Remakes. Biographies. Comics to movies. Games to movies. Books to movies.
Let’s face it, there aren’t many completely new stories headed to theaters. This means by the time a movie hits production, fans already have an idea of what’s coming; and with that idea comes a mental image of the characters involved.
An exclamation from fans of “They cast who?!?!” can be the crowning glory or the kiss of death for a movie before the first scene is even shot. I was reminded of this while reading MJ’s thoughts on the numerous train wrecks that have resulted from film adaptions of Stephen King’s books.
I mean really – Molly Ringwald? WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?!?!?!
I brought forth the potential for fun and games to the Powers That Be at Project Fandom (yes they exist). And now, with unlimited budget and no scheduling conflicts – we will give fans everywhere a place to tell casting agents the world over exactly how their jobs should be done.
To get the ball rolling – I have attempted to fantasy cast one of the greatest novels of our time. (Just accept this as truth – it will save us both a lot of time) Thankfully, Ben Affleck is on deck to give the world another chance at seeing The Stand the way it was meant to be seen (not horribly condensed for prime time network TV). A new Franny is ready to be born and will hopefully lack the smug lil whiny pouts of Ringwald.
I’d like to start with a truly Captain Obvious moment – THIS STORY HAS A SHIT TON OF CHARACTERS! I tried to narrow the casting lineup to those I felt most imperative to the story, but feel free to expand in your choices. I also found that “unlimited resources” do not prevent one from second guessing choices….
That said – here’s my dive into the deep end of the ocean. Feel free to chime in with opnions and other options!
Stuart Redman – THEN: Gary Sinise
Stuart Redman Now? – Viggo Mortensen
I had a few players in mind for this role. It’s obvious Viggo can handle the Old Time Tough persona of Stuart, and in the end, I decided to play up the age difference (I really think Franny was drawn to the Father Figure in Stuart in more ways than one.)
Frances Goldsmith – THEN: Molly Ringwald
Frances Goldsmith Now? – Jennifer Lawrence
I tried to avoid this. I really did. But DAMN the girl can act!
Harold Lauder – THEN: Corin Nemec
Harold Lauder Now? – Casey Affleck
This is the way it should work. Ben behind the camera and Casey in the spotlight. They can’t go wrong with this formula.
Glen Bateman – THEN: Ray Walston
Glen Bateman Now? – Hector Elizondo
Bateman is incapable of keeping a conversation short and sweet. Elizondo has a manner of speaking that excuses this longwinded quality and explains why characters hang on his words as opposed to crossing the street when they see him coming.
Larry Underwood – THEN: Adam Storke
Larry Underwood Now? – Mark Wahlberg
We need a questionable hero and he’s gonna have to sing. Justin Timberlake was a consideration but we also need multiple women ready to panty drop for him – thus Marky Mark is the winner.
Nadine Cross – THEN: Laura San Giacomo
Nadine Cross Now? – Emma Stone
She can play the sweet girl and the villainess with equal sincerity. Plus, I want to see if there is any hair color that doesn’t work for her and white might be our only chance.
Nick Andros – THEN: Rob Lowe
Nick Andros Now? – Joseph Gordon Levitt
He is all that is good in young and talented hotties. Nuff said.
Tom Cullen – THEN: Bill Fagerbakke
Tom Cullen Now? – Paul Bettany
M-O-O-N. That spells Paul Bettany
Randall Flagg Then: Jamey Sheridan
Randall Flagg Now? – Tom Cruise
Cuz smiling Devil seducing young beauty… It’s like Stephen King was a prophet. Seriously though – a Grinning Man walks among us and his name is James Franco
This…is…awesome. I’m loving this list. I was so disappointed in The Stand when I felt forced to watch it. Do me proud, Affleck. Do me proud!
Back in the day, The Stand was awesome. As more time passes, not so much. I agree with what someone on Facebook said that it should probably be an HBO miniseries. Maybe one that runs through the summer.
I also agree that there can’t be too much time to allow this story to play out. This has been one of my favorite books for about 20 years and each time I read it; I find another layer to love.
So about the casting… Who would you recommend?