Well this latest endeavor started after I tried to cast an Arkham City film, which quickly turned out to be just about the entire Batman universe. So I scrapped that idea and just focused on the Dark Knight and his world and characters in general.
As a note, I always like the idea of Batman/Bruce Wayne being slightly older, near 40's, so that is reflected in this fan cast.
I tried to keep these picks as original as possible, but I know a few repeats have slipped (hey- hard to beat perfection, I guess). So let's get started!!
BATMAN FAMILY
First up is the Caped Crusader himself...
Anson Mount may be unfamiliar to some, but he is currently starring in AMC's newest show "Hell On Wheels" as the vengeful drifter Cullen Bohannon. He has also been in "Straw Dogs" and "In Her Shoes".
I think Anson Mount has the perfect balance of intensity and normality that could really bring Batman out on screen.
John Cleese is one of the most brilliant actors of our day. He has been in countless timeless works, such as "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," "A Fish Called Wanda," and "Rat Race".
Alfred really should be able to take the whole "Batman business" in great stride and have good humor about it, but also know how to keep Bruce Wayne in his limits. John Cleese would be able to bring both humor and gravity to the role.
I know this isn't an original pick, and at first I was unsure about Ian Somerhalder as Dick Grayson, but after watching him in "Lost" and "The Vampire Diaries," I was convinced.
Dick Grayson would be a good foil to Batman. I think Ian Somerhalder can pull of the jokey, but rooted in reality take on the original Robin.
Evan Rachel Wood was sensational in the films "Thirteen" and "The Upside of Anger". I think she would be terrific as the paralyzed Barbara and could easily pull of the tormented side -- wanting to be out in the field, but knowing she will never be there again.
Frank Dillane's name might be a bit unknown to some, but he is most well-known for portraying Tom Riddle, aka the younger Lord Voldemort in the last two "Harry Potter" films. I thought he was excellent and wouldn't mind seeing more work from him in the future.
This choice I'm pretty proud of. Alexander Gould appears as Shane Botwin in the hit ShowTime series "Weeds". I always thought he had this dark, edgier side to him that could really be shown in Jason Todd.
Lucius Fox, the Q to Batman's James Bond in some adaptations, as well as the CEO of Wayne Enterprises, he is a constant in the Batman mythos.
Ernie Hudson is an actor that should be a household name, especially after his role in the two "Ghostbuster" films, "The Crow" film, as well as appearing in countless television shows.
GOTHAM CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT Not the most original choice, I know, but I think he would have made as great of a Jim Gordon as Gary Oldman. He is an astounding actor who has appeared in "The Town," "Adaptation," and "Capote".
James (Jim) Belushi is usually known for more comedic roles: "According to Jim" and the "K-9" series, however after seeing him in "The Ghost Writer" and "The Defenders" I am convinced that he could pull of the hardened role of Harvey Bullock.
Again, not an original choice. However, after seeing her in not only "The Fast and the Furious" franchise, but also "Avatar," I am confident she would be perfect as Montoya.
Known mostly for her comedic roles, like "Happy Gilmore" and her starring role in "Modern Family", however she has had a slightly serious role in the early seasons of "Weeds". I would like to develop a relationship between her and Jim Gordon.
VILLAINS The Clown Prince of Crime deserves an actor on the same caliber as Heath Ledger and Mark Hamill, and while I know I've seen this as a cast before, I think Jude Law would be absolutely perfect as the Joker.
Jude Law has been in "Alfie", "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow", "Cold Mountain", and the two latest "Sherlock Holmes" films.
Mila Kunis is an extremely talented actress who has appeared in many films, such as "Forgetting Sarah Marshall", "The Book of Eli", and "Black Swan", all showcasing her wide acting range.
I really like the idea of the Joker turning his psychiatrist into his lover/sidekick/henchwoman just to prove how twisted of a character he can be, so if she ever appears in a film, I would want this to be how she is introduced.
I may be wrong, but I don't think I've seen Billy Crudup cast as Harvey Dent before. I think Billy Crudup would be phenomenal was the duo-fixated killer.
Billy Crudup has been in "Big Fish", "Public Enemies", and "Watchmen", where he has been excellent, showing off a wide range of acting skills.
While not a commonly known actress until lately, Ginnifer Goodwin has proven her worth in films such as "Mona Lisa Smile", "Walk the Line", and "He's Just Not That Into You". Right now she is starring in "Once Upon a Time" as Snow White.
While I love Anne Hathaway as an actress, I don't know if I see her as Catwoman, but hey - we'll see. No judgments yet. I think Ginnifer Goodwin will be able to give the innocent, yet formidable appearance of Selina Kyle.
Another cast member from the AMC television show "Hell on Wheels", Colm Meaney has appeared in "Con Air", "The Damned United", and "Get Him To The Greek", as well as having a regular role on "Star Trek: The Next Generation".
I think the Penguin would benefit on screen as being an arms dealer or something of the like. He could be trying to move in on the mob's turf, starting gang wars all over Gotham.
This one I might have to defend, but maybe not. Josh Brolin has been in "W.", "True Grit", and "No Country For Old Men". I think he would be perfect as Bane, the massive, tactical genius.
Again, correct me if I'm wrong, but I do not believe I've seen this particular fan cast before. Alan Rickman is one of my favorite actors. He has been in "Die Hard", "Galaxy Quest", "Alice in Wonderland" (2010), "Sweeney Todd", and of course, was Professor Snape in the "Harry Potter" film series.
Alan Rickman would be perfect as the tragic villain trying to save his wife. I wouldn't want a solo-Mr. Freeze movie, but I think as a supporting villain he would be great!
I thought I was being original in this pick, but like the last couple fan casts I've seen have had him! Oh, well. Ha. Ralph Fiennes is often cast as the villain, such as in "Red Dragon", "Harry Potter", and "Schindler's List".
I would want Ra's al Ghul to have more of his supernatural aspect to him, and I would love to have the Lazarus Pit in whatever movie he appears in.
I loved Serinda Swan in "Smallville" and thought she was a great Zantanna! I'm a big fan of her as an actress, especially on "Breakout Kings". I think she would be awesome as Talia.
Martin Freeman is an incredibly talented actor, and I'm surprised I haven't seen him in more fan casts. He has been in "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", "Love Actually", and he has been cast as Bilbo Baggins in the two "Hobbit" films.
A lot of people want Johnny Depp for the role, but I think he would be too much like the Joker then. I would want somebody I could see being picked on in school, being obsessed with puzzles, and thinking he's intellectually more advanced than everyone around him.
Scarecrow, for me, was one of the hardest villains to cast, simply because he is my favorite Batman villain, and because I was so taken with Cillian Murphy's portrayal. However, I decided on Matthew Goode, as I'm a big fan of "Watchmen" and his work on "A Single Man".
When there were first rumors about Hugo Strange being in "The Dark Knight Rises", and people speculated that Robin Williams would be cast, I thought that was a terrific idea! When making this cast, I tried to stay away from that idea, but after catching "Insomnia" on TV I couldn't deny it!
Another fan favorite, and it's easy to see why! Christina Hendricks is best known for her role in "Mad Men". I would like to see a real Poison Ivy on screen, one that is sexy and lethal. Probably would do best as a supporting villain.
Kiefer Sutherland is probably best known for his role in the hit show "24", however he has also been in films such as "The Sentinel", "A Few Good Men", and "Stand By Me". Kiefer Sutherland is a wonderful voice actor who I think could give great gravity to the role of Roman Sionis.
Mr. Zsasz is such a great villain I almost felt cheated in "Batman Begins" by only having him there for a few glances. I loved Norman Reedus' work in "The Boondock Saints" and "Lost" and I think he would do great as the tally-marked serial killer.
A lot of people like him for the role of the Penguin, but I think Bob Hoskins would do great as Carmine "The Roman" Falcone, one of the most feared mob bosses of Gotham.
As well as starring in "Law and Order: SVU", Christopher Meloni has been cast in the upcoming season of "True Blood". He is a gifted actor who could pull of the rival to the Falcone empire.
Well that's my cast! Sound off in the usual place!