Welcome readers, to my first (and hopefully not last) post. I was searching around on imdb.com today (AWESOME site for film and television lovers, check it out), and I could not help but notice the HORRIBLE casting choices being made as of late for upcoming films that I, at one point, was very excited about. I understand directors play favorites, and that some of the actors I am about to mention are fantastic in certain roles, but better choices could be made I'm sure. Let's begin, shall we?

Spider-Man 3: The first two were, in my opinion, incredible, making me very eager for the third to hit theaters. At least I was, until I looked at the cast list today. Of course the regulars are there, and they are probably good enough to save this movie. But I cannot believe the villan choices. The Sandman, who I always felt was one of the weaker Spidey villans anyways (let's just thank the Lord it's not Kraven the Hunter..lol), is being played by Thomas Hayden Church. Don't get me wrong...I really do like him. I was a big "Wings" fan years ago, and I thought he was decent in "Sideways", but as a villian? Isn't he a little...well...not menacing? To be honest with you, he's downright goofy. It's a new type of role for him, and he may pull it off...I'm just saying I can't see it. However, I think he has a way better chance then this next cast member. Venom, the menacing Spidey "equal", is being played by the evil, sinister...Topher Grace? Are you joking? What's the matter, was Macauley Culkin busy? Is Haley-Joel Osment still grounded after his DUI? If you wanted to pick a little wuss that could be a dorky reporter and a decent bad guy, why not tap Ryan Gosling? Sure, he's a fairy also, but at least he was semi-sinister in "The Believer". Topher f'n Grace. I guess we'll all see in Summer '07.

Iron Man: Sure, it's not set to release until 2008, and they only have 2 cast members confirmed. War Machine is being played by Terrance Howard, who I love. The man filling out the familiar yellow and red iron suit, however, will be non other than Robert Downey, Jr. That's right kids! A great hero/role model to look up to! "I'll do it, but can we get the suit built with a tube so whiskey can be shot straight down my throat during filming? That'd be fantastic...". Excellent choice. Can't wait.

Sweeny Todd: Don't get me wrong. I think this will end up being fantastic. Tim Burton is a directorial genius, and this story is right up his alley. As much as I love Sam Mendez (American Beauty, Road To Perdition), I'm glad Burton is taking the helms on this instead, as I think this is a film only he could pull off. This is another film not due out for awhile, and also only has two confirmed cast members. Before I begin, I realize directors get comfortable with certain actors after working with them in multiple projects. It happens. Usually it is successful, and I'm sure this will be no different. Something about it just rubs me the wrong way however. Johnny Depp is cast as Sweeny Todd. At the surface, I see nothing really wrong with this. Depp, I honestly believe, can do ANYTHING he sets his sights on, and I think he is truly the most talented and well-rounded actor right now. However, Sweeny Todd being a musical, do you really think Johnny Depp can pull of the singing in this? I mean, really? I have been reading a lot of message boards with people saying "Hey, did you see Cry-Baby?" and "He went to school for music, not acting", and "He was in a band". OK. After doing some research, his singing voice in Cry-Baby was, in fact, dubbed. He played guitar, which last time I checked, does not automatically qualify you to sing. In his band, he played guitar and occasionally provided back-up vocals. That was probably for a reason. If he can pull this off, kudos to him, but it will not be easy. At least we know with his name attached to it, it will draw big box office numbers. Tim Burton had a lot of big names show up to audition for Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney's counterpart in crime, Cyndi Lauper, Bernadette Peters, and Toni Collete among them. And low and behold, who does Tim Burton give the part to but his estranged baby's momma, Helena Bonham Carter. Now, please don't misunderstand me...she's a very talented actress. It just rubs me the wrong way that she's his f*** buddy, and she gets casted in this dream part that perhaps more qualified people auditioned for. I'm fairly sure she sang in "Corpse Bride", and she sounded OK...but this role is quite different from that. I want this movie to succeed, but thinking about this casting makes me wonder what to think. Luckily they are in talks with Sasha Baron Cohen (Ali-G) for Adolfo Pirelli. Perhaps he can save this project.

The Dark Knight: Yes, that's correct, a new Batman movie is in the works, and Christopher Nolan is back to direct, which is a plus. Christian Bale is back as Batman, which is another plus. The Joker will be the main villian in this edition, and guess who got the part? "Brokeback" Heath Ledger. With all of the make-up used for Joker, I'd personally just use Jack Nicholson. If you used enough, you wouldn't be able to tell he's like, 97 or whatever. He was BADASS in the original "Batman", and he's be a lot scarier than super-gay Ledger. That patented Nicholson smile! C'mon! I'm sure this movie will still be pretty good...but everytime the Joker comes onto the screen, I will probably let out a snicker. And if he says anything with even the smallest latent homosexual undertone, I will laugh outloud and/or shudder in disgust at this casting choice.

Honestly, it's hard to call bad casting without seeing these movies first. This is all just pure speculation. People will disagree I'm sure. I'm hoping with the release of these movies, I will look back at this post and laugh at myself for being so wrong. If these mentioned actors can prove me wrong, I will be so pleased, as all of these movies excite me. Time will tell. Please fell free to respond with your feelings on what I've said, or perhaps other horribly casted movies, past or present. Check back soon for updated posts!

-Williams-