While Marvel is in shambles in pushing back all their release dates of their upcoming movies and shows, we must wait patiently for any form of announcement of their upcoming Mutants films and Fantastic Four films. Casting is still up in the air for the main roles of each film, one can only dream of Marvel's casting choices for the slate of films. In this post I will go over my takes on who should be chosen for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Let us start with everyone's favorite Marvel Superhero family, the Fantastic Four:
Mister Fantastic: John Krasinski- This is a pretty oblivious choice for the role of the first father of the Marvel Universe, especially with all the rumors speculating around him already for the role. Most based him from his performance from his 2018 film A Quiet Place, however the best performance to look at from his filmography is clearly The Office, just kidding. In all seriousness, 13 Hours is an all time role and performance that Krasinski puts out to show he has the range to be the leader of not only a family but also a group that knows what it is like to put everything out on the line to make sure they are all safe and the world around them are safe. Krasinski knows fatherhood and more importantly knows how to play a hero when the going gets tough.
Sue Storm: Emily Blunt- How do you provide chemistry for the wife of Mr. Fantastic to make sure it is truly authentic, well cast the wife of John Krasinski, Pam Beesly, last Office joke I promise, no Golden Globe Winner Emily Blunt. Blunt brings two key components to Invisible Woman that will put her atop of the other women of the MCU is Class and Charisma. From her roles of Mary Poppins to the protective mother in Looper to the tough sergeant Rita in Edge of Tomorrow, Blunt's range is simply incredible. To this day it is still surprising she does not have an Oscar let alone a nomination. She takes on a role with all efforts to be the smartest person in the room of the scene, that is both scary and stunning, her chemistry alone with Krasinski will be a high point of the film.
Johnny Storm: Taron Egerton- I know their was speculation around Mr. Egerton playing the Wolverine, however I believe his role in the MCU should be the Human Torch, aka Johnny Storm, the brother of Sue Storm. Taron Egerton has proven himself as young action star throughout the Kingsman series, but proven himself as one of the best young actors of Hollywood. One quality that goes super unnoticed in his work is his ability to work off other actors. He provides a charm to his roles that allows his supporting cast to bounce off each other to create a rhythm in a scene that is eye-opening and appealing. With being the brother of Emily Blunt's character, the style of the action scenes alone will be stunning. Egerton is born to play the Human Torch.
The Thing: O'Shea Jackson Jr.- Yes while Dwayne The Rock Johnson is the natural choice to be The Thing of the Fantastic 4, I believe the right choice should go to O'Shea Jackson Jr, the son of rapper/actor Ice Cube. O'Shea is not only one of Hollywood's new tough guys, but his characters always end up being the smartest character of the whole film, from playing his father in Straight Outta Compton to Donnie in Den of Thieves. The Thing is known for being this skilled fighter against anyone that comes in his way, and with the voice and motion capture that could be provided by Jackson Jr. it seems like a no brainier to cast him. O'Shea Jackson Jr. brings a swag to all of his roles that will be perfect to capture The Thing in his best form that is not just a monster that punches everything.
Dr. Doom: Jon Hamm- This was a role that ultimately was hard to figure out how to cast. Their are so many big names that could play Dr. Doom to best of their ability, but it comes down to who can play evil, yet having you root for them because of their charm, but at the same time want to hate, and one actor that comes to mind is Jon Hamm. I definitely do not need to explain what makes Hamm so good as an actor, from range to charm, he is just a natural actor. I do not know why he was not chosen as MCU villain yet. If you have seen The Town with Hamm as the FBI agent chasing Ben Affleck, then Hamm is the perfect choice to play the genius Dr. Doom. A iconic villain overall deserves this iconic actor at its realms.
The Silver Surfer: Ben Hardy- The Silver Surfer is one of the most iconic character of the Marvel Universe that needs a proper introduction into the MCU. While most roles that I have been casting for the last few roles have been established actors, its time a role such as this go to an rising star in Hollywood that would kill this role, and that actor is Ben Hardy. For those not familiar with Hardy, he portrayed Roger Taylor, the drummer for Queen in Bohemian Rhapsody and Four in 6 Underground. He has the ability to play someone that shines in a room full of other stars, aka he is great at stealing scenes. This fresh face of Hollywood has the ability to captivate the role of the Silver Surfer and become the new shining star of the MCU.
Now time for the X-Men:
Wolverine: Jon Bernthal- How is it possible to top the work Hugh Jackman has brought to the screen as Logan in the last two decades? The answer is simple, you cannot. Now what is the next best thing to do when reviving the iconic character? You improve the character, you bring a new sense of style and brain to the characters that is unlike anything ever done on the big screen. The one actor that can portray this Wolverine, is simply Jon Bernthal. Known for playing the Punisher in the Netflix Defenders series, Jon Bernthal is simply of the most interesting actors of the century. Bernthal not only has the toughness ability to bring to Wolverine, he has the brain. His characters for all his films are the most fascinating and smartest characters onscreen. It will be as if Wolverine had this mob Godfather mentality for the X-Men that is more than just a heavy. Wolverine is not only muscle, but he is ageless which makes him knowledgeable. It is time to simply make Wolverine the most interesting man in the world, and Jon Bernthal has the ability to portray this character in that tone.
Jean Grey: Rose Leslie- The MCU has a great track record of casting their heroes within the right age, and one of those heroes that needs to be picked perfectly is the Dark Phoenix herself, Jean Grey. You do not want her to be very young again, such as Sophie Turner, or older with way to much experience. The perfect Jean Grey comes right in the middle, a little bit on the older side of the X-Men yet not enough experience in the field, and that is what Rose Leslie brings to the table. Best known as Ygritte in Game of Thrones, Leslie is one the youngest and most underrated British actors of the last decade. She is smart, beautiful, young, and most importantly inexperienced however she has been around for quite some time. All these traits describe Jean Grey, and when time to explore the Dark Phoenix side of her, Rose Leslie has the ability to bring the evil onscreen.
Professor X: Giancarlo Esposito- Giancarlo Esposito is one of the hottest actors in Hollywood, and rightfully so if we are being honest. He is cunning, persuasive, inspiring in some sense, and overall awesome. He kills any role he takes on from Breaking Bad to The Mandarlorian and always leaves a lasting impression after watching his scenes. When it comes to Professor X, he is a leader, a man who achieves what he is after, and one who is not afraid to take deadly risks. Esposito, who is known to take the role of a villain, would simply kill this role. I know some find that he should be Magneto, however I think he brings charm and passion that works stronger for Professor X. He has the power of persuasion to lead his fellow mutants into the fight and makes sure they are fighting for the right reason. How amazing would it be with someone such as Esposito reading and controlling your mind?
Magneto: Vincent Cassel- Of all the castings I have come with for my fancast, Magneto was by far the hardest actor to cast. This actor needs to be bold, determined, strong in terms of mind, pushing the limit of what he brings to the characters, and overall someone you do not want to mess with yet play in a chess match. One actor that came to mind right away after rewatching Ocean's 12 was Vincent Cassel. Some may not be aware of this actor, but he is simply of the most underrated actors in cinema. After recently killing the role of Serac in Westworld Season 3, Cassel knows how to play evil with a purpose. His roles always bring determination and brain to the table, that you simply cannot take your eyes off, and might consider rooting for in some ways. The chemistry between Esposito and Cassel would be simply unreal.
Mystique: Lili Reinhart- The biggest challenge that goes with playing a role that is as important as Mystique, is this sense of man vs. himself when trying to figure who she really wants to be in a world full of mutants. When a mutant as herself, is constantly switching herself to any other person in the world, she is trying to figure out her purpose for the world. The bets way to approach Mystique is as this new and up-incoming mutant who unsure of herself and her powers. Lili Reinhart, known for her roles in Riverdale & Hustlers, is simply this perfect newer actress that is both young and smart to perfectly achieve this form of the character. Reinhart is both fearless and tough as an actress and as well as not afraid for any challenges thrown in her way for the role. At the same time since she is so new to some, and familiar to others, we have no true sense of what roles she loves to take, which makes this character perfect for someone such as herself who is growing in Hollywood.
Cyclops: John David Washington- Choosing who should play the role of Cyclops came as a no brainier. Loyalty, strength, leader, and an overall expert on mastering the situations at hand, one person, both new and already one of the best young actors of Hollywood came to mind immediately, and that is John David Washington. Yes the son of Denzel, John is making a name of his own from Ricky Jerret in Ballers, Ron Stallworth in BlacKkKlansman, and the new protagonist of Christopher Nolan's Tenet, this man has the ability to be better than his father. He would destroy the role of Cyclops by bringing his style of leadership that he has delivered in his past roles, loyalty he has to others to help protect his fellow X-Men, and overall this skill of expertise that controls any situation at hand, and is not afraid to make the sacrifice play to save his team. That is John David Washington in a nutshell. Not to mention his ability to act alongside Bernthal for the affection of Leslie's Jean Grey would be outstanding.
Iceman: Henry Golding- I understand the speculation that Marvel hopes to acquire Shia LaBeouf for this role, which I have no problem with overall, I just do not believe it is simply their best choice. Shia is a great actor, however I do not believe he fits the role of Iceman. When I think of Iceman, I think of this honest, tall, brave face man who looks cunning yet his heart is always in the right place, however makes mistakes when he tries to maybe take actions into his own hands. That person I think of is Henry Golding. If anyone has seen The Gentlemen, you know the range Golding has to portray Iceman. He is tough, not afraid to be backed down, yet makes the mistakes that allows him to be a better team member. The MCU's Iceman should be started as this one-man wrecking crew who tries to take things on his own without having the courage to ask for help. Golding brings a tough onscreen approach that is both reckless and can learn from his mistakes that allow him to grow as the series progresses down the line.
Pyro: Corey Hawkins- Pyro is simply of the most underrated and under appreciated character of the X-Men Universe. As one of the main villains of the X-Men this character deserves screen time for all the right reasons. Corey Hawkins, Dr. Dre in Straight Outta Compton, has the toughness to be that stellar villain against the X-Men. I picture the use of Pyro almost as the next Killmonger of the MCU. A villain of swag and fighting with a purpose that is tough and unafraid to be the best. Corey Hawkins brings the toughness to the screen, as well as the ability to be determined in what he is fighting for in the world.
Storm: Jodie Turner-Smith- Storm is not only one of the strongest X-Men, she is one of the strongest heroes of the entire Marvel Universe. The way to match the rising of Storm in the MCU is the same as Jean Grey, not to young, yet not experienced enough in the field. Focusing on her role as a professor for Xavier's School that has the knowledge to be out in the world, has has fears of not being able to control her powers. One new actress that came to mind is Jodie Turner-Smith from Queen & Slim. She has the ability to play tough and smart, yet unsure of how to react to the world around herself. Eventually, leading to the rise of her powers and marriage to the Black Panther. Storm will control the MCU in the years to come, and with someone as fresh and new as Turner-Smith, she can "rain" over the MCU.
Nightcrawler- Lakeith Stanfield- Lakeith Stanfield aimply was born to play Nightcrawler. Stanfield is not only slick, has unlimited range, and has this fashion to approach his roles to make turn them into his own form of the character that stands out among the crowd, even when his character is hiding in the shadows. Kinda sounds like Nightcrawler, am I right? But in all seriousness, Nightcrawler is more than this fly on the wall mutant, he is struggling to find his identity on the team, especially when the going gets tough. Stanfield brings the range of this scared mutant yet unstoppable when the moment is needed to protect not only his friends in the X-Men, but simply the people he calls family.
Rogue: Daisy Ridley- While Rogue is indeed one of the strongest X-Men members, she has the difficulty challenges when figuring out her identity and purpose to the team. While her powers are strong, she still has no ability to control them, especially with the ones she loves. Does this remind of you another character Daisy Ridley has played, maybe someone who possessed the powers of the force. Yes, while it does sound just like the characterization of Rey in Star Wars, Rogue has this true man vs himself identity crisis that makes her simply tough and scary. Ridley has the ability to bring fear into a role that helps you as the viewer emphasize with her emotional struggles that can be fun and interesting to watch on the big screen. Not to mention the toughness she brings to all her roles that show you how she should not be messed with when crossing paths.
And last but least...
Deadpool: Ryan Reynolds- This needs no explanation whatsoever.
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