Worst Casting For G.I. Joe

[K.B.]

Where'd you read that. I don't doubt you but I don't recall seeing that anywhere. That sucks, and I can see Ripcord totally sucking now as well.

It was in an interview with Boniventure a few weeks before they cast Zartan and Hawk. Those were his exact words too. I'm sure you can find it on iesb.com

How can you decide this change was made "for the sake of change" without any evidence past, what I'm guessing, is a gut feeling? I understand where you're coming from, but I don't follow your logic here. If the movie comes out and wayans completely sucks in the role, then by all means feel free to complain about it. Until we either see a polished product or we here from the makers of the movie, we have no idea WHY the change was made. We can't assume it was made just for the hell of it.

2 points can be made here.

1) since day one the producers have fretted over how this can be marketed globally since the tag line of the cartoon was " a real american hero" and the subject matter is about an american military force. Note, not "how do we make this a great film" but "how do we market this globally". There are numorus interviews from both the producer and hasbro where this line has been quoted and if you have followed it since day one I'm sure you'll remember.

2)If your a fan of G.I. Joe then you wil lrecall that there are actually a good healthy number of black characters that Wayans could have played instead of just randomly picking a white character and changing his background just to suit a demo. Many fans have said that they wouldn't have been so bothered if he had been cast as Alpine. Myself. while not my first choice for Alpine, at least it would have made SENSE to cast him and it wouldn't have stung so bad and been such a "wtf?!?" moment for all joe fans. This also turns to the age old "race card". Like I said, there are a number of strong black characters in the Joeverse that deserve the spotlight he could have been cast as, so WHY make such a change? It is not disimmiler to the casting of Jolie as a black character from WANTED.

"Your telling me you couldn't find one strong, black female actress in all of hollywood to play Fox?/ Your telling me you couldn't find one black character in G.I. Joe so you had to take a white one and switch race?"

(that quote wasn't directed towards you, just the line of logic that helps illistate my point I'm trying to make. Hope it helps, I'm sure you get what I mean thoguh.)

If there's no actual evidence that it sucks right now, there's nothing that validate spitting venom at the movie. In short:Until there is proof positive that a movie will suck why complain about it?

But there already is : Lackluster casting and a script that leaves a little to be desired. Do I hope G.I. Joe turns out great? Yes I do. I never want any of these films to fail. I would love for Joe to do Transformers money x's 10 mill, and I have no doubts it will, I would just love for there to be a GREAT joe film to back up the B.O. instead of just the quick cash grab A LOT of these films turn out to be.

Referencing the source material is one thing, staying one hundred percent panel for panel is something else. I agree that not referencing the source material would be a bad thing, but this rarely happens. In most cases the source material is altered(sometimes drastically sometimes not so much). This speaks to the changes already mentioned.

Happens a lot more then you would think. Like I said, I don't mind certain changes and I'm not the guy in the crowd yelling "but he didn't do that till issue 242!!!"

The casual viewer is likely unconcerned with who much a film deviates from the source. Why? Because they aren't that familiar with it. This is why they are casual viewer. Let's take Ghost Rider for an example. gR fans HATED that movie, yet it made a mint. Why? Because casual fans loved it. There were likely more people that went to that movie because they're fans of Nick Cage than because they really followed GR as a character.

K maybe I didnt explain it properly. Filmgoers are not as stupid as studios seem to think. A bad movie is a bad movie and the audience can tell wether they are comic geeks or never ever heard of the source material. Lets take F.F. for example, deviated WAY to far and the the box office suffered. Made most of its cash opening day and then sank. Spider-man, opens and is done well and with respect to the source contiues to kill in ticket sales.

Bad move using GR as I don't know of ANYONE who liked it GR fan or casual veiwer. One of only 3 time I have been in a theater where after the film, literally the entire crowd vocalizes how sh**ty it was (the other 2 being the art of war and the village).

Fans hated the idea of Micheal Keaton as Batman. Studio response: Hire Bob Kane as a consultant.

Actually, when fans hated Keaton as Bats WB rushed out a trailer as fast as they could and this instantaily won fans over. Kane was hired long before this as he was on set daily and helped during pre production giving "input".

 

[Lord Doom]

Ho! I didn't see Marlon Wayans as Ripcord! Ouch.

 

[Frosty81]

I'll be the first to admit that I hated the idea of Tatum as Duke. However, if Michael Mann is willing to cast him as Pretty Boy Floyd in a movie that stars Christian Bale and Johnny Depp, then I will hold my opinion. Sommers has yet to make a truly great film, while Mann has made many. His ensemble casts are generally top notch.

 

[DarthRekal]

christian bale AND Johnny depp

 

[Dr. Fate]

I voted Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Cobra Commander. Worst. Casting. Ever.

 

[mr. peasant]

I voted Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Cobra Commander. Worst. Casting. Ever.

Awaits patiently for when Dr. Fate will be screaming "JGL WAS FANTASTIC AS CC!!!!1!" in 2009.

In all seriousness, I can't see how anyone can say any particular actor is the 'worst casting decision' without actually having seen their performance in said movie. Even the best of actors can fall flat due to poor scripting and/or bad chemistry with the others while weak actors can shine through good direction, by playing off one another or by just fully understanding the role. The anti-JGL sentiment is made even more confusing when one considers the extensive body of work he's accomplished since 3rd Rock from the Sun, many of which he's been critically acclaimed for.

 

[Kokoryu1]

Awaits patiently for when Dr. Fate will be screaming "JGL WAS FANTASTIC AS CC!!!!1!" in 2009.

In all seriousness, I can't see how anyone can say any particular actor is the 'worst casting decision' without actually having seen their performance in said movie. Even the best of actors can fall flat due to poor scripting and/or bad chemistry with the others while weak actors can shine through good direction, by playing off one another or by just fully understanding the role. The anti-JGL sentiment is made even more confusing when one considers the extensive body of work he's accomplished since 3rd Rock from the Sun, many of which he's been critically acclaimed for.

While you may be right about JGL explain Channing Tatum as Duke (Uh Oh Cobra just got served!) or Marlon Wayans as Ripcord? Oh wait a minute, I see this movie is supposed to be a comedy! Can't you see it? Duke breakdances his way into Destros' castle and and challenges Commander Rexs' elite Spin vipers to a dance off for world domination! Makes sense now.

 

[Kokoryu1]

This Movie should have involved been an adaptation of the first comic or maybe the first Special Missions issue.While I like Dennis Quaid as Hawkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Hawkgijoe.jpg.My vote would have gone to Kurt Russell. Dukehttp://javascript<b></b>:basicPopup...oc=/gijoe/images/bios/&image=duke_full.jpg'); isn't some young just out of school kid. He's a mid 30's early 40's battle tested veteran which is why he was General Flaggs' and Hawks pick for Field Commander. You won't get that feel from Tatum. Cole Hauser

is a far better choice. Not too old (33) but no spring chicken either.Even better he has the initials C. Hauser!. Ripcord/ Marlon Wayans (especially since Ripcords a white guy) shouldn't be in this movie, he was'nt a member of the original group.Then again neither was Duke but he is far more integral to the storyline than Ripcord. Baroness? Sexy, Snooty and Sophisticated.http://javascript<b></b>:basicPopup...gijoe/images/bios/&image=baroness_full.jpg');How about Liz Hurley or Catherine Zeta Jones. Even Kate Beckinsale or Monica Bellucci. Why Heavy Duty and not Roadblock?http://javascript<b></b>:basicPopup...ijoe/images/bios/&image=roadblock_full.jpg');

Played by Bob Sapp or Michael Clark Duncan. Both these guys stand at 6'4 and 6'5 respectivley since Road block is supposed to be the big guy of the Joe team(Sapps taller than Duncan). Snake Eyeshttp://javascript<b></b>:basicPopup...ijoe/images/bios/&image=snakeeyes_full.jpg');/Ray Park? Short 5'9" but Workable. Although Shane

Kosugi, the son of and trained by an actual Ninja Sho Kosugi might have been a better choice. At 5'11" he has Blackbelt Degrees in Karate, Kendo, Judo, Kobudo, and Tae Kwon Do. Has also trained in gymnastics and Wu Shu. 38 titles and 167 trophies later you have Snake eyes.
Just hope they don't put in that Vow of silence crap. Snake can't talk because his face and throat were damaged rescuing Scarlett from a helicopter crash/explosion. http://javascript<b></b>:basicPopup...gijoe/images/bios/&image=scarlett_full.jpg');Scarletts casting, while not a bad choice, could have been given to Jennifer Garner

. You know she could do the stunts and fighting sequences. Red the hair and there you go. Destro?http://javascript<b></b>:basicPopup...=/gijoe/images/bios/&image=destro_full.jpg'); How about Liam Neeson or Jeremy Irons.Hell! He did Eragon! Zartanhttp://javascript<b></b>:basicPopup...=/gijoe/images/bios/&image=zartan_full.jpg');, the master of disguise played by Jason Statham. Now onto someone REALLY important Cobra Commanderhttp://javascript<b></b>:basicPopup...images/bios/&image=cobracommander_full.jpg');. This actor has to be versatile edgy and pull of the megalomaniacal role supremely. He has to make you believe he's a genius behind his insanity. Ladies and Germs I present to you

Gary Oldman. Any objections? Stalker http://javascript<b></b>:basicPopup.../gijoe/images/bios/&image=stalker_full.jpg');needs to be prtrayed much like Duke. Coolheaded combat vet and a leader who is relatively serious most of the time. Try as I might I had a hard time coming up with someone to fill this role until I was watching Tears of the Sun and saw Eamonn Walker

. Despite Him being British He's an awesome actor. Tomax and Xamothttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Xamot.gif portrayed by

Cilian Murphy. Finally to write this film How about the Collaborative team of Larry Hama (theGI JOE Expert) David Goyer The writer for Batman Begins and David Hayter,the writer for the first 2 Xmen movies as well as the voice actor for Solid Snake. I had a few other characters/actors in mind but time and budget constraints and the fact that I wasn't asked beg me to post my opinions here only!

 

[mr. peasant]

While you may be right about JGL explain Channing Tatum as Duke (Uh Oh Cobra just got served!) or Marlon Wayans as Ripcord? Oh wait a minute, I see this movie is supposed to be a comedy! Can't you see it? Duke breakdances his way into Destros' castle and and challenges Commander Rexs' elite Spin vipers to a dance off for world domination! Makes sense now.

It's interesting you brought Tatum up. He's actually got an interesting career history beyond 'Step Up' and 'He's the Man'. Apparently, he was supposed to play Gambit for X3 (or at least auditioned for it) but was not cast as the character was removed. Plus, he's in Stop Loss, where he plays a soldier who served in Iraq (interestingly enough, JGL is also in this film). Does this prove that he's the best guy for the job? No. But it does show that he's actually got a diverse range.

 

[Kokoryu1]

It's interesting you brought Tatum up. He's actually got an interesting career history beyond 'Step Up' and 'He's the Man'. Apparently, he was supposed to play Gambit for X3 (or at least auditioned for it) but was not cast as the character was removed. Plus, he's in Stop Loss, where he plays a soldier who served in Iraq (interestingly enough, JGL is also in this film). Does this prove that he's the best guy for the job? No. But it does show that he's actually got a diverse range.

I am not saying he's a bad actor just a bad choice. Would you have gone to see Xmen if Morgan Freeman had been cast as Magneto? Glenn Close as Jean Grey? Or better yet Jack Nicholson as Professor X? Great actors bad casting. If you are so intent on having him in the Movie how about cast him as Falcon or even Flint?

 

[mr. peasant]

I am not saying he's a bad actor just a bad choice. Would you have gone to see Xmen if Morgan Freeman had been cast as Magneto? Glenn Close as Jean Grey? Or better yet Jack Nicholson as Professor X? Great actors bad casting. If you are so intent on having him in the Movie how about cast him as Falcon or even Flint?

In your previous post, you insinuated that Tatum was incapable of pulling off a serious version of Duke, which I disagreed, pointing his dramatic experience. Plus, there are several reasons to have him as Duke such as:

1. He bears a good physical resemblance to Duke, especially the more recent renditions of him, particularly Sigma Six.
2. He's likely capable of the physical aspects the role is likely to call for.
3. He's had past experience acting as a soldier.
4. He's been described as hardworking, serious about his work and determined to improve, all of which fits with Duke's personality.
5. Finally, he's old enough to play a character of Duke's rank as long as he's promoted/fastracked at record speed, which again would fit Duke as the leader of a special ops team.

Again, not saying he's the best person for the job. But that he's good enough.

 

[Oerwinde]

More of a character choice than a casting choice, why the hell did they choose Heavy Duty over Roadblock?

 

[Kokoryu1]

In your previous post, you insinuated that Tatum was incapable of pulling off a serious version of Duke, which I disagreed, pointing his dramatic experience. Plus, there are several reasons to have him as Duke such as:

1. He bears a good physical resemblance to Duke, especially the more recent renditions of him, particularly Sigma Six.
2. He's likely capable of the physical aspects the role is likely to call for.
3. He's had past experience acting as a soldier.
4. He's been described as hardworking, serious about his work and determined to improve, all of which fits with Duke's personality.
5. Finally, he's old enough to play a character of Duke's rank as long as he's promoted/fastracked at record speed, which again would fit Duke as the leader of a special ops team.

Again, not saying he's the best person for the job. But that he's good enough.

Are you Tatums agent? Again, Not saying He's a bad actor, But Would you have followed Stormin Norman into battle if he was fresh out of boot camp? Duke is what is considered to be a grizzled vet. This kid barely shaves his face. How about Kurt Russell then? He fits all of your criteria and fits the age too. Then again you are probably happy with the casting of Ripcord too. I am not trying to provoke an argument with you but I consider myself a diehard fan of G.I. Joe. as are most of us on this page. And certain people just aren't right for certain roles. A kid who plays wheelchair basket ball can not hope to compete in the NBA no matter how good he is! Quick question. At your workplace if someone were to come along and be your supervisor after being fasttracked to the top would you want to follow him. Would he inspire you? Doubtful. I know this is a fictional universe but I imgine that believability plays into the dynamic of a script. And I for one would be hard pressed to see this guy Tatum as a seasoned leader of men. And for the record We real fans consider Sigma six, G.I.Joe Extreme & Sgt.Savage a slap in the face. It should have been called Sigma Sick.

 

[Kokoryu1]

In your previous post, you insinuated that Tatum was incapable of pulling off a serious version of Duke, which I disagreed, pointing his dramatic experience. Plus, there are several reasons to have him as Duke such as:

1. He bears a good physical resemblance to Duke, especially the more recent renditions of him, particularly Sigma Six.
2. He's likely capable of the physical aspects the role is likely to call for.
3. He's had past experience acting as a soldier.
4. He's been described as hardworking, serious about his work and determined to improve, all of which fits with Duke's personality.
5. Finally, he's old enough to play a character of Duke's rank as long as he's promoted/fastracked at record speed, which again would fit Duke as the leader of a special ops team.

Again, not saying he's the best person for the job. But that he's good enough.

Are you Tatums agent? Again, Not saying He's a bad actor, But Would you have followed Stormin Norman into battle if he was fresh out of boot camp? Duke is what is considered to be a grizzled vet. This kid barely shaves his face. How about Kurt Russell then? He fits all of your criteria and fits the age too. Then again you are probably happy with the casting of Ripcord too. I am not trying to provoke an argument with you but I consider myself a diehard fan of G.I. Joe. as are most of us on this page. And certain people just aren't right for certain roles. A kid who plays wheelchair basket ball can not hope to compete in the NBA no matter how good he is! Quick question. At your workplace if someone were to come along and be your supervisor after being fasttracked to the top would you want to follow him. Would he inspire you? Doubtful. I know this is a fictional universe but I imgine that believability plays into the dynamic of a script. And I for one would be hard pressed to see this guy Tatum as a seasoned leader of men. And for the record We real fans consider Sigma six, G.I.Joe Extreme & Sgt.Savage a slap in the face. It should have been called Sigma Sick. I got one for you, Lawrence Fishburn as Destro!

 

[Kokoryu1]

Those folk who wrote this movie have no Idea about Joe Canon. This is pandering at its worst. Just making something to get a quick buck. Thats why Larry Hamma was bought on board last. The filming was already in progress when he came onboard as a "consultant". He would have had the script redone as soon as he'd read it. Thats why you have an African Heavy Duty instead of Roadblock, a nearly teenage Duke a woefully miscast Ripcord and an international force (Action Force Anybody?) instead of the REAL AMERICAN HERO Movie.

 

[mr. peasant]

Those folk who wrote this movie have no Idea about Joe Canon. This is pandering at its worst. Just making something to get a quick buck. Thats why Larry Hamma was bought on board last. The filming was already in progress when he came onboard as a "consultant". He would have had the script redone as soon as he'd read it. Thats why you have an African Heavy Duty instead of Roadblock, a nearly teenage Duke a woefully miscast Ripcord and an international force (Action Force Anybody?) instead of the REAL AMERICAN HERO Movie.

Actually, Hama was announced to be onboard before filming began. Plus, let me reinforce that it was 'announced', meaning we don't know when exactly he was hired. Plus, his involvement seems to indicate that it's not as bad as people think it is (and that he approves of it in some general extent). Otherwise, he'd simply not have joined unless of course, you think he's 'sold out' too. In fact, most (if not all) of those who have gotten their hands on the script and reviewed it in an official capacity (including the guy at GIJoeClub) liked it.

As for Tatum, he's far from being a teenager. Last I checked, he's pushing thirty, and hasn't been a teenager for nearly ten years. And seriously though, a piece of plastic is a 'real American hero'? That kind of thinking is the true insult to the brave men and women serving the American military (and police, fire and all other emergency services).

 

[Kokoryu1]

Actually, Hama was announced to be onboard before filming began. Plus, let me reinforce that it was 'announced', meaning we don't know when exactly he was hired. Plus, his involvement seems to indicate that it's not as bad as people think it is (and that he approves of it in some general extent). Otherwise, he'd simply not have joined unless of course, you think he's 'sold out' too. In fact, most (if not all) of those who have gotten their hands on the script and reviewed it in an official capacity (including the guy at GIJoeClub) liked it.

As for Tatum, he's far from being a teenager. Last I checked, he's pushing thirty, and hasn't been a teenager for nearly ten years. And seriously though, a piece of plastic is a 'real American hero'? That kind of thinking is the true insult to the brave men and women serving the American military (and police, fire and all other emergency services).

1. Announced is correct but I find it funny that he wasn't "announced" until after most of the casting was done. Selling out? No. But how much say so does a consultant have?. Quick question, wouldn't any sane person have hired an expert BEFORE starting th movie? Kinda like putting the wagon before the horse!
2. The guy at GI Joe club liked it?! Wellll that tears it for me. Theres a ringing endorsement. Hell I liked Ghostrider but If I were to ask a FAN of the character about it he'd probably break out in tears.
3. Real American Hero isn't what I called a piece of plastic. Believe me when I say I know who the real heros' are. I have family in Iraq now and family who have served in Desert Storm, Grenada, Beirut, Viet namn Korea and WW2. So I don't go using the name of Real American hero so lightly.
4. You must be Tatums Agent because only his agent would be so adamant about their client. Hey why not Samuel L. Jackson as ALL the Dreadnoks?! If he's not right for the role he's not right for the role! There's a difference betwen PUSHING 30 and being Over 30! WAIT a minute THIS IS CHANNING TATUM isn't it?
5. INSULT? Dude. ME? NYCDOC.7 years. I was pulling bodies from Ground zero on Sept 12 and then went to work in the morgue here. I still wake up with nightmares on occassion. So don't preach to me about being brave! What were you DOING!?
6. Its a fricking TOY! and the movies been cast, so no matter what we say here, it doesn't amount to a hill of beans in the long run! Opinions are like *******s everyone has 1!.

 

[TheVileOne]

Sorry but Tatum looks nothing like Sigma 6 Duke.

 

[mr. peasant]

3. Real American Hero isn't what I called a piece of plastic. Believe me when I say I know who the real heros' are. I have family in Iraq now and family who have served in Desert Storm, Grenada, Beirut, Viet namn Korea and WW2. So I don't go using the name of Real American hero so lightly.

Then you ought to understand what I mean when I say that people who complain/moan that taking the 'Real American Hero' tag being un-American. It was a gimmick used by Hasbro to sell toys, nothing more (at least to me anyway).

4. You must be Tatums Agent because only his agent would be so adamant about their client. Hey why not Samuel L. Jackson as ALL the Dreadnoks?! If he's not right for the role he's not right for the role! There's a difference betwen PUSHING 30 and being Over 30! WAIT a minute THIS IS CHANNING TATUM isn't it?

No, I'm not his agent (LOL). Not saying that he's the perfect choice to be Duke but there is some similarities that can be applied as reasoning of why he can be cast. Plus, I didn't say he was over 30 but rather that he isn't exactly a teenager either (which was what you said he was). Of course, I understand that comment was probably an exageration but I thought it was worth getting the record straight.

5. INSULT? Dude. ME? NYCDOC.7 years. I was pulling bodies from Ground zero on Sept 12 and then went to work in the morgue here. I still wake up with nightmares on occassion. So don't preach to me about being brave! What were you DOING!?
6. Its a fricking TOY! and the movies been cast, so no matter what we say here, it doesn't amount to a hill of beans in the long run! Opinions are like *******s everyone has 1!.

In that case, I applaud and completely respect the work and contribution you've given to your society. As for what I did, nothing. But only because I was under 18 at the time and live halfway around the world (not everyone here is American y'know). Regardless, I still find it difficult to understand how people can compare a plastic toy (especially one that was not made in honor of them but as a commercial product with profit as its primary focus) with the 'real American heroes' who are out there risking their lives on a daily basis to keep society safe. I don't know, that's just me.

 

[JohnRico]

The whole cast pretty much sucks. But I will wait for the trailers before saying hell no

 

[Jake Cassidy]

The whole cast pretty much sucks. But I will wait for the trailers before saying hell no

Dennis Quaid sucks!?!?!

BLASPHEMY!!!!

 

[JohnRico]

Dennis Quaid sucks!?!?!

BLASPHEMY!!!!

Okay aside from Dennis Quaid & Arnold Vosloo the rest sucks. Is that better ?

 

[Jake Cassidy]

Okay aside from Dennis Quaid & Arnold Vosloo the rest sucks. Is that better ?

Yes. Much better.

 

[Voyeur]

Where are these people getting the idea Tatum is old enough to be a First Sergeant? As someone who's been in the Army, I respectfully disagree. I've seen many a 1ST SGT my time there and none under the age of 30! Let's say a soldier joins the Army at 18 and increases in rank every 2 years, you'd calculate that he/she would make 1ST SGT at 32 earliest.

Truthfully, it doesn't work that way. The higher the rank, the longer it takes to move on to the next. It might take only a year for a recruit to make Private First Class, but it usually takes much longer between Sergeant First Class to First Sergeant. I've seen one who made buck Sergeant at around 23. Very much a young NCO. One of my NCO's at Fort Irwin was a 26 year old Staff Sergeant, which is considered "fast track".

Every 1ST SGT I've ever seen ranged anywhere between mid-30's to into their 50's! And I've never seen a Sergeant Major younger than 40!

Having said all that, they may make Duke a Staff Sergeant, prepping him to lead the Joe's on short notice...or something.

 

[mr. peasant]

Where are these people getting the idea Tatum is old enough to be a First Sergeant? As someone who's been in the Army, I respectfully disagree. I've seen many a 1ST SGT my time there and none under the age of 30! Let's say a soldier joins the Army at 18 and increases in rank every 2 years, you'd calculate that he/she would make 1ST SGT at 32 earliest.

Truthfully, it doesn't work that way. The higher the rank, the longer it takes to move on to the next. It might take only a year for a recruit to make Private First Class, but it usually takes much longer between Sergeant First Class to First Sergeant. I've seen one who made buck Sergeant at around 23. Very much a young NCO. One of my NCO's at Fort Irwin was a 26 year old Staff Sergeant, which is considered "fast track".

Every 1ST SGT I've ever seen ranged anywhere between mid-30's to into their 50's! And I've never seen a Sergeant Major younger than 40!

Having said all that, they may make Duke a Staff Sergeant, prepping him to lead the Joe's on short notice...or something.

True. However technically speaking, there isn't an age restriction on the rank and one can theoretically reach that post at a much earlier age than as practically occurs. Plus, given the increasing amount of 'field time' soldiers are receiving, it is thus believable for the general public to assume that Tatum's character attains this by being 'the best there ever was' (if they push the idea). Besides, just because he's 28 doesn't mean he's acting as someone older.

On a separate line of argument, do we actually know that they're keeping the standard command structure for G.I. Joe and that Duke will indeed be a First Sergeant in the movie? I mean, from what I can remember of G.I. Joe, they hardly maintained the official chain of command and seemed to do their own thing.