Casting Round-Up 15.9.12

Slow week regarding casting with only three announcements of note. 

Christian Slater joins Nymphomaniac 

Christian Slater will join the likes of Shia Labeouf in the next film from Lars Von Trier. This is a film which has already annoyed me by its stars declaring that the film's sex scenes will be real as if it's something so artistic, bold, brilliant and brave. If Shia Labeouf thinks turning himself into a porn star is going to get him critical respect, then he can go along and do that. Anyway, rant aside, Christian Slater will reportedly be playing the father of the protagonist played by Charlotte Gainsbourg. The film will chart the narrator's "erotic history" from birth to the age of fifty. If this is a film along the lines of Shame that actually has something to say regarding its sexual content then fine, however the way in which they have gone about courting attention presently just seems like a cheap and desperate way of creating controversy and attention. 

Ewan McGregor is Julia Roberts' Husband in August: Osage County

Ewan McGregor has joined Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep in this adaptation on the Pulitzer prize and Tony award winning play. The focus of the movie is reportedly on Meryl Streep's character and the relationship with her daughter played by Julia Roberts. McGregor is the estranged husband who left Roberts' character in order to pursue a relationship with one of his students. I like the cast so far and think that they can hopefully, along with director John Wells, bring this story to the big screen. 


Nicolas Cage to Lead, I Am Wrath

Nicolas Cage plays a man who must take the law into his own hands after discovering a network of police corruption following his wife's murder...I'm in. Sure this could be your usual, terrible, why hasn't this gone straight to DVD, Nicolas Cage film. However it also could be a fun, guilty please, Nicolas Cage film. However given his recent output, this sounds like a project that would be in much better hands if it were Liam Neeson steering the acting ship. However with Exorcist director William Friedkin reportedly interested in directing, this film could end up being way better than my previous sentences suggest and predict. 

Jim Carrey Officially Cast in Kick-Ass 2

Jim Carrey in Kick-Ass 2, perfect. Just as the original had the stunt casting of Nicolas Cage, the sequel now has the stunt casting of Jim Carrey. This is a piece of casting that will definitely help this sequel and elevate it in terms of media attention and box office. Jim Carrey is an actor who can make choices, despite the slew of average to awful comedies he has appeared in. He is an actor with taste and has acted in projects such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Kick-Ass 2 won't have a huge budget and I'm presuming that Carrey is taking a significant pay cut to take this role, suggesting to me that he sees something within the material. However, perhaps his reported love for the original may be more of a motivator behind starring in it, than the film's actual quality. Jim Carrey will play Colonel Stars, leader of Justice Forever, a gang of D.I.Y superheroes. I couldn't get into the Kick-Ass 2 comic book however if you read it all, is Jim Carrey a good choice? Were you a fan of the first Kick-Ass? Are you looking forward to Kick-Ass 2? Give us your thoughts in the Your Say sections and discuss it in our forum. 

Jeffrey Wright Joins Catching Fire

Another one of my favourite actors joins Catching Fire. With Phillip Seymour Hoffman joining the cast Catching Fire (the sequel to The Hunger Games) gained some serious credibility and this has now been augmented with the involvement of Jeffrey Wright. Wright is one of those supporting actors who consistently delivers solid and chameleonic performances. He will be playing the role of Beetee, a former Hunger Games winner from District 3. Are you a fan of The Hunger Games? Are you a fan of Jeffrey Wright? Is he a good choice for Beetee? Who else would you have cast? What do you think of the Catching Fire cast? Give us all your Hunger Games related thoughts in the Your Say section and discuss it in our forum. 

Paddy Considine Joins World's End

The World's End is the final part of Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg's, "Blood and Ice Cream Trilogy" Simon Pegg and Nick Frost will be reprising the comedic double act they announced to the world through Spaced and Shaun of the Dead, developing it through Hot Fuzz and Paul. Paddy Considine was one of many brilliant British actors in Hot Fuzz and this week it was announced that he will be working with Wright and Pegg once more. Considine is said to be playing, "a former musician and ladies man who has grown up to be an architect with a failed marriage" Sounds like he will be getting a bigger role than the one he had in Hot Fuzz and also a role similar to his one in Submarine. Are you excited for World's End? Are you happy with Considine's casting? Give us all your World's End related thought in the Your Say section and discuss it in our forum. 

David Thewlis Cast in RED 2

David Thewlis (Lupin in the Harry Potter films) will join the cast of the sequel to, Red. Red was that film with Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Morgan Freeman and Helen Mirren where they played, Retired and Extremely Dangerous spies. R...E...D, Red...genius. It was a film that was nowhere near as fun as it looked like it could have been, especially given the talent involved. Thewlis will apparently play an informant named, "The Frog" who earned the nickname after contaminating the Kremlin's water supply with an Amazonian frog. Thewlis joins Anthony Hopkins and Catherine Zeta-Jones as new additions to the cast. What do you think of this casting? Are you a fan of David Thewlis? Are you a fan of Red? Are you looking forward to Red 2? Give us your thoughts in the Your Say section and discuss it in our forum. 

Michael Keaton Cast As Villain in Robocop Remake

After negotiations with Hugh Laurie fell through, Michael Keaton will now reportedly be taking villain duties for this remake. Keaton will play the CEO of the company that creates the titular law enforcement agent, Omni Corp. I haven’t seen the original Robocop in a while and therefore cannot remember the exact nature and demands of the role, however I think Michael Keaton is a very good and interesting piece of casting. What do you think? Would you rather they cast Hugh Laurie? Who else could have played this role? Is Michael Keaton a good choice? Give us your thoughts in the Your Say section and discuss it in our forum. 

Michael Douglas To Play Ronald Reagan 

Michael Douglas will play U.S. President Ronald Reagan in an independent film directed by Mike Newell, titled, “Reykjavik” the story will focus on the talks between Reagan and Gorbachev in the Icelandic capital, which took place during the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.  Michael Douglas is a good actor however I can’t quite picture him as Ronald Reagan. I am ready and hoping however for and that Michael Douglas will change my mind. What do you think of this casting? Who would you have cast as Ronald Reagan? Give us your thoughts in the Your Say section and discuss it in our forum. 

Andy Nyman Cast in Kick-Ass 2

Andy Nyman was one of my favourite parts of Charlie Brooker’s Dead Set and therefore I am glad to see him involved in the sequel to one of my favourite films of 2010. Andy will reportedly be playing a villain in the film, named The Tumour. I wasn’t a big fan of the Kick-Ass 2 comic, however after seeing Cry Wolf and seeing the cast that is being assembled, I think that this film could retain the original’s sense of fun, edginess and uniqueness. What do you think of this casting? Did you see Andy Nyman in Dead Set? What did you think of the Kick-Ass 2 comic? Are you excited for this film? Give us your thoughts in the Your Say section and discuss it in our forum. 

Morgan Freeman and Elizabeth Banks Join LEGO

I have been looking forward to ‘The LEGO Movie’ ever since I heard that Phil Lord & Chris Miller (The duo behind 21 Jump Street and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs) would be the ones entrusted to realize it. The casting of Will Arnett (Gob in Arrested Development...COME ON!) as Batman further increased my anticipation and it has now increased even more with the casting of Morgan Freeman and Elizabeth Banks. What do you think of this casting? Are you a fan of Morgan Freemand and/or Elizabeth Banks? Has it increased or decreased your anticipation for LEGO: The First Piece of Resistance? Give us all your thoughts in the Your Say section and discuss it in our forum. 

Sam Claflin Cast as Finnick In, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" 

If you've read, Catching Fire (The second book in The Hunger Games trilogy) then you know that the role of Finnick is the one that most fans have been looking forward to seeing in the film adaptation of Catching Fire. People from Armie Hammer to Robbert Pattinson were linked to this role, however this week it was announced that Sam Claflin will be playing him. My response as somebody who has read the books? Meh. Claflin is an actor who I have only seen in his small role in Snow White and the Huntsman, where he didn't really make an impression on me (However nothing in that entire film did) I'm not saying he's a bad choice as I haven't seen enough of his acting to make that judgement, however  it is a surprising choice given how many well-known actors have been linked to the role. I like that they have gone for a relative unknown and I look forward to his performance and the film. Are you a fan of The Hunger Games? Have you read Catching Fire? What do you think of Sam Claflin as Finnick? Give us your in-depth thoughts in the Your Say section, discuss it in our forum and vote in the poll below. 

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Your Say on Sam Claflin as Finnick

Megan Harris
"All I have to say is that anybody who chose Jennifer Lawrence for being Katniss and Josh Hutcherson for Peeta is a genuis and I trust any choice they make as they havn't failed us casting the first film in-fact I belive in The Hunger Games they exceeded  expectations in the form of casting. xxxxx :P"

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje Joins Thor 2

Mr. Eko from Lost, will join Christopher Eccleston (Of Doctor Who fame) as one of the villains in Thor 2. Adewale will reportedly be playing two characters, Algrim the Strong (Part of the Dark Elves who will be under Eccleston's command) and Kurse, a stronger version of the same character. I call on all fans of the Thor comic books to, if necessary, correct and to expand my knowledge on these characters. Is this a good piece of casting? As I was a big fan of his character and performance in Lost (Adewale's decision not to live in Hawaii resulted in one of that show's most regrettable missed opportunities) I am very much looking forward to seeing what he does in this film. Give us all your thoughts on Thor 2 in the Your Say section and discuss it in our forum.  

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Tom Hardy and Michael Shannon To Be Brothers In, The Long Red Road

Tom Hardy and Michael Shannon are two of my favourite actors currently working today and the idea of the two of them sharing the screen is wonderful. The film is based on a play that Hardy starred in, where he played the alcoholic younger brother of the Michael Shannon character, who comes to his brother in an attempt to resolve all of their issues. This piece of casting has realized a modern movie dream, bringing two of my favourite acts together and making me excited for a project that I was previously unaware of. Have you seen the stage version of, The Long Red Road? How was Tom Hardy's performance? Are you excited to see him and Michael Shannon share the screen together? Discuss it in our forum and give us all your thoughts in the Your Say section. 

John Goodman To Be The Villain In, The Hangover 3

We didn't need a Hangover 2 and we don't need a Hangover 3, but we always need John Goodman. His casting is an interesting announcement however it doesn't make me any more excited for a film that should not exist. He will reportedly play the antagonist, however so did Paul Giammati in Hangover 2, another actor who I appreciate, yet who was wasted in that film. Hopefully Hangover 3 can make better use of John Goodman than Hangover 2 did of Paul Giammati. What do you think of this casting? Is John Goodman a good choice for a Hangover, "villain"? Are you looking forward to The Hangover 3? Discuss it in our forum and give us all your Hangover 3 thoughts in the Your Say section. 

Nicolas Cage Attached to Expendables 3 According to Producer Avi Lerner

With The Expendables 2 hitting cinemas this weekend in the U.S., attention is already turning towards who will be joining the team for the inevitable third installment. Producer Avi Lerner said this week, that, "We've got Nicolas Cage to play one of the characters" Now this isn't an official piece of casting yet, there has been no talk on the Cage side of things and The Expendables 3 has yet to be green lit, however this is some interesting early word. I think Nicolas Cage is an interesting potential addition to the team and he represents a logical extension given that they have now exhausted all the eighties action stars that they can call upon. What do you think? Do you think this will even happen? Is Nicolas Cage a good addition to The Expendables? Who would you like to see star in the Expendables 3? Discuss it in our forum and give us all your Expendables related thoughts in the Your Say section. 

Christopher Eccleston The Villain in, "Thor: The Dark World"

I loved him as The (short-lived) Ninth Doctor, thought he was short changed as a Hollywood villain in GI: Joe and therefore I am happy and looking forward to seeing him as a Marvel villain. Chris is set to play the character Malekith, ruler of the dark elves of Svartalfheim. I already cannot wait to see this film and now Chris’ performance, hopefully Hollywood will finally start maximizing his talents. Have you read the Thor comics? Is Chris a good fit for Malekith? Give us all your thoughts on his casting and Thor: The Dark World in the Your Say section.

Matthew McConaughey Joins, "Wolf of Wall Street"

The Matthew McConaughey revival continues as he becomes the latest addition in what is shaping up to be a stellar cast in Martin Scorsese’s Wolf of Wall Street. Matthew joins Jonah Hill, Jean Dujardin and Leonardo Dicaprio in this film based on the memoir by Jordan Belfort and his actions on Wall Street that led to a criminal conviction.

Lady Gaga to Make Acting Debut In, "Machete Kills" 

Another piece of stunt casting for Robert Rodriguez's latest, "Machete Kills" Not only will the film contain the explosive Charlie Sheen following in his father's footsteps by playing the President but it will also contain the screen debut of Lady Gaga. As somebody who found the first Machete rather disappointing and needlessly convoluted, I hope that this sequel can be the fun that its predecessor wasn't. The casting of Lady Gaga is obviously a very commercial decision but I think that with her, lets say unique appearances in her multiple videos and public appearances, coupled with the wacky style of Robert Rodriquez, we could be in store for something quite different. Give us your thoughts on this casting in the Your Say section. 

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Michael Fassbender to Star In and Produce, "Assassin's Creed"

When I saw this news, I, like many other of my kind, was giddy with excitement. I haven't even played the Assassin's Creed games, however I have seen, heard and read enough about them that I know of their quality. Usually I am against video game adaptations and they are well known to be among the worst of recent filmmaking offerings, however the involvement of Michael Fassbender...changes everything. The involvement of Michael Fassbender gives me faith that we could get the first video game adaptation of note. Fassbender is one of the finest actors working today and while he has been in a couple of mediocre films, he doesn't pick bad projects. What do you think? Have you played the Assassin's Creed games? Should they be made into movies? Is Fassbender a good choice for the lead? Who should write and direct? Give us all your thoughts in the Your Say section. 

Channing Tatum to play Evel Knievel 

Channing Tatum will star in and produce a biopic of the famous stuntman/daredevil, Evel Knievel. A film about Evel Knievel seems like one of those how hasn't it happened already ideas, and this year with 21 Jump Street and Haywire, I have become a Channing Tatum fan. Therefore as with the casting announcements below, this is good news all over for me. Do you think an Evel Knievel movies is a good idea? Is Channing Tatum a good choice to play him? Who should direct? Give us all your thoughts in the Your Say section. 

Phillip Seymour Hoffman Joins Hunger Games Sequel, "Catching Fire"

This week it was confirmed that Phillip Seymour Hoffman will indeed be joining the Hunger Games sequel. I am a Hunger Games fan and a Phillip Seymour Hoffman fan, so this is all good news for me. Hoffman will be playing Plutarch Heavensbee, the Head Gamemaker for the 75th Hunger Games. Are you a Hunger Games fan? Are you happy with the casting of Phillip Seymour Hoffman? (A pointless question...who isn't happy to see Phillip Semyour Hoffman in a movie?) Let us know in the Your Say section. 

Anthony Hopkins Joins Darren Aronofsky's "Noah"

Anthony Hopkins is the latest to join the cast of the next Darren Aronofksy film, "Noah" joining the likes of Emma Watson and Russell Crowe. The film is based on the tale of Noah's ark, with Russell Crowe playing the titular character. Anthony Hopkins is playing Methuselah, Noah's grandfather and whose death (At the age of 969!) causes God to delay the flood, in order to allow for seven days mourning. This wasn't the only piece of Noah news this week, with the first picture from the set below. As Darren Aronofsky is one of my favourite director working today, I cannot wait for this film. 

Willem Dafoe to Join Lars Von Trier's Nymphomaniac 

After starring in his controversial film, "Antichrist" Willem Dafoe will once again work for the outspoken director in a film which is said to contain explicit sex scenes. Willem Dafoe is one of my favourite actors, however I have yet to see a Lars Von Trier film. This film is not the one I intend to start my Trier viewing with and based on what I have heard so far is not one I am excited to see at all. Trier is said to always make challenging, visually interesting films, however I will need to hear a little more about this one to confirm that it is not just, Lars Von Trier pornography. 

Ryan Reynolds Cast as Lead in Highlander Reboot

I know little of Highlander other than its fantastical and Scottish origins, however now I know that Ryan Reynolds will be taking the lead role of Connor MacLeod in a remaining of the tale. Given that the film is about an "Immortal Scottish swordsman" why not cast somebody like David Tennant who is, you know, Scottish. Rather than cast Ryan Reynolds who is, you know, Canadian. I like Ryan Reynolds as an actor and am waiting for a project, like Buried, to come around which will once again maximize his talents, if Highlander is that project, then I can let the Scottish issue go. What really interests me about this film however is the director. Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, was the director of 28 Weeks Later, a very underrated film which is in fact an example of how to do a sequel. If he can bring to Highlander the same visual energy he brought to 28 Weeks and make the most out of his lead, we could be in for a very good film here. 

Will Arnett Voicing Batman in LEGO Movie

Will Arnett (Of Arrested Development fame...COME ON!) will be doing the voice of Batman in the upcoming film, LEGO: The Piece of Resistance. The film will be brought to us by the dynamic duo behind Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and 21 Jump Street (The year's best comedy so far and one of the year's best films) Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, alongside Chris McKay (Robot Chicken) Batman is not the only DC hero who will make an appearance in this film according to reports, with Channing Tatum (21 Jump Street, Haywire and Magic Mike) being sought to voice Superman. I am very excited about this film and the casting of Will Arnett has only increased that excitement. 

Charlie Sheen Cast As The President in Machete Kills 

His father (Martin Sheen) played the go to fictional president in The West Wing and the go to real president in the Kennedy mini-series. Now Charlie Sheen himself will give his own take on one of the most powerful positions in the world. Machete Kills is the sequel to Robert Rodriguez's grind house inspired Machete, a film which I found to be unnecessarily convoluted with its novelty B movie style wearing off within the first five minutes. However with this piece of casting my interest in Machete Kills has risen ever so slightly even if Charlie Sheen has already given the best and/or most memorable performance of his career, as himself over the past couple of years. 

Reese Witherspoon Cast in Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus

Following What to Expect When You're Expecting, another romantic comedy based on an advice book is brewing. The book Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus is sadly not the title or premise for a science fiction story about gender but yet another book that aims to solve the problem of troubled relationships. With the casting of Witherspoon this project is heading down its set path, filmgoers will be at ease however as if This Means War taught us anything, it is that Reese Witherspoon only picks quality material...

Jonah Hill Joins Tarantino's Django Unchained

Old  yet exciting news. Jonah Hill is becoming one of my favourite people in the industry following his career changing supporting performance in Moneyball and the way in which he developed 21 Jump Street. Django Unchained is a Quentin Tarantino film, enough said. The film already has a very impressive cast with the likes of Jamie Foxx, Chrsitoph Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson and Leonardo Dicaprio, with Hill presumably cast in order to fill one of the roles left behind by Joseph Gordon-Levitt or more realistically, Sacha Baron Cohen, both of whom dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. This represents another step up the Hollywood ladder for Hill and another interesting piece of casting for this film. 

Jean Dujardin Cast in Scorsese's Wolf of Wall Street 

Again this is old yet interesting news. Fresh off his Oscar win for The Artist, Jean Dujardin has been cast in Martin Scorsese's Wolf of Wall Street. What is most interesting about this piece of casting is that it shows Jean Dujardin can have a career in Hollywood beyond his Artist glory. Many predicted that he would be a one hit wonder in the sense that following his Oscar win, mainstream audiences will never hear of him again. However if Scorsese is casting you, then its safe to say you have a solid spot in the Hollywood hierarchy. Whether Dujardin can build upon this role remains to be seen but for now it appears that he is here to stay.