I have taken it upon myself to consider which talents amongst the gamut of leading actors across the globe might be most suited to play the role of Aquaman, in a Justice League of America movie. An activity that is perhaps not as safe and sound as one might think, considering recent global reaction to certain casting decisions for Man of Steel 2 and 50 Shades of Grey…
Still, I like to think that I’m approaching this task in a manner that would not estrange one Arthur Curry; deporting a sense of courage, a modicum of valour and my symbolic pen, in place of a magically powered trident.
Whilst Aquaman has become a revitalised character in the world of comic-books under the stewardship of Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis and Paul Pelletier, it has not been always thus. For many a decade, he has been a much derided character, with a profile that is certainly diminished in comparison to DC’s Trinity.
Outside of the world of comics, he’s enjoyed relatively successful animated television appearances: Super-Friends in the 1970’s, followed more recently, by the endearingly jovial adaptation in Batman: The Brave and the Bold. As for live-action, there are of course the guest appearances by Alan Richtson in Smallville and I guess I can’t ignore the much discussed, rarely seen and forsaken T.V. pilot, Mercy Reef, featuring Justin Hartley before he donned the green bow and quiver of Green Arrow.
Whatever Warner Bros. choose to do with their DC properties over the next few years, looking back over their corporate shoulders at Marvel Studios is inescapable. Whilst there are a myriad of components contributing to the success or failure of any film, it’s evident that when it comes to casting, Marvel Studios have done exceptionally well. They’ve approached and hired a gallery of actors of considerable quality and pedigree. This goes a long way to giving any super-heroic offering that essential credibility.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
5. Ryan Gosling
Now, that’s woken you up! I am not making this suggestion flippantly. I admire the character of Aquaman to the extent that I would like to see him portrayed and taken seriously. Who on this planet would dare to suggest that Ryan Gosling, the current uber-actor of the west would not have the faculties to fulfil this task with conviction and élan?
Consider his performances in Drive, Crazy Stupid Love, The Ides of March, and Gangster Squad. Gosling is currently due to undertake a role in an untitled Terence Malick project, which is somewhat a recognition of a man at the height of his powers.
One might feel a nagging sense of doubt when one considers factors beyond the actor’s direct control. I like to think however that such a casting choice would utterly insist upon the screenplay and the choice of director being of paramount quality.
4. Chris Pine
Of course there are plethoras of ways in which one could approach this character and I think Chris Pine opens doors that other actors might not walk through so easily.
His performances in films such as This Means War are serviceable, however it’s really all about Star Trek and Star Trek: Into Darkness. His portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk is not what one would want to see repeated here, but there are undoubtedly many aspects of those performances that could be a rich seam for application to this particular part.
Energy. Stubbornness. Perhaps, a dash of humour. I am keeping in mind that this individual needs to be unbowed by Superman and comfortable giving the Batman a piece of his mind. I can see Pine achieving these goals.
3. Philip Winchester
I’m a consistent supporter of underdogs and I really quite like this outside bet.
Philip Winchester is certainly a presence on both the small and big screen. His performances in the King Lear TV adaptation, as Frank Stanton in Fringe and particularly for my money, Leontes in Camelot provide much inspiration.
Winchester would certainly perform convincingly as a warrior with that strategic awareness that one would expect from a ruler of all beneath the waves. He’s certainly a strong candidate when it comes to addressing the regality that I would be gratified to see as part of Aquaman’s make-up.
Arthur Curry also has a big heart and Winchester could potentially excel in projecting the requisite emotion.
2. Tom Hardy
Bane! Yes, I know. Yet Tom Hardy is an able actor of the highest calibre. His ability to transform amazes. He’s a dramatist of real power. I can certainly envisage him standing alongside giants.
Key performances that I would choose to highlight are his roles in Bronson, Warrior, Lawless, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and to a lesser degree The Dark Knight Rises. He really does tick an awful lot of the boxes. No nonsense? Yes. A leader of men? Yes. Mighty? Absolutely! I would expect any actor cast as the next Mad Max to be worthy of attention.
The role of Aquaman in a JLA movie would be relatively minor, considering the room required for plot, set pieces and the Big Three. Tom is an adept at making potentially limited screen minutes count.
1. Alexander Skarsgard
Age before beauty. Is there a suggestion of that here? It would certainly do no harm to this potential franchise to cast a heart-throb or two. Alexander Skarsgard qualifies utterly in that arena.
Still, it is his performances to date that I think justify his inclusion in this list. He’s not just a pretty face.
His role as Eric in True Blood is not a template for any kind of Aquaman interpretation, but it does provide a sense of what Skarsgard could achieve, given the right tools. There are other recent roles which beyond professional delivery aren’t particularly worth mentioning (cough . Persistent rumours do abound of his casting as the next Tarzan to hit the silver screen. Surely, food for thought.
I can quite effortlessly see him play a figure of some majesty, authority and conviction. A sense of threat would also be an intriguing aspect which this actor would certainly provide in spades, if asked. Nicely. For some unknown reason, I can see Skarsgard being a most convincing telepath.
I hereby humbly submit my propositions to the court. I hope that they will be judged with the fairness and wisdom that one might expect from a King of the Seven Seas.