Yes, it’s a title used previously, but hey, when it fits, go ahead and use it. We have a little bit of a different spin on our usual posts this week as today’s post is a combo post from both myself and the Big Boss. We talk all the time about movies and some of that time we talk about what movie we’d like to see, and what person we’d like to see in the role. This week, we’re focusing on what’s being called Phase II (and maybe Phase III) of the movies by that company called…

There’s has been a ton of talk on the movie sites of late of the upcoming possibilities of movies we could see from Marvel and characters we can probably expect to make appearances. From Ant Man to Dr. Strange, Black Panther to Luke Cage, and even possible Marvel reboots of Daredevil and Ghost Rider. The Boss and I sat back and put some ideas down as to who we would like to see in those roles. Here’s what we came up with.

Henry Pym/AntMan

The Professor’s Picks

My two choices for Pym are very different, but I think any one of the three would do an excellent job:

	Ewan McGregor – My personal first choice. This was the last one that hit me thinking about this character, but I think the best choice (of my options, of course.) We all know McGregor has a great range and could absolutely bring the depth of change this character goes through to life. My only real concern here is: can he do an American accent?
	Jesse Spencer – He of House, M.D. fame. Spencer would be a great choice if they wanted to go younger for Pym and obviously can play the Doctor/Scientist role well enough. I think he showed enough range on House to be able to play all the emotions that Pym would need to go through.

The Big Boss’ Picks

Now Ant-Man will be an interesting character to see played out on the big screen. What makes him so interesting is his eventual descent into madness and his abuse of his girlfriend, Janet (Wasp). I want to see a lot go into this character I’d be interested to see who they choose but here’s my list of possible choices.

	Adrian Brody – I’ve seen this guy play a range of characters, but I can see him playing a character descending into madness. I think he could pull this off for the first iteration but I would be interested to see how he would play the progression of this character.
	Paul Bettany – Most know that he lends his voice to the JARVIS computer system of Iron Man. Since the character he plays doesn’t have a form it’s easier for him to play multiple characters in the universe. His resume of various characters (i.e. Master and Commander, Knight’s Tale, The DaVinci Code) shows that he will be able to showcase the complexity of the character of Hank Pym.
	Michael C. Hall – My choice purely for his work in Dexter and I would be eager to see how he portrays Hank Pym more precisely his twisted plummet into madness
	Alan Tudyk – Now if Marvel decides to make this telling of ant-man kid friendly I could see someone like Alan Tudyk taking the role and making it kid friendly. Currently Ant-man is portrayed as a scientist completely absorbed by his work and hardly notices his supportive girlfriend. Idealistic in nature, his decisions make him fail to see what needs to be done when battling evil.

Janet Van Dyne/Wasp

The Professor’s Picks

This one is a little tough as I don’t remember the Wasp character all THAT well, but I think I remember enough to make some choices:

	Stana Katic – Admittedly, this is more of a “wish” pick, but I also think she’d be really good. Just from watching Castle I know she’s a good actress who can be everything Wasp needs to be – an attractive, yet shallow woman chasing Pym, to his wife and partner, to a battered wife, and eventually to her own, strong woman who takes on her own branch of the Avengers.
	Kristen Bell – Not sure why she popped into my head while thinking about this, but damn if she wouldn’t be good at it. I love her in House of Lies and the range she has shown on that show definitely shows she could be very, very good in this spot.

The Big Boss’ Picks

Honestly, I have no picks here. I completely agree with the Professor here on his picks. I’m pulling big for Kristen Bell. I think she has a lot that to offer to that character.

Doctor Strange

The Professor’s Picks

I’m still not sold this character can pull its own movie, I’d still like to see it try, and as such, I’ll toss out my thoughts:

	Zachary Quinto – If they lean towards a younger Strange, I think Quinto would be amazing. He would basically just need to play Spock with emotion to play Strange and his Spock was fantastic.
	Josh Brolin – If they lean towards an older Strange, Brolin would be awesome. Let’s be honest, this guy can pretty much play any role, any time, any where. Just look at Jonah Hex. The movie stunk, but he was awesome. He could really bring Strange to life.

The Big Boss’ Picks

Doctor Strange’s origin story will most likely be the one off movie. Like the Professor I don’t see Dr. Strange being stand alone franchise, but we will need to introduce the character to the Avengers world. So we will see how the successful and selfish surgeon came to be how he was and the humbling experience that made him lose his hands and eventually travel to Tibet to become the sorcerer supreme. The best part of this film will be to watch the transformation of the character from one end of the spectrum to the other. The actor that plays him would need to be able to make that transition believable and rest comfortably in the peaceful acceptance and strength of willpower displayed by the sorcerer supreme. Since this role wont be so physically demanding it’s easier to see a wide range of actor’s playing this role.

	Oded Fher – Oddly enough I came up with this choice when the Mummy came out. I liked the mystical warrior represented by Ardeth Bey and could see a lot of his attributes in a Doctor Strange (or Doctor Fate, which coincidentally Oded does the voice acting for) character.
	Gary Oldman – I know I’m borrowing him from the DC universe, but the fact of the matter is: Gary Oldman is a phenomenal acting force. And I think Doctor Strange should get everyone on board with that. He has a range that I haven’t seen in many actors so my interests would be in how he decides to interpret the character. I would love to see Mr. Oldman’s portrayal of the character from world renowned surgeon to downtrodden vagabond then to sorcerer supreme. I think it would be an incredible film to watch.
	Hugh Laurie – From his work in House M.D. I can see the earlier stage of Stephen Strange in Hugh Laurie. I think it would be a fresh take for the character and a springboard for the former TV Doc.
	Jim Caviezel – Caviezel is my last choice that I actually borrowed from someone. I think he’d be an excellent fit for the role. He has a calm demeanor that will be a great fit for who the doctor will be and I think he has the range to make that transition.

Black Panther

The Professor’s Picks

So, my perfect pick would be Idris Alba, but he’s already Heimdall in Thor, so I guess he’s put. So here’s my other two choices (Firefly fans, rejoice):

	Chiwetel Ejiofor – In the movie Serenity, he was known simply as The Operative. He was the man tasked with bringing in River for the Alliance. He absolutely has the look and the athletic ability, as seen in the movie. Aside from those two things, he also happens to be a very good actor.
	Richard Brooks – In the Firefly TV show, he played the bounty hunter Early. He’s been in a bunch of other things but that performance is what I was looking at. Something about his calm confidence and arrogance makes me think he would be great as T’Challa.

The Big Boss’ Picks

	Djimon Honsou – Djimon has been my first choice for Black Panther since I first saw him in Gladiator. He went on to prove his ability with the character in the Marvel Knights release of Black Panther (an animated series). I’m a big fan of his acting ability and what he brings to the table for this character. The reserved demeanor and vast intellect of T’Challa is something I think Djimon could pull off with no problem.
	Peter Mensah – Peter Mensah has been a favorite of mine for a bit and he pretty much sealed his place with me in Spartacus. He has proven himself to have a very regal presence about him when he is on screen. His work in Spartacus shows that not only does he have the acting ability necessary for this role but he can also carry out the physical demands (he’s been trained in martial arts since he was 6). I see Mensah in this role and one other superhero… Martian Manhunter.
	Chiwetel Ejiofor – A shakesperean actor that has demonstrated his martial arts training (e.g. Redbelt and Serenity) I think Chiwetel (or Chewy as I like to call him) would be great for this role. His resume proves that he has the range and capability to bring this character to life.
	Michael Jai White – Has proven himself to be physically capable of carrying out this role. With his early work being Spawn and Universal Soldier and other action films his proven his ability. It has been his recent work that has demonstrated his growth and ability as screen actor. Blood & Bone, Black Dynamite, and Undisputed 2 are just a few of the titles that I feel he’s shown the most growth in and would look forward to watching his portrayal of Black Panther….or Luke Cage….or The Green Lantern/John Stewart (just saying).
	Lance Gross – If Marvel decides to take the route of growing the character of T’Challa as he passes the trails of his life after his father T’Chaka is murdered, then Lance Gross would be an excellent option for the role of Black Panther. He has proven that the dramatic aspects of the role are something that he can handle. As far as the physical demands of the piece, I feel these things can be built. Lance Gross is an athletic individual anyway and has proven that. After all Keanu Reeves played Neo…

Luke Cage/Power Man

The Professor’s Picks

Ok, this one is fairly easy.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Does this really need explaining? The build, the attitude – Johnson has everything that is needed to be Cage. I don’t think there is anyone out there who could really deliver the words “sweet christmas” as well as the People’s Champ could do it. If ya hear…what the Prof…is….sayin….(come on, I couldn’t resist.)

Vin Diesel – I was tossing up between Diesel and Terry Crews and when I heard Diesel was meeting with Marvel, it just made more sense. Yes, I realize that he doesn’t have the perfect look for Cage, but when has that ever stopped Marvel before. Michael Clarke Duncan played a role designed for a tall, obese white man for the love of Pete (whomever Pete is). He has the size, he has the voice. I think he would make people ok with it very quickly, once you saw him do it.

The Big Boss’ Picks

For me, the role of Luke Cage is one character I’ve been looking forward to seeing on the screen. I hope they do the role justice and not make it fluffy. This has to be a gritty film for me to work. Basically, I want to see somebody new take on this role and make a step into the spotlight. These actors have been in the field for years and have been doing really well in their roles I would love to see them branch out and take center stage.

	Rockmond Dunbar – Rockmond is a solid actor who I think will bring a rigid strength to Luke Cage’s portrayal. He has a extensive resume including work in Sons of Anarchy, The Game, Soul Food, Prison Break, and The Family That Preys.
	Henry Simmons – Definitely has the size of Luke Cage. The size and voice of this fellow just makes him an imposing character. Something I think will be necessary to Cage presence. Most will remember him from his work on NYPD Blue.
	Omari Hardwick – Other solid actor to me. I’ve seen him in Dark Blue (TV Show) and Kick-ass (Sergeant Marcus Williams).

Danny Rand/Iron Fist

The Professor’s Picks

Honestly, I could only come up with one person for the Fist:

Ray Park – He’s the one rumored to be tagged for the role, and really, he’s probably the right choice. We already know he has the athletic ability and the fighting style knowledge, but he also has the right build. Little blonde hair dye job, and he would be Danny Rand easy.

The Big Boss’ Picks

Come on. The role has already been decided. Ray Park.

Matt Murdock/Daredevil

The Professor’s Picks

The Man Without Fear. One of my favorites. This one struck me just recently as to who I think would be perfect:

	Matt Bomer – Bomer would be awesome. I know I haven’t seen much of his work outside of White Collar, but he really has the look and definitely could play the two sides of Matt Murdock. He might need some training for the physical parts, but I’m sure he can do it.
	Matt Damon – Yes, I realize Damon and Affleck are friends and that this might be a bit awkward for Damon, but really, how great would he be? He has the athletic ability (see Bourne movies) and absolutely has the acting chops. Put him in front, and put Affleck behind the camera, that movie would be incredible.

The Big Boss’ Picks

	Ben Foster – Ben Foster is one of my favorite actors. He has a range that is simply incredible and he has displayed that he can play a wide variety of characters. I know he would pleasantly surprise us with what he brings to the table for this role.
	Gabriel Macht – of Suits fame is another actor that I would place in this role. His work on suits makes him the type of Lawyer I want Matt Murdock to be (tenacious, aggressive, dominant).
	Luke Goss – Luke Goss being primarily casted for his physical prowess is to me an equally excellent actor. His characters in Blade 2 and Hellboy have intricate portrayal that make them complex. You didn’t completely hate his villains, he did a successful job of making you understand them. He would have been an excellent Agent 47 in Hitman (that’s just my opinion, not taking anything away from Timothy Olyphant).

Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider

The Professor’s Picks

Another recent return to Marvel that I imagine is only a matter of time before it’s rebooted. Again, tough one to pick, but I think I have two who could do it:

	Nikolaj Coster-Waldau – Better known to most as Jamie Lannister. I’m really going on appearance for this one, and assuming they stick with the Johnny Blaze story lines. He has the look, I’m fairly sure he can do the American accent, and just has the right vibe.
	Bradley Cooper – I know, I know. People are tired of Cooper. I get it, but when you think someone’s good for a role, you have to go with your gut. Like him or not, the guy is a decent actor and has the right look for this character and he absolutely does action well enough. Just check out the A-Team movie.

The Big Boss’ Picks

	Josh Brolin – It’s Josh Brolin. Come on! Do I really have to explain this??? Although Jonah Hex was a struggle of a movie Brolin made the most of it and brought the rough gritty character of Hex to life. He was the best part of the movie (well, him and Michael Fassbender) . I’d love to see what he’d do with Johnny Blaze.
	Anson Mount – One little show by the name of Hell On Wheels shows why Anson Mount is in this running. He’s a beast of a man and has this wild man presence about him that would make him a force to be reckoned with in Ghost Rider. Already this movie is shaping up to be 10 times better than the Nick Cage releases.