Casting Call: We pick the stars for the 'JLA' movie

Posted Friday, September 21, 2007 at 10:59 AM Central

by Tim Briscoe

My only recollection of the superhero coalition known as "The Justice League of America" is, as a child of the '70s, watching the Wonder Twins 'activate' on the Saturday morning cartoon. But the characters of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, et al, are so iconic that any one can cast the forthcoming live-action Justice League of America movie -- right?

Well, I'll do my best. I'm sure I'll need some help. Please send us your suggestions for each of the roles below. I bet there are a few DC Comics masterminds out there who've had a cast list running through their minds for a few years now.

Superman

As my cohort John mentioned yesterday, Brandon Routh probably won't be putting on the tights for this one. (And the digital artists who had to diminish his 'bulge' in Superman Returns are thankful.) Sure Smallville's Tom Welling is a safe choice but I say you go with an older actor. Superman should be the elder statesman of this group. My choice is 39-year-old Eric Bana. Yes, Eric The Hulk Bana. He also happens to be an Aussie countryman of JLA director George Miller.

Batman

If Superman is captain, then Batman is the first lieutenant of JLA. Again, Batman Begins' Christian Bale is most likely out. Justin Chambers, Dr. Karev on Grey's Anatomy, can play this dark, loner role quite well I think. He'll surely bring the female fans from Grey's into the theater for this one.

Wonder Woman

Here we go again. We debated this a year and a half ago when Joss Whedon was doing a movie of the Amazon princess. Alexa Davalos was a rumored candidate at the time. I think she would be perfectly suited to drive the invisible jet. Check out this shot of her from Angel's fourth season. She so looks the role.

Flash

Ryan Reynolds has been talked about for a while in the role of this speedster, also in the form of a stand-alone Flash movie. The MTV Movie Blog even had him coyly talking about it. I say great. The dude is cut like you would not believe. He'd make an excellent addition to the team.

Green Lantern

Go with the recent iteration of Green Lantern as an African American. Anthony Mackie is a great, great actor -- very underrated. He would be a superb choice to wear the ring and he deserves a shot at fame with a big budget movie like this.

Aquaman

Adrian Grenier, step aside. Sometimes life doesn't imitate art. We need a blond as the gilled-one. (Although I never though dark-haired Chris Evans would make for a good Johnny Storm.) Let's go with Randy Wayne. He's best known for playing Bo Duke in the DTV The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning. Wayne recently did a movie called The Surfer King so he's gotta be used to the water. If Warner wants more of a name, go with Chad Michael Murray from their own One Tree Hill show.

Martian Manhunter

This bald, green-skinned guy is a cult favorite and one of JLA's founding members in the comic. I sure hope Vin Diesel likes green makeup. It's obvious that Davalos' The Chronicles of Riddick co-star is the best choice for the role.

Hawkman/Hawkwoman

Which gender are doing for the winged warrior? I'm thinking Hawkwoman just for the extra female presence. Jessica Biel is ideal as she's young, athletic and devastatingly hot. However, we need less of a name as we're running out of money in the casting budget. And since we don't get Tom Welling, we'll grab another from Smallville -- Erica Durance who plays Lois Lane on the show.

So, how'd I do? George Miller, are you listening? Send in your choices and we'll post them as a follow-up to this story.