After updating both my list of picks for Hal Jordan (check it out here) and John Stewart (check it out here), I figured it would be appropriate to tackle another prominent character from Green Lantern lore - Thaal Sinestro, or simply Sinestro.
With Green Lantern Corps scheduled for 2020, we still don't know much about the project, but given Sinestro role within the Lantern mythos and his ties to all-but-confirmed Hal Jordan, I think it is safe to assume that the character will - at the very least - appear in the film. Unfortunately, despite being a highlight of Green Lantern back in 2011, it is unlikely that Mark Strong will return to reprise the role, and a new actor needs to be cast.
The version of Sinestro I picture is not a far cry from the version we got from Mark Strong, but there are some differences. I think his accent suited the character well, but I do not think the character has to use a British accent. However, the way Sinestro speaks is still important, as he needs to instill respect - and perhaps fear - in whoever he speaks to, and therefore I have taken each actor's voice into account before selecting them for my list. Now, Sinestro is not human, which gives us a bit more wiggle room with age, and I would prefer a Sinestro to be portrayed by someone in their 50s or early 60s, as I think that would make him look a bit more distinguished and rugged. He's typically not a physical specimen by human standards, so whoever plays him just have to be reasonably fit.
Now, let us get to it.
Rupert Friend
Pros:
Resemblance
Age
Cons:
Age
The first thing you will notice about Rupert Friend is that I put his age as both a "pro" and a "con", but I did so for a reason. The 35-year-old Brit is the youngest name on my list, which means he could play the character for decades, but depending on who WB cast as Hal and John, he might be too young - or at least, too young looking - to portray the (former) mentor of Hal Jordan. Nevertheless, it is hard to deny that the actor does bear a resemblance to the character, and anyone that watches Homeland knows that this guy can act, so he deserves a place on my list.
Zachary Quinto
Pros:
Acting ability
Age
Cons:
Voice
Zachary Quinto is one of very few Americans on my list, but he definitely deserves his spot. He has been able to carry the legacy left behind by the great Leonard Nimoy as a young Spock in the Kelvin timeline of Star Trek, and bears a striking resemblance to some versions of Sinestro. He is still rather young, as he is only turning 40 later this year. My one concern with Quinto is that he lacks the voice that Sinestro needs, as he is typically a bit more soft-spoken. With that said, I am all for him proving me wrong in 2020.
Jude Law
Pros:
Acting ability
Age
Cons:
Busy
After turning down the role of Superman, and being somewhat of a fan favorite for Lex Luthor in recent years, it is about time that we get the 44-year-old Brit in a comic book movie. After proving time and time again that he is a tremendous actor, Law will take a turn at portraying a villain in this year's King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, which means that Law will be tied to two WB franchises and a TV show. Law stays busy, and that might be a problem if WB wants him to join yet another franchise.
Richard Armitage
Pros:
Acting ability
Age
Voice
Cons:
Lack of star power
Most people that would go see a Green Lantern film, have seen 45-year-old Richard Armitage in something. If not in one of the Hobbit films, then surely in Captain America: The First Avenger. Despite this, Armitage has failed to become a true household name in Hollywood, which - depending on who gets cast as Hal and John - could be a problem for WB, since they tends to fill out their supporting roles with esteemed and known actors.
Jason Isaacs
Pros:
Acting ability
Voice
Resemblance
Cons:
Lack of interest
This one is a no brainer. Few can play a villain as well as Isaacs, and that voice can send chills down one's spine. The one cause of concern is that Isaacs has expressed some lack of interest in continuing to portray villains. However, given Isaacs talent and his resemblance to Sinestro, the man deserves to be considered. Also, after playing Lucius Malfoy in WB's Harry Potter franchise, Isaacs should have a pretty good relationship with the studio.
Iain Glen
Pros:
Acting ability
Cons:
Busy
Lack of star power
The Scotsman has a long and successful career, but is still "only" 55 years old. He has all the abilities and characteristics needed to portray a great Sinestro, but unfortunately, the actor is tied to not one, but two TV shows and he still finds time to star in the occasional film, so finding the time needed to make an appearance as Sinestro can prove a bit tough. However, it is worth noting that Game of Thrones is supposed to finish before GLC enters production, so Glen's schedule might have opened up by then.
Hugo Weaving
Pros:
Acting ability
Voice
Cons:
Age
Lack of interest
Few actors could play Sinestro with the same level of intensity as Hugo Weaving could, and it would not be the first time the 56-year-old actor portrayed a comic book character, as we have seen him as the Red Skull in Captain America: The First Avenger and the character of V in V for Vendetta. Although, ever since his experience with Marvel, Weaving has expressed some lack of interest in ever returning to a role like that, which could prevent him from ever taking on the role of Sinestro.
Viggo Mortensen
Pros:
Acting ability
Cons:
Age
Ever since Viggo Mortensen finished with the role of Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings-trilogy, the Danish-American has mostly shied away from big budget movies, but has not ruled out a return to blockbuster season, and a turn as Sinestro within the DCEU might be the good way to do it. Mortensen bears a slight resemblance to some versions of Sinestro from the comics, and I think WB would be wise to give the rightful king of Gondor a chance.
Can you think of anyone else that would be a good fit? Share your thoughts below.