07/29/2010 - MTV Asks, Who Should Play the Next Punisher?
Since it’s way too early to expect any hard details about potential Punisher film projects, a lot of folks are dreaming up their ideal Punisher movie… including MTV in their “Secret Identity” feature.
Announced at the Marvel Studios panel at Comic-Con, the rights for the Punisher have returned to Marvel, allowing the studio to put their character back on the big or small screen in anyway that they see fit. It’s excellent news for Castle fans who feel the character hasn’t gotten the proper live-action treatment he deserves. With Marvel back at the helm, it’s a sure bet that Punisher is going to head back to theaters with a vengeance sometime in the near future.
But with three actors having played Castle over the last 21 years, who could possibly fill the street-level judge, jury and executioner’s shoes next? After the jump, you can check out some of our suggestions for who Marvel should cast as the next Punisher!
Jon Hamm
The “Mad Men” star has had his name tossed around for several different comic book characters from Batman to Superman, but that’s not because Jon Hamm is a trendy actor — it’s because he’s a good actor. With his imposing physique and the take-no-nonsense attitude he frequently displays as Don Draper, Hamm could trade in his “Mad Men” character’s advertising agency for Castle’s overly ambitious arsenal with little trouble.Chris Meloni
When it comes to diversifying your career, Chris Meloni couldn’t have done a better job in playing the delightfully disturbed Chris Keller on “Oz” and the righteous if easily enraged Detective Stabler on “Law & Order: SVU.” Meloni boasts a presence that could make a grown man cry home to mama if looked at the wrong way — a quality that’s absolutely necessary from whoever plays Castle. He’s already played both sides of the law, and this could be a great chance for Meloni to straddle that line like he never has before.Viggo Mortensen
Marvel Studios is no stranger to hiring unexpected but no less talented actors for their biggest movie roles — like Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, for example. Viggo Mortensen is an equally unlikely but excellent choice to bring his unique brand of justice to the role of Frank Castle. A powerful actor who emits a whole spectrum of emotion with a single look, there’s little doubt that Mortensen would elevate the Punisher to new heights.Timothy Olyphant
Already well accustomed to taking the law into his own hands on FX’s “Justified,” not to mention his action hero turn in “Hitman,” Timothy Olyphant has just about everything you could want out of a big screen Punisher — the intimidating look, a perfect blend of comedy and drama and plenty of experience playing badass roles. There’s no question that Olyphant could tear it up as Frank Castle.Thomas Jane
Although “The Punisher” wasn’t the best received comic book movie of all time, Thomas Jane received plenty of fan support for his portrayal of Frank Castle. Seen by many as an excellent Frank trapped in a lackluster “Punisher” film, Jane could certainly use a second chance, particularly under the watchful eye of Marvel Studios. If you can ignore the Ray Stevenson film and hop right back into Jane’s take on the character, perhaps it makes sense to go with someone familiar.
GPA Features
