Showing posts with label Casting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Casting. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Edward Norton may play the villain in The Bourne Legacy


It's been a long time since I've blogged about the next 'Bourne' film, titled The Bourne Legacy.  Maybe because it doesn't feel right without Matt Damon?  But, Hollywood doesn't care what I think.  A fourth Bourne film will be made and it will star Jeremy Renner in the part made famous by Damon.  I'm ok with the casting of Renner, he will do great, no doubt.  That's three viable franchises at once folks.  The Bourne films, The Avengers (where he'll play Hawkeye), and the Mission: Impossible films he's taking over from Tom Cruise. 

Today comes rumors that Edward Norton could play the villain.  This is spectacular because you all should know I think Norton is a great actor.  Yes, I also think he's a jerk and that's why directors can't work with him.  But he knows how to play a villain.  I doubt this movie will have a goofy tone the way his character was portrayed in The Italian Job; I think it will be darker like the world Matt Damon inhabited.  Either way, I'm psyched about the casting rumor and hope it's true.  Anyone else think Norton is worth the trouble?

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Julia Ormond will play Superman's mother in Man of Steel

It was just a few days ago Russell Crowe's casting was announced for the Superman reboot, Man of Steel.  He will take over the role made famous by Marlon Brando... Superman's biological father, Kal-El.  Today, Julia Ormond cast to play his wife and Superman's mother, Lara.

Ormond is a lovely actress, I love her casting.  She will be a great addition, and play well along side Crowe.  I hope she has a bigger role than the character has had in the past.  You may remember the British actress from such films as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,  Legends of the Fall and more recently, Che: Part One.

You have to give it to director Zack Snyder.  He's putting together an amazing supporting cast for this film, as well as the lead actors he's already cast.  Here's a quick reminder: Henry Cavill as Superman, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as Clark Kent's adoptive parents and Michael Shannon as the villain, General Zod.  Not too shabby! 

I'm sure Christopher Nolan had a lot to do with all these casting choices.  There was something he pointed out over and over when filming Batman Begins.  You need high caliber actors to compliment the hero, to create the world the hero occupies.  Looks like he's stressing that for Man of Steel as well.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Russell Crowe as Superman's dad? Maybe

The title pretty much gives it away, but I'll repeat.  Russell Crowe may play Jor El, Superman's biological father in The Man of Steel.  The movie will of course be directed by Zack Snyder and star Henry Cavill as the caped hero.

The role was originally played by the legendary Marlon Brando in the Richard Donner film, Superman: The Movie.  For those who don't know Superman's origin story (living under a rock much?), here's how it goes:  Jor El is the father or Kal El, an infant boy.  When their home planet of Krypton is threatened, Jor El sends his only son away from harm in a spaceship.  The spaceship lands in Smallville, where Jonathan and Martha Kent adopt the infant, name him Clark, and raise him to be Superman.  Pretty cool right?

This casting news really surprised me.  It's not that I disapprove or anything, I just never really pictured Russell Crowe in a superhero film.  But after thinking about it a bit, I really like it.  I could see him being the commanding figure needed to lead the people of Krypton as well as a sensible father to the future Man of Steel.  Instead of who likes this casting choice, I suppose a better question is, who hates the idea? 

Friday, May 20, 2011

Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg will re-team in Turkey Bowl


Last year, the unlikely duo of Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg struck gold at the box office.  I personally did not enjoy the film as much as I would have hoped.  I reviewed the movie and noted that although there were some funny moments, the movie didn't do it for me overall. 

Well, regardless of my thoughts on the film, Warner Brothers wants the duo back in action next year.  Warner Brothers acquired the rights Turkey Bowl.  Ferrell and Wahlberg play guys from two different football obsessed cities.  They're going to play a tackle football game for bragging rights.  Simple enough.  Hopefully this one will do more for me than The Other Guys.  I really like both actors in their own right, just hope Turkey Bowl delivers!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Jane Lynch joining The Three Stooges, as their nun

Jane Lynch is one hilarious woman!  I do NOT watch "Glee", but her work in the last decade has made this blogger laugh non-stop.  In my opinion, she's pure gold in everything she does.  Well she's about to join Sofia Vergara, Sean Hayes (Larry) and Will Sasso (Curly) in the Farrelly Brothers The Three Stooges.

She will play the nun that runs the school where the three brothers grew up.  I love the casting!  She will be a welcome addition to the comedy film.  Still waiting for the final word on who will play Moe, the ringleader of the trio.  Latest rumor is former “24” star, Chris Diamantopoulos.  I don't know any of his work, as most of his resume is for TV.  I don't want to spend too much on him until it's certain, for now, I celebrate the casting of Lynch!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Academy Award nominee, Michael Shannon will play General Zod in Superman film, now titled "Man of Steel"

It feels like every Sunday there's Superman movie news.  For the most part, we knew the villain in the Superman film was going to be General Zod.  The rumor for months was that, the character would be played by Viggo Mortensen.  That rumor was proven false, by director Zack Snyder.  So today comes the official casting of the character.  It goes to Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon!  Shannon was nominated for his role in Revolutionary Road in 2008.

I like this casting choice.  Shannon has a presence that few actors do.  He demands attention on screen, and can be a commanding figure... which will be important when playing General Zod.  He can play a 'creepy', possessed characters, which again, will be perfect for the role.  His role in Revolutionary Road was terrific (one of the few things I enjoyed about the film).  He played Kate Winslet's brother, a mentally disturbed man that challenged Leonardo DiCaprio in every scene they shared together.  It was a great role for Shannon.

On another Superman note; the reboot has an official title.  It will be Man of Steel.  Much like the latest Batman installment, The Dark Knight, there's no need for the name of the character in the title of the film.  Its probably smart.  First, you separate it from the terrible Bryan Singer version, Superman Returns.  And second, the character is so universally recognized, having his name in the title is a bit overkill.  This is great news, and I'm excited about seeing a villain OTHER than Lex Luthor in a Superman film.  Your thoughts?

Friday, April 8, 2011

Sofia Vergara might join The Three Stooges

Gloria from Modern Family?!  Yes!  Not only is Modern Family become my favorite show on television, but Sofia Vergara is one of the funniest additions to the show.  The comedic actress is not too bad looking either. 

Now she's rumored to be in The Three Stooges film.  Over the past few weeks, the movie has been picking up a lot of steam.  Will Sasso has signed on to play Curly and Sean Hayes has been cast to play Larry.  Vergara would be the love interest of the three bumbling brothers.

What do you think about Vergara being cast in The Three Stooges? 

Monday, April 4, 2011

Sean Hayes cast as Larry in The Three Stooges

It was only a matter of time!  Last week, Will Sasso was cast as Curly from The Three Stooges.  Today the curly haired stooge, Larry, has been cast.  He will played by the hilarious Sean Hayes!

I love this choice.  I must admit, I didn't see this one coming at all, but I love it!  "Will & Grace" was one of my favorite sitcoms on the air, despite its cheesiness.  One of the main reasons I watched the show was Hayes character of Jack.

Since the show was retired/canceled, Hayes has been in a few movies.  His role in the Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman film, The Bucket List was a good one.  He is a talented actor.  But that's not the only reason this casting works for me, there's more. 

Hayes' size, physically makes sense up against Sasso as Curly.  He is a bit shorter than average and has a slender body; it's going to look great if he gets to beat up on Sasso a bit in the film.

Also, Hayes is musician!  Which, guess what, so too is the character of Larry.  This is great casting by the Farrelly Brothers; for a movie that I all but lost interest in.  So, I've made it clear I love this casting.  How about you all?  Did you see someone else playing the fro haired violinist? 

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Kevin Costner officially cast as Jonathan Kent in Superman film

Kevin Costner will play Johnathan Kent in Superman film
We kind of knew it was only a matter of time before this was confirmed.  It was pretty obvious which character Kevin Costner would play in the upcoming Superman... Jonathan Kent.  The adoptive father of Clark Kent.  He will team up with actress Diane Lane who is playing Martha Kent in the Zack Snyder reboot.

I love it.  It's been a rumor for a few weeks now, but I love it.  Costner has that all American look and will fit in nicely to the supporting cast that Snyder and company are creating.  I can't believe some people thought he might play Lex Luthor; I don't see it personally, Costner is too nice.  What do you think?  Good choice of casting?

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Joseph Gordon-Levitt & Marion Cotillard in The Dark Knight Rises?

There are a couple of The Dark Knight Returns news/rumors I wanted to tell everyone about.  Both have to do with casting and both are very interesting.  The first is very interesting.  Joseph Gordon-Levitt has been cast in the film.  It's a bit old news too, but I was waiting for the character to be announced, which it hasn't been yet.  There are a bunch of characters JGL could be playing, but this will reunite him with Director Christopher Nolan, and co-star Tom Hardy, who has been cast as Bane. 

I like JGL a lot and think he will do well no matter who he plays.  My guess at this point is Dr. Hugo Strange.  Strange is an evil doctor who conducts inhumane tests on the prisoners of Arkham Asylum.  But, most of the fan sites think he'll play Alberto Falcone, son of Carmine Falcone who was portrayed by Tom Wilkinson in Batman Begins.  Hold that thought, and let me tell you the next bit of casting rumor.

So we have the same director and 2 stars of Inception in this upcoming Batman film.  Make that 3 stars?  The latest rumor is that Marion Cotillard is joining the cast!  This is great!  I love her, I think she is stunningly beautiful and an amazing actress at that.  It is just rumor mind you.  But I love who she is rumored to play!

A few months ago, I wrote about all the possible actresses that were auditioning for the movie and what roles they were up for.  One of the roles rumored was that of Talia al Ghul, the daughter of Ras al Ghul.  Ras was played by Liam Neeson in Batman Begins.  Do you see where I'm going with this? 

We've been hearing that this is the last Nolan Batman film; and that it will bring Bruce Wayne's story full circle.  So having the children of two villains in Batman Begins come into the fold makes sense.  The son of Falcone and the daughter of al Ghul plotting revenge sounds intriguing.  There's one really big problem, too many villains!

We've seen this over and over again in comic book movies.  All of this is rumor, but if it's true, 4 villains (can't forget about Catwoman and Bane), are too much.  I have no doubt in my mind Nolan will make an amazing movie, but let's hope its done in a way that it doesn't become Spider-Man 3 or Batman & Robin.  We'll see, but I am exciting by the casting that is happening on The Dark Knight Rises.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Superman casting: Diane Lane as Martha Kent, Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent & Viggo Mortensen as General Zod?

Top Left to Right: Diane Lane, Martha & Jonathan Kent (comic book), Kevin Costner;   Bottom Left to Right: Viggo Mortensen, General Zod (comic book), Terrance Stamp as General Zod
You know what, they're doing it right!  By they I mean Producer, Christopher Nolan and Director, Zack Snyder.  And by "it" I mean the Superman reboot that is set for pre-production as I type this blog post. This team is unbeatable in my opinion.   I remember watching all the special features on the Batman Begins blu-ray and hearing Nolan talk about how important the supporting cast was.  He even references Richard Donners 1978 Superman as an inspiration for his casting of such greats as Michael Cain and Morgan Freeman.  

Now the rumor mill is at full speed when it comes to Superman (2012) casting.  Here is what has been confirmed:  Diane Lane will indeed play Martha Kent.  I have to tell you, I love the choice here!  She is a quality actress who has never let us down.  We already know the story features a younger Superman, so she will fit in to the world that Snyder is creating for our hero.

The next two casting bits are categorized as rumor at this point.  Next up is Jonathan (Pa) Kent, rumored to be played by Kevin Costner.  When Costner's name was first mentioned, no one knew for what part.  Pa Kent?  General Zod?  Lex Luthor?  Most the "experts" are saying it will be Pa Kent.  I like this too.  There is something about Costner that is so good 'ol American.  He's the perfect age to represent a young Clark Kent's father, but old enough to show wisdom in his words. 

Last but not least is Viggo Mortensen!  He's rumored to play none other than General Zod!  Terrance Stamp played him masterfully in the original Superman I and II.  How great is this if it's true?  Mortensen is an amazing actor and is considered one of the best dramatic actors around; he's even been nominated for an Academy Award.  He has the means to play a sinister villain, capable of horrific crimes.


The interesting thing about Mortensen's casting would be the character he would play.  General Zod has long been rumored to be the villain of the story David S. Goyer is scripting.  It makes sense on some level too.  If the villain really is General Zod, it's more recognizable, or relateable.  It wouldn't be some space villain who is too fantastical to believe.  I could see Mortensen stealing the show as the villain, and I hope that's exactly what happens!

Great rumors for the Superman fan base to consider.  We'll keep you posted if any of the latter rumors become fact!

Casting rumors for the fourth 'Bourne' film

I know I have already talked about this before, but a fourth 'Bourne' movie without Matt Damon is very real.  There's a long list of rumored actors (about 8-10).  But three names keep coming up across the internet-sphere.  /slashfilm mentions three big names in the running.  Let's look at them now:

Jake Gyllenhaal:
Hmm, I'm conflicted.  I don't like his acting whatsoever, I've pretty much hated him in everything I've seen, except Prince of Persia.  That's why I'm conflicted.  The 'Bourne' films need a good dramatic actor ala Matt Damon.  We need to see his confusion, his desperation.  BUT, Bourne may not even be the main character.  The sequel has only promised to be in the same world as Jason Bourne.  So maybe Gyllenhaal could pull it off?

Tobey Maguire:
He could totally be Gyllenhaal's twin
My absolute favorite of the trio here.  I feel like he needs to do something to shed that goody goody Peter Parker persona.  This film/franchise could do just the trick!  He has the dramatic chops, we've seen it.  He has the action background of the Spider-Man franchise, he is a real talent.  His body may not fit the world the way Damon's did, but he could make it work.





Garrett Hedlund:
Why?  Why am I even writing about this guy?  He totally stunk up the screen in Tron: Legacy and I hated every aspect of his acting in that film.  Why would I want to see him replace one of the greatest actors of my generation (Damon) in one of the most critically acclaimed action trilogies in history?  The answer is I don't want to see him get the role, period.

It's my opinion, you're on my blog so you obviously care, or you're just curious.  Feel free to drink some Haterade in the comments.  Who of these three should get the role?  Or maybe it's not any of these three, what do you think?

Click the jump for a little extra. (SOILER ALERT TO BOURNE ULTIMATUM)
You know who they should bring back, Édgar Ramírez!  His character of Paz in The Bourne Ultimatum was incredible!  He demanded our attention on the screen and held is own against Damon.  SPOILER ALERT:  Jason Bourne doesn't kill Paz in the film, he spares his life.  So why not continue the franchise with a revenge-filled Paz seeking to clear his name and start a new life?  The producers can leave the door open for Damon to return to the franchise, and fulfill their wish of staying within the confines of the 'Bourne' world.  What do you think?

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Adrianne Palicki is this generation's Wonder Woman

The title pretty much speaks for itself, but I can clear up a few things.  "Wonder Woman", the DC Comics legendary character will come in the form of a TV screen, not a Hollywood picture.  NBC has the rights and the show is set to air within the next year.  The producers have promised it will be a much more serious than the campy 1970's version that had men drooling over Lynda Carter. 

I have never seen any of Adrianne Palicki's work.  I know she stars in the TV version of "Friday Night Lights" and was in last year's Legion.  If you can't tell already, she's stunningly beautiful.  I also read she's tall, which may serve well for the show.  If you know anything about Palicki, let us know.  Have you watched her past shows, is she any good, etc?  I have Legion on Blu-Ray so maybe I'll watch it tonight and see what she's all about. 

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

UPDATE: 5 Women, 1 Role, 1 Huge Movie... "Superman" Leading Woman Casting

 
Lois Lane casting choices
UPDATE:
Olivia Wilde:
Olivia Wilde has joined the competition.  That's what LatinoReview are reporting.  This is a VERY interesting rumor.  I like Wilde (I'm a fan of TV's "House").  I think she's a smart, talented and a very sexy actress.  I would be totally OK with her playing Lois Lane.  McAdams is still my hands down favorite, but Wilde is great.  Read the post from yesterday below to see who all the other actresses rumored to play the part are.

If the title looks similar to a title a few weeks ago, it's on purpose.  A few weeks ago, we were all guessing who was going to be cast in the next Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises.  That question has been answered... Anne Hathaway will be Catwoman.  Now?  Now it's time to talk about Superman's leading lady, Lois Lane. Click the jump for more.



Hollywood Insider has a list of 5 potentials and 2 long shots.

5 potentials:

Kristen Stewart:
Please God no.  Please God no.  The end.












Malin Akerman:
Now this actually makes SOME sense.  She's worked with the director of Superman, Zack Snyder, before.  That movie, Watchmen, sort of put her on the map.  I like Akerman, but not for this.  This is needs to be a powerful leading lady, and when I think of Akerman, I don't see it. 








Dianna Agron:
I don't know much about this girl, but what I do know, I don't like.  I think she is too inexperienced to play such an important role.  She's mostly done television, and that's not neccessarily a bad thing, but for Superman, we need a better actress.  She IS young, and that's what Snyder and company are shooting for, so you never know.  Check out her limited IMDB.






Jessica Biel:
Next up is an actress I do not like, nor do I want in this film! Jessica Biel would definitely look the part of Vicki Vale, but I don't like her, so we're going to move on.

By the way, the above is exactly what I wrote about her when the news came out she was auditioning for The Dark Knight Rises.






Rachel McAdams:
Awww, the best for last.  And what I like to say, "I told you so".  In early December of last year, there was a rumor Anne Hathaway was up for Lois Lane.  I hated it of course, being that I hate her acting.  So I gave my own two cents.  You know what my two cents were?  Rachel-McAdams!  I suggested to you 5 readers of the blog, that McAdams be cast if they were going younger.  What do you know?  She's reading for the part.  I love McAdams.  She is by far, the best actress on this list.  It would make me a happy man if she was cast and we could all begin to forget the horrific job Kate Bosworth did with the character.



The long shots:

Kristen Bell:

I saw these two ladies rumored on JoBlo.com.  I have a crush on Bell that is hard to describe.  I think she is REE-DICULOUSLY hot!  But Lois Lane she is not.  That rhymed.  Bell is fun, spunky and that side of Lois Lane is important, but nothing about Bell says "take me seriously", so we cant.  I love her, but not for this. 







Mary Elizabeth Winstead:
All I have seen her in were two movies.  The first being Final Destination 3, and I walked out the film.  The second was Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, and I loved her in the that film. I like the idea, but with McAdams in the running as well, it's hard to choose Winstead.  But still a great choice.







There you have it guys, and girls.  The 5 leading ladies that want to steal Superman's heart.  Then there's the two wild cards, but we wont count them.  Who should play Lois Lane along side Henry Cavill?

Monday, January 31, 2011

Henry Cavill's long journey to playing Superman

So yesterday the internet was a buzz with the news that British actor Henry Cavill was cast as the Man of Steel, Superman.  It turns out he has a pretty interesting story.  He was already cast as Superman before!  Check out this article from 2004 on MovieWeb.  He was cast when McG was set to direct.  That film (totally separate from Superman Returns) died out, and Bryan Singer took over the reigns.  Singer cast Brandon Routh and the rest was history.

THEN, Cavill was almost cast as Batman!  Turns out he was on Christopher Nolan's short list before ultimately casting Christian Bale.

THEN, Cavill was almost cast as James Bond, but lost the role to Daniel Craig.

THEN, Cavill was almost cast as Edward in the Twilight Saga.  That went to the douche bag of a generation, Robert Pattinson.

THEN, Cavill was almost cast as the Green Lantern, but lost the role to Ryan Reynolds.

Holy mother of wow this guy's been through a lot.  I mean those are four bonafide franchises the man lost out on.  I almost feel bad being so disappointed in the casting, but I don't.  I knew they wanted a relative unknown, so I can't say I was TOTALLY surprised by Cavill's casting.  I wanted someone who was more famous, but then I read an article in the LA Times. 

The article shares an obvious point... now Superman, Batman (Christian Bale, Welsh), Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield, UK), will all be played by British actors.  Not counting Thor (Chris Hemsworth, Australian), and Green Lantern (Ryan Reynolds, Canadian).  The article makes valid points as to why Directors cast the actors they do.  Also, it looks at why the "charismatic" American actors, don't always do well, ala George Clooney's Batman.  It's an interesting article, check it out.  For now, I still don't like Cavill's casting and can only hope Producer Nolan and director Zack Snyder make me eat my words.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Cava-who? Henry Cavill will be our next Superman

Henry Cavill, another relative unknown, will play the last son of Krypton.  And I couldn't be more disappointed.  Granted, the producers and filmmakers don't care what I think, but still.  Producer Christopher Nolan and Director, Zack Snyder, know what they're doing so I have to relax a little bit.  But really?

Back when Snyder was hired to direct, we had an idea they were going "younger".  But rumors kept coming out about various actors playing the part.  First was the Jon Hamm rumor.  I didn't totally believe this, because again, they said they wanted to go younger.  Then the Matthew Goode rumor came out, also to be proven wrong.  What about the original rumor that Brandon Routh would return and director Bryan Singer would not?  Oh man, all these rumors could give any movie fan a headache.  With the casting of Cavill, the rumors are put to rest.

I've seen Cavill's work, and I'm concerned to say the least.  He plays Guy Pearce's son in The Count of Monte Cristo, he was also in Stardust, costarring Robert De Niro.  He had a stint on TV's "The Tudors".  I don't know what to say really.  I hate the idea, but trust Nolan, Snyder and company.  Remember when Anne Hathaway was cast in The Dark Knight Rises?  I hated the idea, and still do.

But everything the filmmakers have done before has worked, and worked damn well too.  So I'll just have to wait and see screen shots and stuff before feeling better about this.  You know what else is weird, we really did hear about a short list of actors vying for the part.  Usually that's the precursor to the casting, but that wasn't the case with this.

Here's what Snyder had to say:
In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time, and I am honored to be a part of his return to the big screen. I also join Warner Bros., Legendary and the producers in saying how excited we are about the casting of Henry. He is the perfect choice to don the cape and S shield.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Wow, Anne Hathaway will play Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises; Tom Hardy will play Bane

A fan made mock-up

Remember the rumor about Megan Fox playing Catwoman?  Remember the Angelina Jolie rumor?  Yeah, I do.  Well, all the rumors can be laid to rest, Anne Hathaway has been cast as Selina Kyle aka Catwoman... and I hate it.  If you've ever, EVER read this blog, and see Anne Hathaway's name, it's usually in a negative light.  She is the undisputed, most overrated actress in Hollywood.  I just keep saying to myself... 'Director, Christopher Nolan has never let you down'.  I have to believe he made the right choice for the film.

Last week I posted about the 6 women vying for 2 major roles.  We knew Hathaway was in the running, but all along we thought the roles were that of Talia al Ghul and reporter Vicki Vale.  Not so.  It's official, the first of two lead female roles is Selina Kyle. 

Along with the casting of Hathaway, we now know who Tom Hardy will play in The Dark Knight Rises.  Hardy will play the second villain, Bane.  Hardy was cast back in October; but no one knew who he was going to play in the film.  Most people guessed Dr. Hugo Strange or Black Mask.  Both characters seemed to fit in Nolan's "real world". 

The internet/Twitter/blogs all went nuts at the announcement.  Nolan was bound to choose a lesser known villain that the Batman films in the past.  But Bane was already portrayed (horribly) in Batman & Robin.

Bane was created in 1993.  He's both brilliant and has superior strength to Batman.  He was a prisoner at one point; and the aforementioned Dr. Strange tested a new drug called "venom" on him, which acted as a steroid.  So maybe Dr. Strange will still be a player in the film, maybe even a cameo.

Like I said about Nolan before, I trust him, unquestionably.  So I know he'll find a way to make this work! 

Want to see some Irony at it's best?  Check out the picture to the right.  It's a fan made poster of Bat Girl, featuring none other than Anne Hathaway.  Considering it was on the internet soon after The Dark Knight was released in theaters, that's some irony!  Hate it or love it, Hathaway is in the film.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

6 Women, 2 Roles, 1 Huge Movie... "The Dark Knight Rises" Leading Women Casting

Click to Enlarge
The title summarizes the situation, I'll go into more detail. The Dark Knight Rises is the third Batman film in Christopher Nolan's trilogy. The first was Batman Begins and it introduced us to a great villain that could live in Nolan's "real world". The villain was Ras al Ghul, played by the great Liam Neeson. Click the jump to hear about the rumored female characters, as well as what I think of each actress up for the roles.

Well, it's been rumored that Talia al Ghul will be the main villain in the TDKR, set to avenge her father's death. The rumor works on many levels. First of all, it fits within the world that Nolan has created. It COULD happen. Second, and I think more importantly is, it brings the trilogy full circle, and supplies a fitting end to an amazing run for Nolan. When I go through all the actresses that are up for the part, you can begin to see the physical similarities for this character.

The second female character to be rumored for the film is Vicki Vale. Remember when Kim Basinger played the character in 1989 for Tim Burton's Batman? She's the investigative reporter for Gotham. I can only assume her character will be investigating the whereabouts of Batman, as he was cast out at the end of The Dark Knight. You will also notice physical similarities to this character from a few of the actresses.

First, Keira Knightley. I love this pick. She would make an amazing Talia al Ghul! She looks the part, as in, she could be Liam Neeson's daughter. She has the physique, she's been in plenty of action movies. Plus, she has an accent which could play well into the story if she was raised chasing her father around the world. And last but not least, she's a good actress! Yeah, that IS still important to Mr. Nolan.

Next up is an actress I do not like, nor do I want in this film! Jessica Biel would definitely look the part of Vicki Vale, but I don't like her, so we're going to move on.

Another actress I don't like! Anne Hathaway is, I've said it before, and I'll say it again... the most overrated actress in Hollywood. I just don't understand it to be honest with you. She could NEVER pull off Talia, but possibly Vicki. She reminds me too much of Katie Holmes though and I hope that works against her.

Then there is lesser known Kate Mara. I liked her in The Shooter starring Mark Wahlberg, albeit a very small role. She physically looks the part of Talia, but I don't know. She is smart and sexy and could probably play Vicki as well. I like the dice Mr. Nolan is rolling.


Next up is a definite unknown to American fans... Charlotte Riley, who just so happens to be engaged to Tom Hardy; who has already been cast in TDKR after his amazing role in Inception. She must be up for the role of Talia. She looks the part, has an accent and could do well. I've never seen her work, but read a few bios, and it looks good.

Last but not least is Gemma Arterton. I loved her in Prince of Persia, and thought she did what she could with 007: Quantum of Solace. I think she would be up for Talia as well. I liked her in the past, but hope Nolan passes on her for this one, she just wouldn't fit in, I think.

I have to tell you who the dream casting would be... Keira Knightley for Talia al Ghul and Kate Mara for Vicki Vale. I think they're both classy, sexy and all around good actresses. Whoever it is, they're going to have to prove themselves to Christopher Nolan. That makes me feel better no matter who gets picked. We'll keep you up to date as I'm sure a decision will be made in a week or two. The movie starts shooting in May so there's no time to waste!