Casting Call: Batman Beyond

A few weeks ago the title of the third Batman film by director Chrsitopher Nolan was announced. The Dark Knight Rises will be the third film in which Christian Bale will play The Caped Crusader, but what about after? Bale is only signed on for three films, and I'm sure he doesn't want play Batman the rest of his career. No matter what you can be sure Warner Bros. will not stop with three films in such a successful franchise. Instead of continuing to bleed Batman until the story sucks and the director is just in it for the paycheck I suggest something after The Dark Knight Rises; Batman Beyond.

Based on the WB cartoon series, and soon to be ongoing DC comic, Batman Beyond takes place in a future where Bruce Wayne is old and has given up being Batman. But when a young teenager named Terry McGinnis looks to gain revenge on the people who killed his father Bruce allows him to dawn the cowl and an unlikely partnership/friendship begins. Terry is young and cocky, with a personality and wit make him seem more like Spider-Man. Of course Spider-Man didn’t have a billionaire backer. I think it would be fun and entertaining for audiences, and this is the cast I think can pull it off:

Matt Long as Terry McGinnis:

Terry McGinnis is a slightly rebellious teenager with a witty remark for everything, and Matt Long is already part of The WB family with his role as Jack McCallister on the short lived Jack & Bobby TV series. Long has charm and presence that makes you root for him in whatever role he plays. He’s well past his teenage years, but still looks like he can play a 16-year-old.

Mel Gibson as Bruce Wayne:

Sure everyone thinks Mel is crazy now a days, and he looks like he’s been through a lot of crap, but that’s Bruce Wayne for you. Bruce has a chip on his shoulder and has been through a lot in his life. We all know Mel Gibson can act, and he definitely seems like he can play a grumpy-old-man. Just remember, before Iron Man Robert Downey Jr. was known for being a Hollywood junkie. Perhaps all Mel needs is a superhero role to bring him back into the light.

Mariska Hargitay as Commissioner Gordon:

Much like Bruce, the former Batgirl has spent most of her life fighting crime, whether it be in tights or taking over her father’s old job. Barbara Gordon is someone who Terry turns to when he’s looking to get the scoop on Bruce’s past, even though Gordon hardly ever tells. Hargitay has been playing a good cop for years on Law & Order: SVU. She has a voice that illuminates wisdom and experience. Sure they may have to add some grey hair and wrinkles, but that’s what make-up people are for.

Sarah Ramos as Dana Tan:

Dana is a great girlfriend. She’s kind and seems to forgive Terry every time he runs out on her to do his “job”. For that kind of character you need a young actress who oozes sweetness. Sarah Ramos has been playing the good girl on Parenthood for over a year now and she’s got it down to a T. Plus her and Matt Long I think would look good together.

Annette O’ Toole as Mary McGinnis:

To raise a superhero it takes an incredible woman and mom. Why not bring in someone who has been there and done that. O’Toole has played Superman’s mom for ten years on the set of Smallville. She has a warmth and mother quality that makes young men know everything will be alright. Yea mom!

Jae Head as Matthew McGinnis:

You might know him as the kid from Hancock and The Blind Side. Now he’d be the cute from Batman Beyond. Terry’s little brother can be a little annoying at times, but should still be cute enough to make the audience laugh when he picks on his brother. Watch Hancock and you’ll see what I mean.

James Spader as Derek Powers:

Derek Powers runs Wayne Industries and is also responsible for sending Mr. Fixx to kill Terry’s father. Meanwhile James Spader is known has the ultimate teen bad boy in the 80’s. As an actor he has matured but still can have a commanding/creepy presence. He’s so good at being bad I don’t think he should ever stop playing those roles.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Mr. Fixx

This big, mean, man killed Terry’s father and does all of Derek Powers dirty work. He has to be a guy who is intimidating to Terry and to the audience. Bring in former wrestling star Dwayne Johnson. He’s got some decent acting jobs and we all know he can kick some butt. A little make-up and he would be terrifying.