Casting roles part II

Fantasy Casting

We all play this game: read a great book (like The Monkeywrench Gang, by Edward Abbey) and then try to come up with the cast if it was made into a movie.

Maybe it's a testament to the character development, the story, the pace of the books (or a combination of all of the above) but many people (myself included) can easily envision movies being made about Captain Dak Smith and the crew of the Archaea. Some of my readers have been playing a similar game with my books, coming up with their dream cast for the roles of each character.

So far, on twitter, facebook, and emails I've reached a pretty good consensus on some of the characters, though like any other good 'fantasy cast', as people suggest improvements or detractors for actors, I'm happily adjusting.

Captain Dak Smith: So far, the favorite has been Patrick Warburton, narrowly edging out Stephen Colbert. Colbert has the eyebrows, but he's not physically as well suited for the role, I think. His character is so well known, I think it'd be hard for people to see past his personae, and see the part he's playing as the captain. Patrick Warburton has the look, the lantern jaw, the commanding presence, and most importantly, a laconic delivery that would really accentuate the calm and unruffled manner of the captain.

Gene Mitchell: Corbin Bernsen is my personal favorite for this role, he looks the part and he's got a pretty epic scowl. He's smart, opinionated, and has the endearing character that Gene needs. A close runner up is the voice of Cave Johnson, and one of my favorite actors, J.K. Simmons. His only detraction is that he's generally more likable than curmudgeonly, and might not be as believable as a master engineer.

Yak Onebull: Adam Beach would be perfect for this role, though he's not really big enough physically - While a ton of these movies would have to be CGI, I don't know how feasible it would be to shoot Yak like Gollum, Tron Reloaded, or Captain America. It'd be better to find someone that fits the physicality of Yak a little better, though looks-wise, Adam Beach is perfect. He looks smart, tough, and capable.

Jane Short: My personal favorite for Shorty is Natalie Raitano. She's not as well known, but that really can help a movie character stick with the mind of the viewer if they aren't always trying to superimpose previous characters over the top of the one they're seeing played by a well known actor. This is really Stephen Colbert's main downfall. Natalie Raitano is short enough, has a 'cute as a button' look, but is a significantly tough gal. She looks like she could easily elbow hook you into the cold hard deck.

Stephen Pauline: This character is really hard to pin down. Aaron Stanford has been suggested, and he definitely has the right look and character to play Pauli - though he may be a little young. Dak and Pauli came up through the Academy together, so it makes sense that they be roughly the same age (though Pauli is definitely a little younger). Someone else suggested Sean Patrick Flanery. He fits the look well, is close to the same age as Dak, and has a darker personality that fits the role well - but I am not very familiar with either of these actors. I guess for me, the jury is still out, I haven't seen anyone yet that really leaps out as perfect for Pauli.

Do you have any suggestions? Hit me up on facebook or twitter - I'd love to hear from you! Remember... this is all just in good fun. At no point in time do I actually expect my books to be made into blockbuster movies - this is for entertainment purposes only.

If you are one of the above-mentioned actors, please don't send hired goons to knock on my door.