Cast Party: Who Should Star in a ‘Midnighter’ Movie?
Welcome to Cast Party, the feature that imagines a world with even more live action comic book adaptations than we currently have, and comes up with arguably the best casting suggestions you’re ever going to find for the movies and shows we wish could exist.
This week I'm envisioning a gay superhero action blockbuster, whether Hollywood is ready or not. That gay superhero (gay Batman, if you want to get specific) is, of course, Midnighter. He was created by Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch, but this movie will adapt the current Midnighter series written by Steve Orlando, with art by ACO, Alec Morgan, Stephen Mooney, and David Messina.
Like the first arc of the comic, the movie will feature Midnighter traveling the globe in pursuit of the technological horrors that have escaped from the "God Garden" that empowered him. Along the way he'll befriend Marina, team up with Dick Grayson, and attempt to have a dating life.
This may sound like an odd choice, but I'd like to give this movie to Gus Van Sant to direct. He's a veteran filmmaker who's worked in many styles and genres, and I'm pretty sure he has a great superhero movie in him, but he might never get the chance to do it.
Matt Bomer as Midnighter
DC/FoxDC/Fox I admit, I prioritized casting a gay actor in this role. A movie like this should be a celebratory moment for queer fans, and having a queer star in the spotlight will brighten that celebration even more. Besides, Bomer has the physicality and a great look for Midnighter.
Michelle Yeoh as the Gardener
DC/NetflixDC/Netflix She's young for the part, but you may have noticed before that I like to cast stars that fans of genre films will recognize. I think it adds more resonance to minor characters. And let's be honest, have you ever been disappointed to see Michelle Yeoh?
Darryl Stephens as Jason
DC/Skinnylee ProductionsDC/Skinnylee Productions A boyfriend who becomes a friend, Jason's primary qualities are being cute and a good listener. Stephens seems like he can pull it off.
Enzo Amore as Tony
DC/WWEDC/WWE Bearded urban Italian-American who's a lot more heterosexual than you'd expect? Done.
Taylor Kitsch as Matt
DC/DisneyDC/Disney Since this is a recent story, I'm not going to spoil what's going on with Matt. But that element definitely influenced this choice.
Richard Jenkins as Matt's Dad
DC/LionsgateDC/Lionsgate Ever since Six Feet Under, I think of Richard Jenkins as a quintessential dad. That will only increase the impact when... that one thing happens.
Shay Mitchell as Marina
DC/ABC FamilyDC/ABC Family Marina's short-lived career as a lethal super-powered vigilante doesn't go well, but she provides an important human connection for Midnighter. Mitchell has the skills and the look.
Nicole Beharie as Helena Bertinelli
DC/FoxDC/Fox Do I just want to see Beharie do more things? Possibly.
Liam Hemsworth as Dick Grayson
DC/LionsgateDC/Lionsgate This is a tough role to cast, and I know not everyone will love my choice. But the "whoa, look how handsome that guy is" quality that runs in the Hemsworth family is essential to playing Grayson.
Michael Pitt as Akakyevich
DC/HBODC/HBO I couldn't come up with an actually Russian actor I liked for this part, so I decided to just cast the creepiest guy I could think of.
Randy Harrison as Apollo
DC/USADC/USA Midnighter's ex only makes a couple of brief appearances, but Harrison will give just the right impression when he is on screen.