Fan-Cast: Samurai Jack

 

If you grew up in the early 2000s, chances are the name Samurai Jack will ring a bell to you, as it was one of the most popular and advanced cartoons of its time. But like many cartoons, the show didn't get to complete the narrative it wanted to tell, and that has led to a lot of speculation about the show either returning or getting a feature length film in theaters. Given how amazing the story told in the show is, I personally think it'd be great to see it adapted into live action. So below I've put together some of my own suggestions for a big screen adaption of the Cartoon Network series Samurai Jack.

Joe Taslim (Raid Redemption) as Samurai Jack

The Raid Redemption film,showcased a number of actors that can handle a series of physically demanding and coordinated moves. Joe Taslim would be perfect to handle the physical roles of Jack, and with a battle between him and Aku, Taslim would definitely be able to portray a  huge battle between Jack and Aku.

George Takei as Aku

George Takei could give us the slightly menacing and comical Aku in a live action Samurai  Jack  film. Aku isn't necessarily sinister, but more of a powerful figure in which acknowledges the fact that he has power and feels as though no one has the potential to beat him....except Jack.

Christoph Waltz (Django: Unchained) as The Scotsman

First coming in contact with Jack on the Bridge the Scotsman is a comical figure that could be considered a bad mother shut your mouth. Christoph waltz could portray the Scotsman perfectly. A runner up for the role suggested by Mr. Doughnut (a fancast genius) is Gerard Butler, yet his comedic aspect seems to lack in some areas and he isn't the A-list actor you want portraying a figure in your film all the time.

Will Yun Lee (The Wolverine) as Shinobi Shadow Warrior

Only reason why he wasn't chosen as Jack was because the story almost demands for a younger more believable Jack.. Only thing that Joes Taslim really has on Will Yun Lee is the age factor, but  Lee is still a great figure to have within the movie.

Mark Luu,  Lance Luu, Charles Luu (Pacific Rim) as the Three Blind Archers

Another artistic piece from the Samurai Jack run is the three blind archers. Being that they are a play on with the three blind mice. Each one lacks vision, but there acute sense of hearing can pin point any form of movement. Being that it is rare to find triplet acotrs Mark, Lance, and Charles are perfect for the roles .

Directed by Gareth Evans (The Raid Redemption)

Gareth Evans is by far one of my favorite directors. Not only is he young but he can let his action sequences do the talking for him. Being that Samurai Jack is a artistic form and aims primarily to give you that dose of action that you rarely see on the big screen, Gareth Evans is probably the top choice to take on this film

Cinematography by Larry Fong (Watchmen) 

300, Watchmen, Sucker Punch, I mean he is a amazing visual aspect of the film world. Taking on the Batman Vs. Superman project can be a way to show you how big he is starting to become in the industry. He would be perfect as a director of photography.

 Music by Pharrell Williams (Despicable Me) and Daft Punk (Tron: Legacy)

Samurai Jack depends heavily on a variety of music ranging from traditional Japanese all the way to upbeat techno. Daft Punk is legendary in the music world and they literally transformed the perception of Tron: Legacy with the soundtrack. This musical combination for Samurai Jack could be the next best thing since peanut butter and Jelly.

So how do you feel about this Samurai Jack fancast? Do you feel like someone should be added to the cast that hasn't already been mentioned? Leave your Comments Below!

Read More

Fan-Cast: Marvel's The Illuminati

This serves as an initiation into a mass world for Marvel that is being assimilated. The Illuminati is a group of the smartest individuals in the Marvel universe: Black Bolt, Namor, Professor Xavier, Dr. Strange, Tony Stark/Iron Man, Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Scott Lang/Ant Man, and T'Challa/Black Panther. This group is some of the brightest minds ever brought together to address matters in which the whole world might not be able to comprehend.

This fancast serves as the front runner into a large scale MCU in which is planned to lead into a confrontation with Galactus and his Heralds. Not really diving into the Marvel Knights aspect of the MCU, yet there will be castings for Ghost Rider, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and more if necessary. Just like Iron Man was Marvel's initial spearhead into developing The Avengers, The Illuminati is the best way that is seen as fit to address each of the individual sub sections of the MCU leading into the final battle.

Also addressing other things early, hero's like the Guardians of the Galaxy, Nova Corp., and other sub division of the Marvel universe will be addressed with a superhero faction that is seen as fit for the group or specific character being included. For example the Guardians will be cast along with The Avengers and Heroes for Hire, where as Spider-Man will be cast along side the Fantastic Four. After The Illuminati, Uncanny X-Men, Inhumans, The Avengers Protocol, The Fantastic Four, leading into the grand finale Silent Cataclysm: Earth's Mastication, referring to Galactus trying to devour the earth.

And here I present to you Marvel's The Illuminati:

                                  Colin Firth (King's Speech)-Charles Xavier/Professor X

A well rounded actor, fit to portray a more intellectual version of Professor X, who will be serving as a focal point for the entire team. Being that Colin Firth is our starter for the Uncanny X-Men cast we have in the works, I think he could simply transfer over into the Illuminati cast without a problem. Firth has a sense of wisdom to him that suits the character and personality of Charles Xavier perfectly, and he can make the many knowledgeable between the older and wiser Professor X and the younger heroes much more believable. He's also in the perfect age range for the role, not being as young as James McAvoy or as old as Patrick Stewart.

      Tyler Hoechilin (Teen Wolf) as Namor the Submariner

Namor the Submariner is an interesting character, who can tackle being a loner as well as a crucial factor to a team when it comes to taking down the opposition. After watching Star Trek: Into Darkness it was simple to say that Zachary Quinto would be great for the role of Namor, but it was overused. While I considered something different by looking at Aldis Hodge as a maybe, I hadn't taken into account the repercussions that would come off of casting the character. So I went with Tyler Hoechlin, I mean it would be the world less traveled. He can easily portray the character brutal and aggressive nature in combat, as well as providing the required physicality for the role.

Alan Ritchson (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) as Black Bolt

The Inhumans are led by a leader that is no-vocal, being that his voice is the equivalent of a nuclear / atom bomb, he most often relies on his wits and no verbal gestures to get his point across. Alan Ritchson is set to play Raphael in the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle film, he may be able to handle a role as big as Black Bolt. I think due to Ritchson current work with motion sensors in TMNT, he's an actor who has a good understanding of how to work a characters expressions and emotions without relying so much on your voice.

Matthew Goode (Watchmen) as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic

Reed Richards is a very interesting member of the group, specifically taking into account that he's the character who's personal life as a father and Fantastic Four member distractions him from his current Illuminati obligations. Matthew Goode could portray the beyond genius intellect of Mr. Fantastic, as well as playing that figure in the group that wants to challenge Reed Richards every chance he gets to prove who is more intelligent.

Eddie Cibrian (C.S.I. Miami) as Tony Stark/Iron Man

The main focus of the story is Tony Stark and his inability to work with others. But due to the circumstances, his superstitions force him to withdraw from The Avengers temporarily to work with a few individuals in which can help him properly address his fears. Eddie Cibrian is a low profile actor, not necessarily mainstream and can fit the stark persona with a age that can get him in for a few rounds on screen. While of course it's nearly impossible to top Robert Downey Jr.'s current portrayal of the character, I think Cibrian could bring us a Tony Stark much closer to that of the comics. Also another thing that will be addressed that wasn't initially addressed is Tony Starks alcoholism and reoccurring drinking problem, a strong and prominent topic for the film. 

 Aldis Hodge (Leverage) as T'Challa/Black Panther

While I had originally been considering David Oyelowo (Interstellar) for the part, his age and height seemed a bit off for the part. I ultimately decided to go with Aldis Hodge, who could bring us a version of Black Panther who's much younger, intelligent, firm minded, and a well earned strategist. While I'll be the first to admit that this isn't the most creative choice for the part, I personally feel that Hodge's up and coming talent is just too good to pass up for a role as important as the King of Wakanda himself. Besides, it's worth mentioning that the actor's been campaigning to be cast in the role for quite some time now, which shows how involved who would be with the character and his history.

Domhnall Gleeson (About Time) as Scott Lang/Ant-Man

While I had originally considered Rupert Grint for this part, I ultimately decided to go with Gleeson, who coincidently played his brother in the Harry Potter films. That being said, I think that Gleeson has the necessary charm and personality for a character like Scott Lang, and he'd bring qualities to him that will make Lang the more ordinary and relatable guy on the team. Domhnall's also just the right age for the part, and has proven that he can handle both dramatic and comedic moments very well on screen in his recent film About Time.

Joaquin Phoenix (Her) as Stephen Strange/Dr.Strange

Doc Strange is a powerhouse in disguise, with a dash of craziness to him. In the Illuminati he desires to help, yet through an astral projection of himself. Joaquin was snubbed as Lex Luthor along with Bryan Cranston during the casting for Batman Vs. Superman, but I couldn't help but think how interesting it would be to see him as Dr. Strange. Let it sink in for whole, you'll realize he can portray that serious tone with a dash of crazy in the blink of an eye, can easily be fixed into shape, and has a great resume when it comes to acting. So there's really no question that this one is worth a shot.

Villains

Adewale Akinnuoye Agbaje (Pompeii) as Super Skrull

After his performance in Thor: The Dark World, I was positive that he could play the demanding role of Super Skrull. One of the real problems to the Illuminati team is that Super Skrull is more of a physically demanding and challenging characters. Not afraid to rip a whole aircraft apart in search of his prey, he is kept in containment until matters demand for the Skrull version of a executioner to be released.

Cillian Murphy (Inception) as Skrull Emperor

We always here that the Skrull are doing some type of sick test on humans to test their limits, so why not create a sick twisted creator to take on this role. Harsh experiments that reflects that of history's past, the Skrull emperor has no sense of morality, testing on humans and Skrulls alike. With none to oppose him, he begins his assault on the Earth, one individual at a time. Murphy has proven time and time again that he can play a menacing and creepy villain that leaves a lasting impression, and I think that's exactly the type of actor a role like the Skrull Emperor needs.

Directed by Paul Greengrass (Captain Phillips)

Paul Greengrass could provide a strong story format with that hint of Marvel humor that we could look for (with some assistance with needed). This film serves as the basis for something bigger to come, with a series of prequels and sequels to follow all leading up to a very dominant and prominent MCU. Green Grass is one of the best at conveying a believable story and the emotions in which accompany it . By creating a dynamic first step into the universe then creates a applicable situation to branch out an use strong actors.

Music by Alexandre Desplat (Zero Dark Thirty)

Zero Dark Thirty had an amazing sound track to accompany a movie that displayed a distinct event in American History, so it was simple to see that Alexandre would be perfect in order to  craft pieces that define the seriousness as well as the capability of each moment seen through the eyes of the viewer.

Setting- Dubai, United Arab Emirates

We've all seen New York under attack and our other pinpoint cities as well, yes some of them will be used, but as of now I am trying to avoid using New York due to its developing cliché. Being that Dubai is one of the world's richest cities, it would make sense for all the action to take place in a setting that compliments the financial means of majority of the heroes in the Illuminati. With wide streets, scaling buildings, exotic cars and deserts in which to accompany such a high density setting, it is ideal for some covert as well as high profile action to take place.

So how do you feel about this Illuminati fancast, would you want to interchange any of the cast or replace them, and if so with who? Leave your comment below!

Read More

Fan-Cast: 'Crimson Wings'~The Story Of Batman's Second Robin; Jason Todd

In order to make your Fridays a little bit more awesome then they already were, Turbo-Exp is kicking off a new segment we call 'Fan-Cast Fridays'. Through this new segment, we'll be taking lovable comic book (Or former TV series) characters and be giving them the cast and story line they deserve for a film adaption. So to start things off, we have Crimson Wings; the story of Jason Todd, famously known as the Robin who becomes the notorious Red Hood. We lead off with an all star cast led by Logan Marshall-Green (Prometheus) as Jason Todd, and Andrew Lincoln (The Walking Dead) as Bruce Wayne/Batman. We find ourselves caught in a story based upon trust, respect of life after death, and the moral decision between vengeance and forgiveness.

Director:

Ruben Fleischer (Gangster Squad, Zombieland )

Tony: It's pretty difficult when trying to select a director to take over the reigns of the Batman franchise, given that Christopher Nolan's trilogy has just recently come to a close, but I decided to go for a bit of a riskier choice with Fleischer. While all of his films haven't been as great as the could've been, the fault primarily has fallen on the screenwriter, and Fleischer has proven himself to be a very visual director, similar to Man of Steel's Zack Snyder. His visual style would be a great fit for the Batman character, and he gives an interesting tone to his films that keeps a good balance so that the film doesn't come off completely dull nor too upbeat. I think if given the chance, and the the right script, Fleischer could really work wonders for a new Batman film.

Composer:

Henry Jackman (X-Men: First Class)

Tony: Like with choosing the director, the composer for the films also has some pretty big shoes to fill. Almost all previous soundtracks for any form of Batman media are iconic today, ranging from the theme song from the original Adam West TV series, to Danny Elfman's score for Tim Burton's original film, and most recently Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard's exhilarating scores for the Dark Knight films. So when deciding on someone to compose this film, I need someone with the real credentials and proper style to take on such an iconic character, and Henry Jackman fit the bill. With such successful scores for films like Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class, and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, as as his score for the upcoming Captain America: The Winter Soldier, there's no denying he's currently one of the best in the biz. He's blend of exciting face paced and mysterious themes really just fits so perfectly for the character and specifically this film.

Story:

Aleek: The composition of Crimson Wings primarily focuses on developing Bruce Wayne as a character through the effects of a villain. Being that he once had a close relation to Jason Todd, we see how he can be a formidable foe both mentally and physically for Bruce Wayne. This film digs into the relations in which is built between Batman and Robin, the basis behind their relationship, what makes them compatible, what happens when this bond is broken, and potentially how will batman handle the death or having to put down a foe in which is uncontrollable and challenges his ability to make life or death decisions.

In the mist of Gotham lies the pain, the secrets, the dreams, and the hopes of a man once  known as Robin, but when he is killed and resurrected, he then discovers that the truth behind the title of Robin is more of a bluff than reality. Being that the caped crusader refuses to take the life of his murder, he wishes to make him pay, through damaging his image, developing the standards of a anti hero. Once he has acquired the newly developed Zenith Mach IX or as we know it the Red Hood's cowl from STAR Labs Gotham, he then begins to use it's vast array of information in order to take over the concrete jungle known as Gotham. The Zenith serves more than a mysterious mask, but more of a portable bat cave. Primarily relying on a apex in human technological advances, he can visualize human vitals, recover information from a crime scene, and hack into various forms of surveillance in order to gain a tactical advantage on his opponents.

Finding out about his previous partners resurrection, Bruce seeks out Jason Todd in fear that his mind may have been corrupted during the resurrection process. Yet darkness has begun to arise over Gotham, Crime  lord bosses being hunted and executed in the streets in search of Batman. Never has the Dark Knight encounter a figure in which purposely seeks him out. With intentions to destroy Batman's reputation and Bruce Wayne's personal life, we get our first movie depicting the life of not only Batman but also showing us the influence he has on the youth in which partake in some of his most deadly and vigilante like actions in order to protect the city. What happens when one of your greatest allies, becomes one of your most formidable foes.

Cast:

Andrew Lincoln (The Walking Dead) -Bruce Wayne/Batman

Aleek: Andrew Lincoln was not my initial choice to take on the role of the caped crusader, yet instead of going with the militant more physical Dark Knight, I decided primarily to go with Andrew Lincoln because he can display the intellectual and emotional aspect of this extremely diverse character. I also looked at the potential of having the actor  Based on his character Rick from AMC's The Walking Dead, I believe with a few months of training he could potentially build up the body mass in order to portray both Bruce Wayne and Batman.

Logan Marshall-Green (Prometheus) -Jason Todd/Red Hood

Tony: While we had originally been considering Wentworth Miller for the part of Red Hood, once Marshall-Green popped up to me he was the clear choice. With a role like Jason Todd you need someone that truly possesses the acting skill needed to show just how deranged and obsessed with revenge he's become since his younger years as Robin, and I felt Green would be the perfect actor to showcase this and would make for an interesting dynamic opposite Lincoln. He's showcased his talents in such films as Devil and Prometheus, and he has a young Tom Hardy vibe to him that can really work to his advantage in a role like this.

Nick Robinson (Kings of the Summer)-Young Jason Todd/Robin

Tony: Like with the older version of the character, when casting the younger incarnation of Todd we had originally been looking at Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Road), but once we had cast Marshall-Green, and new name had come to mind. Nick Robinson was the clear choice for the character, as he's recently proven himself in the leading role of this summer's indie hit The Kings of Summer, as well as landing himself a part in the upcoming Jurassic World film. That being said, Robinson has shown his diverse acting range and just how perfect he'd be as the struggling youth who is already showing signs of what he will soon become, and he'd also make for a very believable younger version of Green.

Sharlto Copley (Elysium) -The Joker

Aleek: The main aspect that makes Joker the Joker is his insanity and his inability to distinguish the hysterical from the hostile. Being that the movie primarily the result of the actions of the Joker, it is beneficial we have an actor who can do the role justice, yet while not necessarily stealing the show in terms of trying to establish the Joker as a main antagonist (Which is the spot currently occupied by Red Hood). Sharlto Copely is a phenomenal actor and can display the character in a beneficial manner that would be unique from past incarnations of the character, while still serving the role well in the context of the film.

Jeremy Irons (The Burgias)-Alfred Pennyworth

Aleek: Jeremy Irons is perfect for the role of Alfred, clearly an important supporting player. This version of the character won't focus so much on the physical Alfred, but rather as the care taker of Bruce Wayne who aids him in his time of need. Jeremy Irons would be cool to have in this role supporting Lincoln's Bruce, helping him cope with then haunting return of Todd. This form of Alfred is more proactive, stepping out of the consistent "Hey Bruce, don't do this" type figure, and into the more "Here's how you should approach this Bruce" type.

Wes Bentley (The Hunger Games) -Dick Grayson/Nightwing 

Aleek: Wes Bentley is the best fit for this version of Nightwing, now a little later in his solo career as a vigilante. Being that Nightwing is stepping out and turning into an independent figure, he needs a more independent image. The younger the actor who portrays him, the quicker it's lead audiences to misjudge the Nightwing character and simply see him as a tall Robin, which is of course not the intention. Bentley is actor who can help show just how much Dick Grayson parallels Bruce Wayne when he was younger, and he'd make for a great contrast to Marshall-Green's Jason Todd.

Jason Isaacs (Awake)- Commissioner Jim Gordon

Aleek:  Jim Gordon is portrayed as a cop  that can't really carry his own weight, relying primarily on Batman to cover the dirty work, and he comes up on the scene after the deed has been done. In this adaption of Jason Todd's story, Jason Isaacs' Gordon will play a much more proactive role. Now instead of showing up after Batman wins, he may show up during a large fight, due to his fast ability to piece together information (Similar to but not as efficiently as Batman does). Also being the father figure to Barbara Gordon, Jason Isaacs would serve as a great actor in which to play a figure bound by the law but also intelligent enough to trust a vigilante when needed.

Amanda Peet (2012)-Barbara Kean-Gordon

Tony: We thought it'd be cool to include Jim Gordon's first wife, and mother of Barbara Gordon, in the film given that we're going with a younger version of the character. It'd be great to see a Gordon who's also struggling in his personal life with his wife and him deciding to get a divorce, and how this will effect him when he's on duty, as well as how it will affect their daughter. That being said, I think Amanda Peet would make for a very believable version of the character that would add depth to the small amount of screen time she'll be getting. I think she'd work well with Isaacs as Gordon and would be able to full off a good motherly vibe to her like she did in 2012.

Emma Watson (Perks of Being a Wallflower)-Barbara Gordon

Aleek:  The reason behind Emma Watson being chosen for Barbara Gordon is her ability to potentially disobey her father, and step into the Batgirl role. She is showing her strides as a actress currently and can Barbara Gordon a aspect in which can be respected by fans and possibly become a fan favorite. No telling what the future of Crimson Wings has in store for her, but as an initial film, she will do it much good.

Peter Mensah (Spartacus: Blood and Sand)-Waylon Jones/Killer Croc

Tony: Killer Croc will be a pivotal character in the film as he'll be the one responsible for the deaths of Jason Todd's parents, which is something we'll see through a flash back sequence. Killer Croc has been a character who's often compared to The Amazing Spider-Man's Lizard, but for this version we'd like to separate the similarities between the two and portray Croc as a much more menacing threat. Mensah is the perfect fit for the human version of the character; Waylon Jones, and standing at 6 4" with and intimidating voice, he'd serve perfectly for this version of the character. I'd imagine Jones already would be involved with the gangs of Gotham prior to his transformation, and could have some ties to both Penguin and Black Mask.

Philip Seymour Hoffman (Hunger Games: Catching Fire) -Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin

Aleek: For this version of Penguin, I'm looking more towards the annoying and creepy political figure who has funding in places we can't imagine. Seeing himself as untouchable he becomes more of a figure of power in the city, and has his minions do the dirty work for him. Now I'll be honest, this is by no means the most creative choice, but I stand by it cause it's so damn perfect. Hoffman would embody the character perfectly, and has shown his skill in many films including The Master and Capote. Hoffman would definitely be able to make the character much more menacing and realistic than previous incarnations.

Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead)-Harvey Bullock

Tony: Okay, okay, I know it's annoying that I'm using another actor that's also from The Walking Dead, but the truth of the matter is that Bernthal is just too perfect for the role. While I considered going for the younger inexperienced Earth One version of the character, I finally settled on a younger more versatile version of the classic character.  Bernthal displays all the qualities needed to pull off the gritty and tough detective, and it's very similar to his upcoming role in TNT's Mob City. My version of Harvey Bullock is more of the figure who aims to get his paycheck day to day and at least put a few scumbags off the street while doing so.

Idris Elba (Thor: The Dark World)-Black Mask

Aleek: While he may not be the most orthodox choice out there, Idris Elba as Black Mask would serve perfectly. Being that his character is conflicted with that of Logan Marshall-Green, it would be interesting seeing the chemistry the two would have when trying two display between these two distinct characters, especially given that the two recently shared the screen in Ridley Scott's Prometheus.

Robert Patrick (Gangster Squad)-Slade Wilson/Deathstroke

Aleek: He showed how freakishly ferocious he could be in Terminator 2: Judgement Day, now he can be a deadly assassin in the role of Slade Wilson. Not only does Patrick look and act the part perfectly, but he's also recently worked with our director choice in Gangster Squad where he gave a great and memorable performance. Displaying a competitive figure with an apex in gymnastics and master of weaponry shouldn't really be a problem for him.

Joe Manganiello (True Blood)-Bane

Aleek: While the character of Bane won't be featured to prominently in Crimson Wings, he'll still serve a pretty substantial role in the film that'll need to leave a lasting impression. Manganiello, who's already been on DC's radar for the part of Superman and Batman, would make an excellent Bane for the version we're going with. While Tom Hardy's Bane was able to come off a bit more intelligent than the comic book version, he lacked the imposing stature that the character needs, and Manganiello has that plus the large build down pact. An actor with potential is what is needed for this role, and I'm positive that Joe Manganiello has it.

Olga Kurylenko (Oblivion)-Talia al Ghul

Aleek: Foreign, gorgeous, and a potential lover for Bruce Wayne were the major things I kept in mind while searching for an actress that could portray Talia al Ghul, and Olga Kurylenko instantly came to mind. To be honest, we actually had to do a last minute switch on this one, as our original choice for the role had been Fast and Furious star Gal Gadot (Who is now our new Wonder Woman), but we're quite happy with Kurylenko in the role as well. She's proven her acting chops recently in film's such as Oblivion, Quantum of Solace, and Seven Psychopaths, and she's also shown that she can be very physical in action scenes as well. While we would've loved to have seen Gadot in the role, Kurylenko is a close second.

We hope you guys in enjoyed our Crimson Fan-Cast and ideas, and stay tuned for many more upcoming 'Fan-Cast Friday' projects. Did you guys agree with our picks? Would you like us to post the full story for Crimson Wings? Sound off below.

Read More