3. Michelle Ryan
This actor has come a long way from her relatively humble beginnings in the eternal UK soap-opera that is East-Enders. However, you won’t see me turning my nose up at such programs, which go a long way to fostering new talent. And Michelle Ryan comes with talent in abundance.
Whilst her role as Jaime Sommers in Bionic Woman won her many plaudits, I was equally impressed by her portrayal of Nimueh in the BBC dramas Merlin and Jekyll. I would be gratified to see her do more high quality work; perhaps even in films without the words ‘cockneys’ and ‘zombies’ in the title?
Along with the requisite physicality and toughness, I think that with this actor, the whole impact of being introduced to “Man’s World” could really be brought to life. Ryan’s relative youth and that certain sense of vulnerability could be a real asset if the tale commences with a slightly less assured, Olympian powerhouse.
2. Lynn Collins
For each of us, there will be one actress who quite simply matches the airbrushed illustration in our mind’s eye of what Diana of Themyscira actually looks like. The image that’s an organically developed construct, gleaned from all our myriad exposures to Wonder Woman; the artwork of George Perez or Cliff Chiang. Lynda Carter circa 1975. Justice League lunch-boxes. Whatever the sources, they all merge into a cohesive sense of a whole. Lynn Collins is the actress that embodies that fulfilment and would certainly get my vote in any “looks most like…” poll.
I was more impressed with her performance in X-Men Origins: Wolverine than her role as Dejah Thoris in John Carter, although that’s my judgment of the script. As Kayla Silverfox there was a sense of emotional depth that, whilst totally out of place in that nightmare of a motion picture, would be of much use with this particular role.
Whilst having no issues re : acrobatics, displays of strength etc, once again, dependent on approach, there’s a maturity that I feel Collins could bring to this role which would greatly assist in getting folk to sit up and listen. I am to a degree jumping way too far ahead with the prospect of a realised shared universe, yet surely, that should be a factor?
1. Morena Baccarin
There was a time when successful TV actors would never, ever be considered with any degree of seriousness for a film part of any substance. Those days are long gone. In some ways, Morena Baccarin’s career path is a good illustration of the development and relative rise of genre drama, TV or otherwise.
Like many, no doubt, Firefly was my introduction to this actress and whilst it was a most excellent debut, I have enjoyed much of her work since; from playing Adria in Stargate SG-1, to Jessica Brody in Homeland to Anna in V. What have I gleaned from these roles? Duty. Compassion. Danger. Which is probably why she keeps topping superheroine casting lists…
I think there’s little doubt that Baccarin is one of the few actors that could sincerely make this role come to life. Another aspect that comes to mind is that whilst being no alien, there should be an ‘other-worldly’ aspect to the character. She is a demi-god after all. I think Morena could deliver in this regard.
So, there you have my own five nominees. Wonder Woman is such a tabula rasa, as are so many of these iconic personas. The process of scouting and reviewing likely candidates has simply re-affirmed my silent prayers to the gods of Olympus and to Athene in particular; O, Goddess of Creativity, please, please deliver unto us a worthy screenplay!
What do you think of these choices? Does Lynn Collins really look the part, or is Gina Carano the only one badass enough to pull off the tiara? Would Michelle Ryan’s and Hayley Atwell’s past on British television help or hurt their chances when compared to Morena Baccarin’s American TV career? Sound off below or send us a tweet!
