7 CLASSIC CHARACTERS RECAST TODAY
Article by Abbey Archer
There are certain movies from the past that are so revered and perfect, they become certifiably untouchable: Singin’ in the Rain, Gone With the Wind, Vertigo, and so forth. Unfortunately, the way that Hollywood is going, some of these Untouchable Films may get the remake green light … thirty or forty years from now. So, for your consideration, here is a compiled list of current actors that could be recast as beloved characters in today’s cinema– should the event arise. For the record, I hope these films never get remade … but for the sake of fun, these choices would not be too terrible.*
Emma Stone: Annie Hall
I’m one of the few people that find Woody Allen overwhelmingly overrated. That being said, his 1977 classic is actually worth the acclaim: it’s a relationship analysis in film form, way ahead of its time when it was first released, and has managed to stay relevant today. Should someone decide to remake this, they would benefit from casting the lovable Emma Stone as the titular heroine. Stone has gone on record citing Diane Keaton as an inspiration to her work, and she has a classic look to her that would fit Annie’s character perfectly. I can just see her now in that vest and tie, spouting flippant “La di da, la di da, la las” … and I’ll bet now you can, too.
Tom Hiddleston: T.E. Lawrence
Lawrence of Arabia is consistently featured on Best Films of All-Time lists; it’s expansive in scope, yet extremely intimate in character. And at its core is the rebellious British Army lieutenant that helps the Arabs against the Turks during WWI: T.E. Lawrence, played by Peter Charm-Oozing-From-His-Pores O’Toole. You know who else could play Lawrence with equal amounts of charisma and angst? Tom Hiddleston. By already proving so with Marvel’s top-tier villain, Loki, Hiddleston would be amazing at capturing the struggles of Lawrence, with his boyish good looks and ability to juggle humor and intensity effortlessly.
Sterling K. Brown: Virgil Tibbs
When In the Heat of the Night came out in 1967, it caused some controversy with its head-on approach to racism in the South, but to this day it has stayed relevant to the times. Out of all the films mentioned on this list, I can see this one being remade without a lot of public opposition. So if it does happen, why not cast Sterling K. Brown as the detective investigating the Mississippi murder? Mostly known to the television crowd, Diggs is an excellent actor who deserves more credible film roles … which is why seeing him slap a jerk and saying “They call me Mr. Tibbs!” would be delightful. (Heck, if he did this in real life, I would love it.)
Daniel Day-Lewis: Atticus Finch
Realistically, if they ever remade To Kill a Mockingbird, I think 99% of the fans would be outraged — mostly because Gregory Peck immortalized the fatherly role. But if anyone could do it, our generation’s best actor could be up to the challenge. With 3 Oscars under his belt, Daniel Day-Lewis is truly an auteur at his craft; and he’s also notoriously picky with his roles. Should this film ever get a reboot, and the script fall into his lap, Day-Lewis should jump at the chance. He could very well be the one who brings a new father figure to the rising generation, without offending us older fogies who remember the original portrayal.
Oscar Isaac: Michael Corleone
The Godfather Parts I and II are two of the greatest film ever made, and for good reason: it brings humanity to people that deal in unsavory and despicable affairs, expertly weaving an intricate tapestry of a mob family. Everyone in the films are pitch perfect, but if a director decided to do this again, there’s only one man that could embody the character of Michael Corleone entirely: Poe Dameron himself. Oscar Isaac has been called the modern-day Al Pacino (and they even kind of look alike), so put him in Pacino’s most recognizable and acclaimed role. He would do an incredible job at portraying the conflict and ultimate menace that transforms Michael into the feared and revered godfather.
Tom Hardy and Gal Gadot: Rick Blaine and Ilsa Lund
If there’s one film on this list that I would actually be on board with being remade, it’s Casablanca.* But it would have to be absolutely perfect in the casting department, and these 2 hot commodities would fit the leads to a T. Tom Hardy has that certain Bogart ruggedness already down pat, so he would be a natural as the hardened Rick Blaine, cynical and bitter from his lady love’s departure. And Gal Gadot, fresh from Wonder Woman acclaim, could bring just as much warmth, mystery, and regret as Ingrid Bergman brought to Ilsa Lund. Plus, can you imagine their chemistry? Volcanic.
*If any of these statements fill you with unimaginable anger, feel free to write a formal complaint at the following address:
11790 Southampton Ct
Los Angeles, CA 90077
I’m sure Kanye West will share your justifiable rage.
