MCU: Rules and A Fan Cast

Marvel Cinematic Universe

Laying Down the Rules

This week has been marred with controversy for Marvel Studios, there is negotiations going on as to whether Robert Downey Jr. will be a part of the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Questions and opinions rise as to whether Downey should be re-cast or not post-Avengers 2 in the role of Iron Man. 

There is also tension regarding his whopping 50 Million check (+profits) for the Avengers in comparison to the measly amount his fellow cast members got. Some say, a recast may be in order for the Norse God of Thunder AKA Thor if Chris Hemsworth doesn't let his high price tag fall lower.

So well now let's continue towards the objective of this post. As you know, I have already created a post detailing how and what I would like to see in future Marvel Studios movies. So this post here is to lay down the guidelines I will follow when I detail each movie...Plus there's a special fan cast at the end.

So here are the rules;

-There will be recasting, I was asked the question on my MCU post as to how it would be possible for a 60 year old Downey to be a part of Iron Man 10. I simply directed the person asking the question here, and said that Marvel will not throw away a billion dollar franchise just cause one of their replaceable (yes, you heard read me) actors grew out of the role. So Marvel Studios will go the Bond way.

-I will give suggestions but wont re-cast. I will leave opinions on who I feel should take over the role of the actors to old, but in the end I will not write off anyone as re-casted in my detailed posts. It is to complicated and would mean re-casting everyone to fit the continuity gaps. For Avengers characters yet to be cast/appear I wont give any suggestions.

-This brings me to my next rule; it's all about the writing. Yes I'm doing this post for fun and my own entertainment (as well as hopefully yours), but my main objective is to try a hand at script writing. Let's face it, none of my movies here will come to fruition. Thus this way I can write full scripts with spoilers for movies I have a dream of seeing, It will allow me to practice my writing skills in an environment where I have to attract casual viewers and rowdy fanboys, while playing with someone else's toys.

-My Phase 2 plots will be bare bones as simple predictions on what will happen in; Thor-The Dark World, Captain America-Winter Soldier, Guardians of The Galaxy and Avengers 2.

-I decided to change my ideas on my original MCU building the world post, there will be no mixing with the properties that Fox has rights to (X-Men and Fantastic Four) however I desperately need Spider-Man from Sony.

I will add more rules as I go on...

Now on to some fan casting for my MCU:

The first and already set new movie for Phase 2 is Guardians of The Galaxy, casting is under way and thus I am not going to handle it. Phase 3 on the other hand also has a confirmed movie and a rumored movie. Confirmed is Ant-Man, so here is my choice to play Hank Pym AKA Ant-Man and his lovable partner in justice Wasp/Janet Van Dyne.


Patrick Wilson as Ant-Man/Hank Pym (Watchmen, A-Team)

Ant-Man/Hank Pym: I understand that Ant-Man leads the Phase 3 pack and that in some ways he's a replacement for Iron Man. This means that story wise my Ant-Man will be a character who tangles with using science for mankind's prosperity rather than as a weapon. This will put the character in a similar yet different issue that Tony Stark had. I want Ant-Man to stay true to character as a bit too workaholic and not so charming but eventually lovable man, minus the wife beating. There will be an added touch of comedy to the superhero rather than through the actor (like Downey did for IM), since comedic director Edgar Wright (Blood and Ice-Cream trilogy, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World) is at the helm.

Patrick Wilson: It's a choice I saw on many fan casts and one I instantly got attached to. There have been many casting rumors since Edgar Wright started penning the script alongside Joe Cornish (Attack the Block) eight years ago. Patrick Wilson has not featured among these rumors, but he embodies Hank perfectly (I mean just go watch him as Nite-Owl in Watchmen). Wilson is a very underrated and under the radar talent that could be a great addition to the Marvel Cinematic cast.


Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Wasp/Janet Van Dyne (Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, Smashed, Die Hard 4)

Wasp/Janet Van Dyne: My Wasp will be a mix of her Ultimate and Original Marvel Universe character. Janet will be a socialite heiress with a brilliant mind in fashion and marketing of The Avengers (once they cut strings with SHIELD). She will also be a spy for SHIELD who is tougher and more heroic than Hank, she also likes his one heroic quality a lot which will prompt her to leave SHIELD for The Avengers.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead: She was touted to play Agent 13/Sharon Carter as a love interest to Captain America, but she declined because of how little she would get paid for a mega blockbuster series. Her chances with those comments may be slim, but considering that the director is Edgar Wright (her director for Scott Pilgrim) means that she could and has claimed that she might reconsider working with Marvel. She fits the tough and hip part as she did with Ramona Flowers (in Scott Pilgrim vs. The World) and I could see her playing the spunky Wasp. An up and coming great talent (check Smashed) with a pre existing chemistry with director Edgar Wright, that should be taken advantage of.


Aidan Gillen as Doctor Strange/Sorcerer Supreme/Stephen Strange (Game of Thrones)

Doctor Strange/Stephen Strange: Kevin Feige (the head of Marvel's Cinematic Universe) has stated that phase 3 will include both Ant-Man and Doctor Strange as new additions. Where Ant-Man gets the scientist and morality of science bit, Strange gets the character, snark, wit and redemption bit of Tony Stark/Iron Man. Phase 3 has no plans for an Iron Man feature thus these two will give us that dose. Like with the first Iron Man movie, Stephen will be cocky and a witty Medical Doctor. After losing something (in this case his hands), his journey will take him to spiritual balance eventually earning him the title of Sorcerer Supreme thus bringing magic to the MCU.

Aidan Gillen: First of all he has the looks down to the tee. Second he already plays the cunning, narcissistic and witty character as Baelish on GoT. He's a splendid actor and I'm positive he can bring the emotional pathos once he loses the hands.


Chiwetel Ejiofor as Black Panther/T'Challa

Black Panther/T'Challa: One of the most smartest men in the Marvel Universe and the King of ficitional African nation of Wakanda. The character was already alluded to from the digital map in Iron Man 2 when Tony discusses the Avengers initiative with Nick Fury, to when Captain America is given a Shield made of Vibranium (an element found only in Wakanda). Black Panther is the first black superhero and will provide an added dimension as a King to the team. Initially he'll disregard joining them (like he does with the Illuminati in the comics) but then will seek out the help of his father's old war time enemy/friend; Captain America.

Chiwetel Ejiofor: Most people want Djimon Honsou for the role as he has both the African vibe, roots and presence. So do I, but it's not the mid 2000's. Honsou is about to hit 50 and that means even now he would be to old to play the role of Black Panther. Ejiofor is relatively young at the age of 35, he can thus play the role for 10/15 more years of his career thus in at least 3-5 films if not more. He was already a villain in Joss Whedon's Serenity so he has experience with the director. His star is rising, as this year he takes part in director Steve McQueen's (Shame) Oscar touted film; Twelve Years A Slave, as the lead alongside rising actors Michael Fassbender (X-Men: First Class) and Benedict Cumberbatch (Star Trek: Into Darkness). The only issue is his British accent which he will have to adjust.


Josh Hartnett (Black Hawk Down, Lucky Number Slevin) as Matt Murdock/Daredevil (if Movie) or Matt Bomer (White Collar) as Matt Murdock/Daredevil (if TV Show)

Matt Murdock: I don't care if Marvel is owned by Disney, I don't care if Hell's Kitchen has become a posh New York area but Matt Murdock will still be the brooding and gritty hero in the seedy underbelly of Hell's Kitchen. I myself hate the 'Women in The Refrigerator' trope that plagues his character, but unfortunately that has become his trademark and it needs to stick but just tweaked. A TV show would be better to protect the integrity of the source, so as we can have a channel willing to delve into the darker themes of DD. A movie also may be in the works, this is just a secondary option but I feel a TV series suits better.

Josh Hartnett: I kept on thinking of names such as Ryan Gosling (Notebook, Drive) and Joseph Gordon Levitt (The Dark Knight Rises, Looper) which I had seen on few fan casts. Eventually I remembered my first choice for the role, when the reboot was in development with Fox studios. Hartnett suits the brooding type and I think he really fits the role, he has that air of fun and confidence yet the face filled with angst and inner turmoil. His performance in Lucky Number Slevin really convinced me.

Matt Bomer: Have you seen this guy on White Collar? He's freaking amazing, Neal Caffrey is one of my favorite TV characters and it's all thanks to the performance by Bomer. Caffrey's con man style can be used as a template for the fun and slick Matt Murdock, while I'm sure Bomer can and already has handled the dramtic intensity of the character. The only question comes with availability, White Collar is still on-going and it's a question of whether the prospects Bomer might have post the series. He could become a movie star for all I know, but for now he suits the TV show version of good old horn head.


Thomas Jane (Punisher, Dirty Laundry) as Punisher/Frank Castle

Punisher/Frank Castle: This will be the Max universe version of Punisher, which means we will get to see a war effected man rather than just the vigilante we saw in prior movies. For this Punisher will follow a TV show based on the stories from the Punisher MAX series. He however wont be a Vietnam war veteran but rather an Iraqi war one. The show will be psychological and bloody thus it's prints will be far from Disney rather I would like to see HBO pick this up as a package deal alongside the Daredevil TV show.

Thomas Jane: He played Punisher in the 2004 film and reprized the role in a short film last year titled Dirty Laundry. While Jane isn't getting any younger, the role suits him best and in actuality doesn't require as much fitness as you'd expect. Punisher just kills with weaponry and as such Jane could handle that.


Emily Blunt (Looper, The Adjustment Bureau, Devil Wears Prada)  as Carol Danver/Captain Marvel

Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel: She will be briefly introduced as a a Major in the USA air force on the soon to release SHIELD TV series. She will outright become Captain Marvel rather than Ms Marvel like in the comics. Her character will save as much as be saved by Kree soldier Mar-Vell when facing of against Kree Supremest Yon-Rogg and thus gain powers when he accidentally detonates a Kree explosive. She will then go on to carry the legacy of the deceased Mar-Vell as the hero Captain Marvel.

Emily Blunt: Blunt was originally in line for the role of Black Widow, but she had to bow out due to prior commitments. She had stated that she would like to work with Marvel again if possible. She is also being rumored as a potential candidate for a potential Ms Marvel script. Who wants to see that? Carol Danvers deserves the name of Captain Marvel not as some heroes Ms. Blunt can play aggressive and bad-ass (see Looper) and also smart (see Salmon Fishing in The Yemen). One thing though; she has to bulk up for the role, we cannot have a wafer thin actor looking like they can kick ass.


Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty, The Help, Tree of Life) as Jessica Drew/Spider-Woman

Jessica Drew/Spider-Woman: I never wanted to put superheroes that took names from other male heroes hence why I was happy that the comics changed Ms Marvel's name to Captain Marvel, thus aligning her into the films. But I need Spider-Woman to be a part of the Avengers as she has become relevant to the modern team. This Jessica will have her origins intact but the media and people will refer to her as Spider-Woman pissing her off and disallowing her to establish an identity. The name will stick and this will be a comedic bit within the films as she says "I'm not some snot nosed teenage brat (referring to Peter Parker) who swings around in his pajamas."

Jessica Chastain: Chastain was first approached to play Maya Hansen in Iron Man 3 but had to quit due to other commitments. She like with Mary Elizabeth and Emily Blunt could return. Thank god Chastain's skills weren't wasted on a mediocre written character, now the Oscar nominated actor can have her own franchise.   

Joel Kinnaman as Scott Lang/Ant-Man II

Scott Lang/Ant-Man II: I will adjust the Ant-Man series on my building MCU page, Scott will make an appearance in the end of the Hank Pym Ant-Man trilogy. He will steal the suit and from there on the next Ant-Man will pick up with him trying to use the equipment to save his daughter and defeat AIM.

Joel Kinnaman: This is a temporary casting choice, I saw him on a list for actors who should portray Ant-Man and decided for now he will fit.

Morris Chestnut (Boyz N The Hood) as Luke Cage/Power Man

Luke Cage/Power Man: One third of the lead for another Marvel TV show; Heroes for Hire. Luke Cage will lead the team of heroes who save the day or act as super powered detectives for a pay day. Eventually he and his team mates will leave the comforts of the job as they join The Avengers. Luke Cage will show his leadership skills as he leads the Secret Avengers during Civil War and the Dark Avengers/Thunderbolts after the Siege of Asgard.

Morris Chestnut: Recently Morris put up some questionable twitter comments about reading up on the character of Black Panther, which he had to remove with an issued statement by Marvel that the actor was not signed on to play the role. Still I see Chestnut better suited as the leader of The Heroes for Hire, to convince him; it's a sweet deal that eventually gives him his own TV show and roles in movies. He will also be a vital character down the road as a leader for an Avengers team.


Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy, Pacific Rim) as Danny Rand/Iron Fist

Danny Rand/Iron Fist: The somewhat funny man to Luke Cage, Iron Fist is the second part of the buddy cop duo in Heroes for Hire. All the characters history will be intact, from his wealthy heritage and his learning's of the mystic arts in the fabled city of Kunn Lun. His romance with Misty Knight will also be a vital part of the show. Alongside Luke, he will be the creator of Heroes for Hire Inc. and thus the other hero to join The Avengers early on.

Charlie Hunnam: Since 2008 Hunnam has been vowing audiences with his portrayal of Jax Teller in Sons of Anarchy TV series. I haven't seen the show but heard a lot of praise for the talented Hunnam and with convincing from other fan casts could see him pick up the role of Danny Rand. The big issue is his commitment to Anarchy and his upcoming rise to stardom with a lead role in Pacific Rim, would he do another TV show?


Eliza Dushku (Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Dollhouse) as Jessica Jones

Jessica Jones: Initially there was an idea for a Jessica Jones centered TV series based on the Brian Michael Bendis comic Alias, so in its stead I have transferred Jessica as a lead for this show alongside Iron Fist and Luke Cage. Jessica will be the brains of the group,with a keen detective sense but none of her comic book counterparts super powers. In a way the character will also be the most street level hero among the leads and thus a peripheral view at the bigger guns (Avengers) of the Marvel Universe.

Eliza Dushku: She's a Whedon regular (from Buffy to Dollhouse) so Dushku makes sense to be a part of something that Joss Whedon will handle or will have handled. She's a good actress and I can see her filling the role of a detective nicely.


Meagan Good (Think Like A Man) as Misty Knight

Misty Knight: She will be a love interest to Danny Rand, and a kick ass fighter for the Heroes for Hire. Eventually through the seasons her arc will spill over as a person trying to manipulate events such that the Heroes do not become jobless, especially when the big boys leave to join The Avengers. This will bring her in conflict with both Luke and Danny.

Meagan Good: She's a constant small presence in films and took a lead role in TV series Deception which got cancelled, but this would be a perfect stable job for Meagan Good. I saw her name on a Heroes for Hire TV show fan cast and see her as the only viable pick.


Devon Aoki as Colleen Wing

Colleen Wing: A super ninja from Japan and best friend to Misty Knight. That's all I know about the character.

Devon Aoki: She portrayed the superbly skilled and killer Miho in CBM Sin City, she knows how to handle a sword and katana so she is a viable contender to play Wing.

Still have to find actors suited for TV roles of Moon Knight, Shang Chi and more...any ideas?


Yvonne Strahovski as Bobbi Morse/Mockingbird

Bobbi Morse/Mockingbird: Another character presumably up for a TV show, Mockingbird will be a presence as a SHIELD agent through the movies alongside Hawkeye once Black Widow gets attached to the Winter Soldier. She will be his primary love interest but also an acrobatic spy with both the coldness and coolness of Black Widow, but with more heart and soul.

Yvonne Strahovski: Most want her for the role of Ms Marvel. I understand, if the movie is Ms. Marvel she's perfect but I think as Captain she doesn't fit. Even then seeing Strahovski as Major is stretching, instead I could see her as the sleek and athletic Mockingbird.

For now this is my fan cast, I will soon post up on other ideas. Till then...

Avengers Assemble!

Aneesh Raikundalia