A little more than a month ago, Variety reported that Warner Bros. has not only started scripting for a Justice League film, but it is also starting to promote the team through other media (video games, direct-to-video movies, DC Nation). That shouldn't come as any surprise after the monumental success of Marvel/Disney's The Avengers. And fans are now anxiously anticipating more news of a Justice League film. Fancasts are through the roof! Here we'll explore some casting possibilities for a Justice League film to come.
Cast
The Avengers film struggled to balance screen time for 6 heroes in a 2 hour movie. If the Justice League is at all similar (which I hope it is), they'll keep the team roster small and character driven. They'll also want big names to sell the movie, and they'll want diversity to keep audiences from feeling that the Justice League has been "white-washed." So who do I think makes the final cut?
Superman
It would be a wise choice to keep Henry Cavill (6'1") in the role of Superman so that the audience from "Man of Steel" is willing to give Justice League a shot. His Superman will no doubt be a box office draw similar to Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man.
Batman
Christian Bale has already stated publicly that he doesn't want to play Batman another time--which makes sense after his performance in The Dark Knight rises. And Christopher Nolan does not want his films to be in the same world as a Justice League film.
The Justice League film will probably be the spring board for a new Batman franchise, so casting the character is not only vital to the Justice League franchise, it's also vital to the Batman franchise. The only actor who I could see WB going with is Ryan Gosling (6'1"). He's had plenty of bad boy roles in films like "Drive" and "Crazy, Stupid, Love." And he's set to kick butt in Will Beals's Gangster Squad. With some hair dye, he'd be perfect for the role.
Wonder Woman
This one is another given. She's the most well known superheroine in comics. I could see Gemma Arterton (5'7") in the role if she hits the gym to get a tougher physique. She's already proven that she can play a badass in the Prince of Persia and Quantum of Solace, which helps. She's also just a great actress which is the important part. The person who portrays Wonder Woman should be able to carry a solo film on her own. Most of the other alternatives (i.e. Gina Carano) put forth for the role just don't make much sense for these reasons.
Green Lantern
WB will no doubt include Hal Jordan due to his television show and his previous film. He's got name recognition. But we should say goodbye to Ryan Reynolds. I thought that he made a good Hal, but his film was a little sub par. WB needs to break ties with that film, and pulling a Hulk-like switch would help. Chris Pine (6'1") would be a great fit for the role. Just check him out in Star Trek and Unstoppable. He can bring humor and gravitas to a character who needs redemption.
Cyborg
Cyborg's a well known character who's been on numerous DC related shows since the 1980s like Galactic Guardians and Smallville. He made his debut as a Justice League founder in the New52. Because he is the least well known of the 6, he'll be the Black Widow of the film--the delightful surprise that will have fans clamoring for a spinoff. Not only that, but do to the nature of his powers, Cyborg is the key to recruiting new Justice League members (which would give Warner more franchises to play with i.e. Hawkman, Shazam, Aquaman, Firestorm, Martian Manhunter, etc.) Up-and-comer Chadwick Boseman(6'1"), who is set to star alongside Harrison Ford in the Jackie Robinson bio-pic 42, would be perfect for the role. He has a pretty good acting pedigree (the guy got a scholarship to study acting in London!), and he has the look and build for the role.