The Batman Reboot Casting Thread - Part 2

[Congo Jack]

Batman/Bruce Wayne – Jon Hamm (1st choice), Michael Fassbender (2nd choice)

Jim Gordon – Bryan Cranston (fantastic casting by DC animated for YEAR ONE)
Alfred Pennyworth – John Hurt
Lucius Fox - Danny Glover
Renee Montoya - Michelle Rodriguez (too obvious, but it's late and I'm tired)
Harvey Bullock - Michael Madsen

Catwoman/Selina Kyle - Angelina Jolie
Deadshot/Floyd Lawton - Michael Fassbender or Joaquin Phoenix
Victor Fries - Thomas Haden Church
Harley Quinn - Zooey Deschanel
Hush/Tommy Elliot - Michael Fassbender or Edward Norton
Joker - Adrien Brody
Penguin/Oswald Cobblepot - Paul Giamatti or Philip Seymour Hoffman
Poison Ivy/Pamela Isley - Christina Hendricks
Riddler/Edward Nigma - Casey Affleck
Scarecrow/Jonathan Crane - John Hawkes
Son Of Man (included mostly as an excuse to suggest...) - Jean Dujardin
Two-Face/Harvey Dent - Josh Brolin

I do believe my man-crush on Fassbender is showing.
Also, I don't necessarily want to see Catwoman or Two-Face as main characters in a Batman film so soon after they featured prominently in Nolan's movies, I included them for the sake of completeness. I am always interested in more Joker as a main antagonist though, especially if paired with Harley Quinn.

 

[66 Face]

I badly, BADLY want Ian Mc Shane as the Penguin and Brad Dourif as the Scarecrow.

I also want a nobody for the Riddler. You shouldn't know or even come close to guessing who he is. I wouldn't even mind if something really different was done with him like maybe casting a 10-15 YO kid.

John Hamm - Bruce Wayne... I like an older Batman.
Aaron Paul - Joker
Alice Eve - Poison Ivy
Shannyn Sossamon - Talia
Madeline Zima - Catwoman
Peter Weller - Mr Feeze

 

[Majik1387]

I badly, BADLY want Ian Mc Shane as the Penguin and Brad Dourif as the Scarecrow.

I also want a nobody for the Riddler. You shouldn't know or even come close to guessing who he is. I wouldn't even mind if something really different was done with him like maybe casting a 10-15 YO kid.

John Hamm - Bruce Wayne... I like an older Batman.
Aaron Paul - Joker
Alice Eve - Poison Ivy
Shannyn Sossamon - Talia
Madeline Zima - Catwoman
Peter Weller - Mr Feeze

Your casting is all over the place.

 

[Johnny Drama]

Bruce Wayne/Batman - Mathew Bomer
Dick Grayson/Robin - Logan Lerman
Alfred Pennyworth - Anthony Head
Commissioner Gordon - Bryan Cranston
Harvey Dent- Gabriel Macht
Tommy Elliot/Hush - Ryan Gosling
Vicki Vale - Michelle Williams
The Ventriloquist - Giovanni Ribisi
Edward E. Nigma - Edward Norton
Rupert Thorne - Brian Cox
Detective Harvey Bullock - Michael Madsen
Rene Montoya - Zoe Saldana
Sarah Essen - Melora Hardin
Barbara Gordon - Deborah Ann Woll

 

[Brian2887]

Batman - For some reason, people seem to have already moved away from him, but I'm still a big fan of Lee Pace for the role. I know it can get irritating reading the same name over and over, but don't let that initial flood of support annoy you out of a good choice for the role. He's tall, has a classic movie star look, can handle the lighter and darker aspects of the role, and has a great voice for the part. Honestly, I think he's the best man for the job.

Gordon - I absolutely agree that Bryan Cranston is the best choice for Gordon. He looks like the character come to life, and he's one of the most talented actors working right now.

Alfred - For years, John Cleese was my top choice for Alfred, and I still love him for the role. But, by the time this shoots, he'll be 75 or so. So, thinking a little younger, Bill Nighy is definitely the way to go.

The Joker - There is, in my mind, only one man for the job. An actor with great comedic timing, a wide range of voices, and manic energy. Someone who can embody in live action what Mark Hamill brought to the animated character: a range from hilarious to terrifying. Bill Hader.

Harley Quinn - We need someone who can go from respectable psychologist to deranged clown groupie. Intelligence and naivety are just as important as comic timing, beauty, and psychotic energy. Isla Fisher has exactly what it takes.

Harvey Dent - I see no one better than Timothy Olyphant. Watch Justified and you can see why. He can be charming, he can be intense, and he can be unhinged. He's the perfect guy to bring a grounded but terrifying Two-Face to life.

Riddler - Nigma has to be brilliant, frightening, arrogant. His every word should drip with a quiet menace. Michael Stuhlbarg from Boardwalk Empire would be amazing.

The Penguin - I really think it's time that Andy Serkis got to deliver a memorable, frightening performance and actually be seen on-screen. He fits the bill perfectly here.

More to come later.

 

[Rowsdower!]

I hope I'm not in the minority when I say that I never, EVER want to see Harley Quinn in a movie. I hate that character so much. I don't like the idea of the Joker working with a full time accomplice, especially not one who runs around with a giant hammer and talks like she thinks she's James Cagney. It dumbs down the Joker character and makes him seem a lot less threatening.

 

[Asteroid-Man]

Batman - Jim Caviezel
Gordon - Bryan Cranston
Lucius Fox - Denzel Washington
Alfred - Jared Harris

Harvey Dent - Joaquin Phoenix
Joker - Andrew Scott
Black Mask - Johnny Depp
Hush - Michael Fassbender
Ras Al-Ghul - Viggo Mortensen
Mr Freeze - Hugo Weaving
Riddler - Robert Downey Jr
Calendar Man - Conleth Hill
Falcone - Robert De Niro
Maroni - Al Pacino
Loeb - Danny De Vito
Taliah - Kate Beckinsale
Flass - Bruce Willis
Albert Falcone - Adrien Brody
Selina Kyle/Catwoman - Angelina Jolie
Poison Ivy - Mila Jovovich
Sofia Gigante - ???


Essentially I'd like four films:
A bit of Year One, with The Long Halloween
Dark Victory
A Death in the Family
Hush

A Batman: Beyond spinoff would be nice too.


These films would be written by Paul Dini (I love Loeb's stories, and I feel Dini could adapt them to the screen very well). Music by Nick Arundel. Directed by Guillermo Del Torro.

 

[66 Face]

Your casting is all over the place.

I know but thats what I like. If we have the right director, like Danny Boyle, everthing would come together under his vision.

 

[Joker's Lackey]

What I would Like to See in the Reboot(my Redo).

Batman: Crusader
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Script: Frank Darabont
Score: Trent Reznor
-No origin story. Maybe some flashbacks. Bruce is in his Late twenties/Early thirties. The main villain is The Holiday killer. Main Love interest is Vicky Vale. The story would be based on the Long Holloween with a few changes.

Bruce Wayne - Billy Crudup
Alfred - Bill Nighy
James Gordon - Joel Edgerton
Harvey Dent - Patrick Wilson
Gilda Dent - Carey Mulligan
Falcone - Ray Loitta
Riddler - Micheal Pitt
Vicky Vale - Abbie Cornish
Alberto Falcone - Eddie Redmayne
Sofia Falcone - Kaya Scodelario
Selina Kylle - Eva Green

 

[Brian2887]

I hope I'm not in the minority when I say that I never, EVER want to see Harley Quinn in a movie. I hate that character so much. I don't like the idea of the Joker working with a full time accomplice, especially not one who runs around with a giant hammer and talks like she thinks she's James Cagney. It dumbs down the Joker character and makes him seem a lot less threatening.

I wouldn't want to see her done as ridiculously over-the-top as she's usually portrayed, but I love the arc of a respected mental health professional being manipulated by, and falling for, The Joker. A story that starts with Joker in Arkham and using his charisma to seduce this poor girl over to the dark side and help him escape and wreak havoc can be done in a very, very interesting way.

 

[Spider-Fan83]

What I would Like to See in the Reboot(my Redo).

Batman: Crusader
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Script: Frank Darabont
Score: Trent Reznor
-No origin story. Maybe some flashbacks. Bruce is in his Late twenties/Early thirties. The main villain is The Holiday killer. Main Love interest is Vicky Vale. The story would be based on the Long Holloween with a few changes.

Bruce Wayne - Billy Crudup
...
James Gordon - Joel Edgerton
...

shouldn't Gordon be older then Bruce

 

[Jordacar]

What I would Like to See in the Reboot(my Redo).

Batman: Crusader
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Script: Frank Darabont
Score: Trent Reznor
-No origin story. Maybe some flashbacks. Bruce is in his Late twenties/Early thirties. The main villain is The Holiday killer. Main Love interest is Vicky Vale. The story would be based on the Long Holloween with a few changes.

Bruce Wayne - Billy Crudup
Alfred - Bill Nighy
James Gordon - Joel Edgerton
Harvey Dent - Patrick Wilson
Gilda Dent - Carey Mulligan
Falcone - Ray Loitta
Riddler - Micheal Pitt
Vicky Vale - Abbie Cornish
Alberto Falcone - Eddie Redmayne
Sofia Falcone - Kaya Scodelario
Selina Kylle - Eva Green

Crudup is older than Edgerton. Sure you don't wanna switch 'em?

 

[Rowsdower!]

I like the idea of Edgerton as Gordon, but yeah... if you went with that, you'd have to go with a younger Batman.

Also... you guys who are suggesting Bill Hader for the Joker... I like the guy and all, but I seriously want to know what you're smoking because it must be some strong stuff.

 

[Changeling]

After TDKR, i thought i was going to be ready for a new batman.. But that movie made me fall so in love with Bale again. That was his best performance IMO. He will pretty much be impossible to top. We definitely need Alfonso Cuaron or Darren Aronofsky.

 

[Brian2887]

I like the idea of Edgerton as Gordon, but yeah... if you went with that, you'd have to go with a younger Batman.

Also... you guys who are suggesting Bill Hader for the Joker... I like the guy and all, but I seriously want to know what you're smoking because it must be some strong stuff.

Right, because it's hard to imagine someone with a gift for comedy, voices, and energy as well as good on-screen charisma and acting ability playing The Joker. How weird. I guess I'll just go back to smoking.

 

[J'adore]

Batman - Jon Hamm
Commissioner Gordon - Bryan Cranston
Alfred - Bill Nighly
Joker - Sam Rockwell
Harley Quinn - Brit Marling
Riddler - Andrew Scott
Harvey Dent/Two-Face - Josh Brolin
Tommy Elliot/Hush - Matt Bomer
Lucius Fox - Danny Glover
Silver St. Cloud (Vicki Vale would just be too yawn) - Evangeline Lily
Renee Montoya - Zoe Saldana (She kicks ass, for real. She'd be featured more than she was in TDK)
Harvey Bullock - Idris Elba
Sarah Essen - Charlize Theron
Selina Kyle - Eva Green
Poison Ivy - Evan Rachel Wood

That's all I can think of rn

 

[66 Face]

I wouldn't want to see her done as ridiculously over-the-top as she's usually portrayed, but I love the arc of a respected mental health professional being manipulated by, and falling for, The Joker. A story that starts with Joker in Arkham and using his charisma to seduce this poor girl over to the dark side and help him escape and wreak havoc can be done in a very, very interesting way.

Harley can work even in a more serious Batman movie.

I like that arc a lot too. The thing is that I would have the Joker kill her in the same movie. Like he uses her to get out of Arkham and then offing her. Its a good way of showing that the Joker is unpredictable and makes him less like-able. Thats a very hard line to walk and IMO something only Nolan and at times The Animated Series has gotten right.

 

[shauner111]

After TDKR, i thought i was going to be ready for a new batman.. But that movie made me fall so in love with Bale again. That was his best performance IMO. He will pretty much be impossible to top. We definitely need Alfonso Cuaron or Darren Aronofsky.

Man, my exact thoughts right here. Bales performance was incredible in TDKR. My mind has completely changed on the reboot. I dont even know who can play Bruce next, and at the moment (cuz of the natural high im on from the movie) i dont even want a reboot with a new Bruce for VERY long time.

Cranston and Madsen still stand for me as Gordon and Bullock in the reboot. To the point where i cant think of anybody else. Essen is not important to me (neither is Bullock to be honest) but Julianne Moore is still my pick. Im sure there's some others who can play her of course.

Age is crucial for the villains though, as well as the next Bruce, and we dont know when theyre rebooting. So Riddler could be anyone. If someone picks Michael C Hall for the role, it could be the right move for RIGHT now...but when they pump out that next film it might be 4 to 6 years away and then Hall could not be a choice anymore. We also dont know what age range they want for Nygma.

I think the smartest choice for WB is to cast the reboot with the biggest actors with the biggest cult of fans that they can get their hands on. TDKR is just top notch with the big names and performances. Because theyre huge names who are FANTASTIC actors.

Hiring no-namers (whether they have chops or not) might not do anything to get people excited. If you announce big names along the likes of Daniel Day Lewis or a Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bryan Cranston, Ryan Gosling, Denzel Washington, Joseph Gordon Levitt (*cough* if u guys know what i mean!)...im just saying this calibur of acting. It's naturally gonna generate a buzz.

The director will also have to be somebody who make ppl think "oh ok hes not a Michael Bay or rom-com filmmaker, this person has done THESE great films. Now HE'S worthy of following up Nolan perhaps. That's interesting.."

It's a hard task to follow this trilogy.

 

[The Strategos]

I absolutely hate "road-to-nowhere" movie "love interest", stuff that is there purely for the sake of "love interest" with little value to the story and which is instatnly dissolved for the next movie. Please, no Vale. Ever!

 

[shauner111]

I absolutely hate "road-to-nowhere" movie "love interest", stuff that is there purely for the sake of "love interest" with little value to the story and which is instatnly dissolved for the next movie. Please, no Vale. Ever!

Yeah it never made any sense to have these types of female characters thrown in. Batman and Batman Forever come to mind.

 

[darkcatwoman]

Bruce Wayne/Batman- Jon Hamm
Jim Gordon- Bryan Cranston
Hugo Strange- Hugh Laurie
Joker- Kiefer Sutherland
Riddler- Adrian Brody
Selina Kyle/Catwoman- Mila Kunis
Harley Quinn- Isla Fischer
Dick Grayson/Robin- Joseph Gordon Levitt (haha I can't think of anyone else!)
Penguin- Phillip Seymour Hoffman

 

[Rowsdower!]

Right, because it's hard to imagine someone with a gift for comedy, voices, and energy as well as good on-screen charisma and acting ability playing The Joker. How weird. I guess I'll just go back to smoking.

Yeah, they're going to follow up one of the greatest performances of all time with a guy from SNL.

Enjoy your crackpipe.

 

[Brian2887]

If you're following up after a legendary performance, don't try to match it; don't try to top it. The key is to differentiate yourself from it. Bill Hader would bring a similar sensibility to live action that Hamill did to the cartoon. Voices, energy, presence.

And yes, the guy from Saturday Night Live. Emmy nominee, by the way, and extremely talented.

Let's not forget that Robert Downey, Jr, Oscar-nominee Joan Cusack, the brilliant Bill Murray, and plenty of respected performers came from SNL. Don't be so closed-minded.

And you can take those crackpipe jokes and blow them out your ass. Have some respect, even if you disagree.

 

[Majik1387]

Bill Hader is a great comedic actor. With that said, he is a terrible choice for Joker.

 

[Rowsdower!]

I agree that you shouldn't try to top it. But I just don't see them taking that much of a risk. There's more to the Joker than simply being funny. And while I wouldn't say to rule someone out just because they haven't played a particular type of character before (Ledger hadn't played a villain before TDK) he had at least done some really impressive dramatic work. Has Hader done anything where he's not trying to be funny in some regard?

I also think being an SNL cast member still carries some stigma to it. Not as much as it used to, but you always run the risk of being grouped into that Adam Sandler/Chris Rock/Andy Samberg area. Just a hunch, but I could see WB shying away from someone like Hader just because of that.