would play well off of Dicaprio.  I say it would even rival the Hemsworth/Hiddleston chemistry.

Corbin Bleu as Jackson Hyde/Kaldur'ahm/Aqualad

This character was originally created for the short-lived television series Young Justice, but was so unique Geoff Johns brought him to DC Comics in Brightest Day.  Jackson has spend his whole life on the surface world never knowing his true origins. Black Manta comes looking for him one day revealing he is from the underwater world Xebel, he can manipulate water like Mera, and that Manta is his real father!  Kaldur has even more of a methodical origin, but this is just to tip of the iceberg.  While I respect and like the first Aqualad, Garth, I think Kaldur would be a little more interesting for the big screen.

When I did my Young Justice casting call I said Bleau should play Aqualad and I'm sticking by it.  Most famous for his role in Disney's High School Musical franchise, Bleu has went on to do many guest spots and even had a recurring role on One Life To Live.  This would be the role Bleu has been waiting for.  It's something he can really sink his teeth into and show the range I believe he has.

DC's Potential Cinematic Disaster

A few weeks ago a rumor was leaked online as to the release dates of Warner Bros/DC Comics cinematic universe.  This is just speculation for now, though this was suppose be announced at next month's San Diego Comic Con.  In any event, this rumor has sent geeks everywhere in an uproar.  Every fan boy has their opinion about this news, and this fan boy is no different.

Marvel Studios has been kicking DC's ass in the movie making competition with each film getting better and better.  Meanwhile, DC has only mustered up Man of Steel after Green Lantern wasn't good enough to kick-start to their DC cinematic universe.  If this announcement is real then Warner Bros wants to pump out seven films in almost three years.  Marvel Studios has been putting out two films a year, adding to the Spider-Man and X-Men films Fox and Sony are putting out sporadically.  This whole schedule seems like Warner Bros is trying to overcompensate for them running behind in the race.  But not only is this rushed, but also, bad ideas!  Here's why:

Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (May 2016)

Anyone who knows me knows I have serious issues with Man of Steel.  However, I do believe it does have some redeeming qualities that could carry over well to a sequel.  But of course we will never know, at least not for a while, because this is not the MoS sequel we thought we were getting.

When Ben Affleck was added as Batman we thought he would just make a decent cameo, but felt the focus was still going to be on the Last Son of Krypton.  Then Gal Gabot was cast as Wonder Woman, Ray Fisher as Cyborg, and Jason Momoa as Aquaman; allegedly.  This whole film started to sound like just a set-up for a Justice League movie.  Then the title came out.  Dawn of Justice confirms it is just a set-up for a Justice League movie and that it's officially not a MoS sequel.

This disturbs me.  Warner Bros couldn't go two films without their cash-cowing Dark Knight, and to me that says that they have no faith in any other DC property; no even Superman.  But the problem isn't the characters, it's who's behind the properties.  But I'll get to that.

Shazam (July 2016)

Out of all the rumored upcoming DC movies this is the one I have the most faith in.  Shazam is better known as Captain Marvel.  Little Billy Batson gains the powers of a god by saying "shazam" and becoming a superhero who rivals even Superman.  I think this film will work because it's a little boy who becomes a superhero.  What kid won't want to see this film?  However, Shazam can not be another sad and destructive Man of Steel.  For this film to work it has to be more Hook and less Passion of the Christ.  This is a story of a kid and it needs to target kids for it to work.  Any Disney executive knows if you make a kid movie then you get twice the ticket money because the parent has to take the kids to see the movie!

The ol' Zach Snyder style won't get it done on this one.  But with Warner's faith in the Goyer/Snyder duo I'm a little worried.  However, I'll hold off judgement until I see who they'll get to direct.  I'd just better not see Quentin Tarantino's name on the short list.

The Sandman (Christmas 2016)

The only thing known about this film so far is that Joseph-Gordon Levitt is set to star.  I'm not too familiar with this DC/Veritgo property except that I know it's the farthest thing from a Justice League tie-in.  It has to do with dreams, reality, and a lot of other trippy things that will be a nice break from the superheroes Warner Bros will be ramming down our throats for the next few years.

Justice League (May 2017)

It took Marvel Studios five films and four years to get to The Avengers.  Warner Bros is looking to get to Justice League with two films in four years.  This is a HUGE mistake!  No disrespect to Black Widow and Hawkeye but the Justice League has much better characters than just Batman and Superman.  You can't introduced Green Lantern, Flash, and Aquaman in a team film.  They all have complex and deep origin stories that deserve their own film first.  Granted, Hal Jordan has had his own film, but we all know Ryan Reynolds has about as much to do with Justice League as Eric Bana has to do with The Avengers.  Without knowing their origins this film will fall apart; especially since we know the film will just be about Batman and Superman. Well, just about Batman anyway.

Wonder Woman (July 2017)

I love Gal Gadot.  I loved her when she starred in....ummm.  Then she was great when she won an award for....ummmm.  Well, she had more than ten lines in....ummm.  The point I'm trying to make is that Gadot hasn't proven herself as an actress in ANYTHING.  The only thing I've seen her in is the Fast and Furious films and even then I was unimpressed.  Wonder Woman is one of the most iconic female characters in fiction history.  Her portrayal on screen has to be iconic.

Gal Gadot has not shown me, and many others, that she is worthy of carrying the Wonder Woman mantle.  We have yet to see her play Diana in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.  Given Warner Bros rumored schedule a Wonder Woman movie will be already in the production when audiences first see Gadot appear in Dawn of Justice.  If she is bad then the Wonder Woman movie could be put on ice and not see the light of day for many, many years.  Plus I feel that it could possibly ruin the entire DC cinematic universe.

Now don't get me wrong.  I really want Gadot to be good.  I am rooting for her to be good.  But I have yet to see anything that would show me she'll be good.  I hate to say this, but the future of movies based on DC Comics(except Batman) may hang in the balance with Gadot and Wonder Woman.

 Flash and Green Lantern team-up (Christmas 2017)

As much as I've griped about the other possible film this one has me the most worried.  Now, these two characters do go together.  They even had their own comic book; The Brave and the Bold. Hal Jordan and Barry Allen are good friends, so it would make sense that they'd have their own buddy-cop movie.  But we don't know that we're getting Hal Jordan and Barry Allen.  Warner Bros is trying to wipe away any stink of Green Lantern, which may include not having Hal Jordan as GL, but maybe the popular John Stewart instead.  Meanwhile, Barry Allen is already going to be the Flash in an upcoming television show on The CW.  Do you think they're really going to have one Barry on TV and one on the big screen?  They might as well go with Wally West as the Flash.

If course in changing who will be the new GL and Scarlet Speedster you've changed the relationship.  John and Wally have nothing to do with each other except that they're both Justice League members. No matter what characters they choose these two heroes are way to important to not get their own film; regardless of who is in the costume.   

Man of Steel 2 (May 2018)

So after all the other films, and five years after the original MoS came out, they're finally going to get to a sequel?  I can't decide if I'm disappointed or kind of OK with that.  Man of Steel was a let-down for me so I'm in no rush to see a sequel.  However I'm also of the mind set that Superman should have gotten his due sequel before Justice League.  Iron Man, the character who started the Marvel cinematic universe, got two films in before The Avengers.  Why can't Superman?  I actually like Henry Cavill and am interested in seeing more of his performance as Clark Kent.

With Zach Snyder directing Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice AND Justice League I wonder if he'll come back to do the Man of Steel sequel?  I hope not. Snyder's vision was main part of what was wrong with Man of Steel in my opinion and after several recent comments writer David Goyer made about a certain Martian I'm not sure I want him writing for the Man of Tomorrow either; or any DC property.  As a long-time Superman reader I was worried from Snyder right out of the gate, and i feel like I was right.  Superman is about hope, and Man of Steel had none.  And as of right now I don't see any for this DC cinematic universe.
But don't get the wrong idea.  They'll still get my $10 with every film and a little voice inside me saying, "please be good, please be good, please be good."  I'm just surprised that a Batman film isn't in this slate.  But I'm sure we'll find out next month in San Diego when Warner Bros confirms or denies this potential cinematic disaster.

CW's 'The Flash' Can Not Get Here Quick Enough

Being that I'm an open comic book fan I occasionally get the question every fan boy gets, "Who's you're favorite superhero?"  For any true believer it's a loaded question.  I personally kind of have a Top 5 list, with the 5th spot always rotating depending on my mood and who's writing what at that present time.  I really liked Green Lantern when Geoff Johns was writing the book, and nobody does Captain America better than Ed Brubaker.  As for my other four spots,  everyone knows I'm a rabid X-Men and Superman fan.  And because I'm a swimmer I've also always had an affinity for Aquaman.  But my 4th spot goes to The Flash.  

I've kind of always assumed my love of The Flash came from the idea that I've always been compared to him.  I was the kind of kid who couldn't sit still, even in my sleep. During my teenage years I was always rushing from one thing to the next, and in my later years of college my nickname was "Impulse".  You'll have to ask my friends Albert and Andrew about that one.  I also remember watching The Flash TV series back in the 90's starring John Wesley Shipp as Barry Allen and Mark Hamill as The Trickster.

Growing up in the 1990's Wally West was The Flash so I never really knew Barry Allen.  In 2009, writer Geoff Johns brought back Barry in Flash: Rebirth (or technically Final Crisis) after a 20-year absence from comics.  Again, I never knew Barry, but I immediately grew fond of him.  Of course it's hard not to love any character Johns writes.  This last year Barry Allen appeared on an episode of Arrow and now he's getting his own spin-off on The CW this Fall.  A little over a week ago an extended trailer for the series was released, and I can't stop watching it!

The show will star Grant Gustin, who I had never seen in anything before his appearance on Arrow.  His 2-episode arc made me like Gustin as Barry, but the extended trailer has me excited to see him play The Flash.  John Wesley Shipp is even making an appearance as Barry's dad!  In Barry's origin story his father is framed for his mother's murder and Barry spends his life trying to prove his dad's innocence, which puts him in the Central City crime lab when he is struck by lightning.  

Gustin will be surrounded by an array of supporting cast.  Catlin Snow, Cisco Ramon, and Eddie Thawne are all characters appearing in the series, and all end up becoming villains in the comic books.  Relative unknown, Candice Patton, will play Iris West, Barry's future wife in the comics.  However, it appears in the series they're just friends(for now). But, if you follow The New 52(ugh) then he and Iris are just friends(for now).  Tom Cavanagh and Jesse L. Martin are the veterans who I believe will compliment this young ensemble nicely.

What really gets me excited about this series is how much it feels like The Flash.  It appears that they got the origin right; which I hope they don't give away the twist too soon in the series.  The special effects look cool, and the poses we see in the extended trailer look like they jumped right out of the comic books.  Finally, I like Grant Gustin.  Barry has this high sense of morality that makes him seem a little naive and I think Gustin plays it perfectly.  

Being that I've read quite a few Flash comic books I'm excited for where this show can go.  Eventually, Barry's friends could become his enemies, his best friend could become his wife, and SPOILER, he'll learn that his mother's death could be his fault!  But I'm getting a head of myself.  I hope they hold out that last one until at least the season 2 finale.

Now, remember, The Flash is also a spin-off of Arrow, and we can already see from the extended trailer Oliver Queen shows up for a visit, which probably won't be his last.  Given my disappointment with how Warner Bros is handling the DC cinematic universe I'm more hopeful for it's television universe.  I know their is no possibility of Barry showing up in Gotham on Fox, but if Hal Jordan popped up in Arrow or The Flash I may just have a nerd-gasm. And if you ask my friend Albert we're both praying hard for a Tom Welling visit.

If I were running The CW I would do a special airing of The Flash about a month or so before the actual Fall premiere just to get the buzz going.  But, until then, it looks like I'll just have to watch this trailer a couple dozen more times and hope that at some point we see Barry's costume pop out of his ring! Now that would definitely make me have a nerd-gasm!

Re-Casting X-Men

In a few days audiences around the world will be watching X-Men: Days of Future Past in hopes that it reinvigorates the X-Men franchise.  DOFP is a collaboration with the cast from previous X-Men films that started the series, and actors of the more recent X-Men: First Class.  Director Bryan Singer says this film will right the wrongs in the franchise(mainly those created in X3) and Singer has already signed on to direct the sequel, X-Men: Apocalypse.  Hugh Jackman believes Apocalypse will be his last X-Men film before he hands off the role of Wolverine to someone else after almost twenty years of playing the character!

Since I'm such a big X-Men fan I've also been a huge advocate against some the original X-Men (female) casting choices.  However, the First Class crew was great and the younger X-members like Iceman, Rogue, and Kitty are good enough actors to play their parts at least a few more times.  But if Jackman is out for this next era of X-Men films I say the entire original team should be re-cast.  And I've assembled a squad that would be great together!

SCOTT PORTER AS SCOTT SUMMERS/CYCLOPS

I was a fan of James Marsden as Cyclops and I hope the rumors of him making an appearance in Days of Future Past are true.  Cyclops came off horribly in previous X-Men films, basically just there as "the jealous boyfriend" when Slim is so much more.  Just ask any X-Men comic book reader.  Cyclops is the X-Men!

If another actor has to step in and fill Marsden's shoes I feel that Scott Porter is one who can fill them nicely.  He's got the good guy role down with parts in Friday Night Lights and Speed Racer.  He can play a leader, and has the All-American look to him. I believes he'd mesh well the the other actors I've chosen and would look pretty cool with a red visor.

EMILY BLUNT AS JEAN GREY/MARVEL GIRL/THE PHOENIX

In an X-Men movie I think the casting of Jean Grey is waaaaay more important than the casting of Cyclops or even Wolverine.  She's the object of both their affection.  An actress who plays Jean has to make it seem like she'd be good with either of the those two heroes.  Famke Janssen was a HORRIBLE casting in my opinion.  She had no quality that said, "the girl next door," which is what Jean Grey is.

It's all in Emily Blunt's face.  She has a sweet face, but also probably has a scowl that could destroy an entire solar system!  Her role in The Adjustment Bureau made me believe she can act, and her role in The Five-Year Engagement made me believe she can be likable. I'm curious to see how her new film, Edge of Tomorrow, will be.  But it's got Tom Cruise in it and looks like a rip-off of Source Code so I'm gonna skip it; no offense Ms. Blunt. 

TOM HARDY AS LOGAN/WOLVERINE

Hugh Jackman first popped onto the screen as Wolverine in 2000.  Days of Future Past will be Jackman's seventh time playing the character in fourteen years!  It's a cinematic record, and hard to imagine anyone else playing the role.  

I think Jackman as Wolverine was one of the best superhero/comic book castings ever!  The only tiny issue I had was Jackman's height.  He is 6 '1 while Logan is barely 5 '8.  Tom Hardy is 5 '9.  This is closer to Wolverine's actual height.  Hardy is now one of the most sought after actors in Hollywood with his roles in films like Warrior and The Dark Knight Rises.  There is no denying his talent and toughness.  I would give this casting six claws up!

YAYA ALAFIA AS ORORO MONROE/STORM

When I first heard Days of Future Past was in production my hope was that Hallie Berry was not going to reprise her role as Storm.  There were reports of her disagreements with Bryan Singer on the first few X-Men films and her demand for a bigger part in X3 or she wouldn't be in the film.  I think her role as Storm has been one of the worst in superhero/comic book films!  Storm is one of the strongest female characters in fiction.  At one point she defeated Cyclops in battle for leadership of the X-Men.  And Berry can't even hold down a decent African accent for one film.

My first thought in Storm's re-casting was the Oscar winning actress, Lupita Nyong'o.  However, once I thought of the other re-casts I chose I didn't think Lupita fit with the other actors.  Yaya Alafia has had a lot of small roles in good films like The Kids Are Alright and The Butler.  She's no doubt got the look to play Storm, and from her small roles has proven she's got the talent.  I think it's time to let this actress light up.

ALEXANDER SKARSGARD AS VICTOR CREDD/SABERTOOTH

I thought Liev Schreiber played Sabertooth quite well in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.  However, it was a horrible film that no one should ever watch....ever. Meanwhile, Tyler Mane in the original X-Men movie came off more as just an enforcer with no brains.  If the two performances were combined it would make a character that I believe would rival Magneto as a villian, or even Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight!

Alexander Skarsgard is most known for his role as Eric in HBO's True Blood, and it's that character that makes me believe he can do a very good Sabertooth.  He may have to beef up a little but when I imagine him and Tom Hardy not only facing off, but trading dialogue, it makes me a little excited.  I think Skarsgard would make Sabertooth actually memorable for once.

Star Wars Episode VII: My Fantasy Plot

After months of rumors, speculation, and flat out lies the cast of the new Star Wars film has been announced!  As no surprise to anyone, the original cast from Episodes IV-VI are all returning, with the exception of Billy Dee Williams(so far).  Along with them is a slew of actors, most of which aren't anyone on the Hollywood A-List.  This has some fans excited since the original Star Wars film back in 1977 was filled with unknowns like Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher.  

Now that the main cast has been announced another array of speculation has begun as to who these new actors will play and what the plot of the film will be.  We now know that the infamous Expanded Universe that continued the Star Wars story after Return of the Jedi will not be the basis of Episode VII.  But it's been said that they may cherry-pick certain ideas from the EU into this new Star Wars canon.  Every uber Star Wars fan has their own thoughts and ideas as to how they hope this cast comes together in a film.  And here is mine.

Max von Sydow as The Imperial Commander
It'll be 30 years since the events of Return of the Jedi.  I'm sure the Empire didn't just give up after the death of the Emperor and the destruction of the second Death Star.  I'm sure it still took several years of fighting before peace was given a chance.  And while the "New Republic" won out, I'm sure their were some compromises.  Everyone seems to think that Sydow will play an old Sith Lord, but I think that just seems to obvious.  I see him more as the liaison of the once mighty Empire.  He could be this man who actually believed the Empire was the best form of government.  He has a strong sense of duty, and is now proud to be representing the old regime in this new era.  I also wouldn't be surprised though if he has a hidden agenda, perhaps working with some Sith Lords to cause unrest in the Republic making the galaxy wish for the days of the ordered Empire.

Adam Driver as The Sith Lord
Let's just all face the facts.  Adam Driver will be a bad guy.  He just looks creepy.  I've only really seen him in the HBO show Girls and even in that show he was just weird.  I see Driver playing the Darth Maul-type character.  He could be the Sith that everyone sees carrying out his master's plans, and even the one holding secret meetings with Sydow's character.  It also wouldn't surprise me if Driver's character does the non-Darth Maul route and survives past the first film; eventually becoming the master!

Andy Serkis as The Sith Master
I'm of the strong opinion that Serkis should have gotten some kind of Oscar for his role as Caesar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes.  He was phenomenal in that film!  Serkis has become synonymous with body acting so everyone assumes he'll be doing the same in Episode VII.  Some think he'll be the "New Jar Jar" and play the comic relief.  I personally think it' d be nice if Serkis would actually play Jar Jar Binks!  He could totally redeem the character and maybe make him not look so bad in Episode I if we then know where the character was going to end up.

However, I don't think they'd waste a great talent like Andy Serkis on just some funny character who will sell toys.  I see Serkis playing a more pivotal role; The Sith Master.  Much like Darth Sidious was in Episodes I-III, he'd be the man behind the curtain pulling all the strings.  But because it's Serkis he wouldn't be human. I say they make the big bad some kind of weird/scary alien.  I think this would be a terrific use of Serkis and he can bring out a much better performance than we got from Ian McDiarmid. A blind man could have seen Palpatine was up to no good for Christ sakes!  

Oscar Isaac as The Bounty Hunter
I've seen Driver and Robin Hood, but the only thing I really remember seeing Oscar Isaac in is Sucker Punch, which makes me sad.  I've heard that people are seeing him as the new Han Solo character.  Isaac could be the anti-hero who is rebellious and out for himself, but of course later learns the value of friendship and fighting for a cause.  I think this would be a good idea, but let's make him more edgy.  A trailer for the current The Old Republic computer game saw a cowboy smuggler with a lot of attitude.  I think this type of character would be great for Isaac, only a little more ruthless.  Perhaps Isaac is hired to kill Luke or Leia and ends up joining their side?  Then he spends the other films fighting his own nature, and we never quite know if he'll return to his old ways.

Domhnall Gleeson as The Ben Skywalker
In the Expanded Universe Luke Skywalker marries a woman named Mara Jade, who just happens to be a redhead.  So when I saw Gleeson was going to be in the film my first thought was that he'd play Luke's son; Ben Skywalker.  I remember Gleeson from playing Bill Weasley in the Harry Potter franchise, but it was his starring role in About Time that made me excited to see him on the Episode VII roster.  I thought About Time was wonderful little movie and Gleeson did a superb job as the lead.

With that being said, I think Luke Skywalker is going to die in Episode VII.  Let's think about it.  Episode I, Qui-Gon Jinn, the mentor, dies.  In Episode IV, Obi-Wan Kenobi, the mentor, dies.  I think Episode VII will continue that trend.  Of course Mark Hamill will become a ghost like Obi-Wan did and still be in the rest of the trilogy, but in a heroes journey the mentor always dies.  I think this tale will be no different.  Plus, this will affect every character; including his son.  In the Expanded Universe, after the death of his brother, Jacen Solo turns to the Dark Side.  But what if, it's Luke's son that turns after his father's death?  It wouldn't be a big leap to imagine another Skywalker turning to the Dark Side.  I can see Driver's character being a secret Sith who helps sway Gleeson to the Dark Side as well.  And finally, cast Julianne Moore as Mara Jade. Mark Hamill can thank me later.

John Boyega as The Jedi Hero
Admit it.  As soon as you heard Boyega's name you thought, "Lando's son."  I'm not going to call you racist; I'm just saying it's too obvious.  I can see him being a descendant of Mace Windu though.  Speaking of, I would also like to see Mace Windu back.  I mean, come on, we never saw Mace actually die.  And you're going to tell me the second most powerful Jedi in the galaxy couldn't survive a little fall?

I plan on seeing Attack of Block before I see Episode VII, but I've heard nothing but good things about this actor.  I see him as Luke's star pupil.  The guy who is a hero through and through, and because he's is so beloved by Luke this could be another trigger for Gleeson to go dark.  Boyega could even be the one thought to take-over the "New Jedi Order" when Luke passes on, and this would make his son a little pissed. 

Daisy Ridley as The Jaina Solo
This young woman has become the talk of the cast!  Not only is she the only new female actress announced in this ensemble, but she's also the most unknown actor in the bunch.  This leads me to believe she might have the biggest part in the upcoming trilogy.  Many have already mentioned her resemblance to Carrie Fisher, which of course screams Jaina Solo; Leia's daughter in the Expanded Universe.  In the EU Jaina ended up killing her twin brother Jacen because he turned to the Dark Side.  But instead of her brother, what if she faced off against someone like her brother?  Perhaps her cousin?

Also, being the new female of the group, I can also see her the center of a love triangle.  In A New Hope you never knew if Leia was going to end up with the smuggler, Han, or the hero, Luke.  Of course George Lucas settled that debate when Leia was revealed as Luke's sister.  I can see Isacc and Boyega's characters fighting over Ridley.  But instead of Ridley ending up with the bad boy she goes for the good guy.  Perhaps with the help of Boyega they are able to turn Gleeson's character back from the Dark Side of the Force.

Another reason I can see Ridley being a child of Han and Leia is that if you look at the current Star Wars: Legacy comic book, specifically the first issue's cover, the main character, Ania, is a descendant of Han and Leia, and looks so much like Daisy Ridley.  She just has the Solo look to her. Having an even stronger woman than what Leia is can only help bring in more female viewers to go see Star Wars: Episode VII.