T5W#191-Top 5 Dream Castings for the Live Action Gundam Movie

The Live Action Mobile Suit Gundam Movie (the TRUE one, G-Saviour does not f***** count) is coming whether we all want it to or not.  The other day I read an article about how the eventual film could be its own separate entity instead of just retreading the familiar grounds of the Universal Century, Cosmic Era, etc.  Basically, it could be set in its own Gundam Universe while still using familiar tropes every other entry does.  That said, that means we could see a fresh new cast and youd need the best actors to bring the most out of any live action Gundam feature.  So for Today’s Top 5 Wednesday, im choosing 5 actors who would fit right in with Gundam.  They could be good for a character type or just be a whiz at the scifi genre.  I might even name them for specific characters who may or may not appear in the movie, it’s all really up in the air with this one.  So, without further ado, my Top 5 Dream Castings for the Live Action Gundam Movie.

#5-Lance Henriksen

Now this is a man who was born to play a role in a scifi epic like Mobile Suit Gundam.  Lance Henriksen is well known in the world of nerds and geeks as the Android Bishop in Aliens and Admiral Stephen Hackett in the Mass Effect Video Game Trilogy.  He’s got the voice of a leader and the wisdom of a man who’s been doing whatever you think he’s ben doing for a very long time.  I could definitely see Henriksen playing an aged military commander like General Revel from the original series.  Heck I could even see him taking the mad scientist route playing someone akin to Doctor J from Gundam Wing.  No matter what, having the legendary Bishop around would boost the nerd appeal of the Gundam movie project.  The mans still got it and will never lose it…whatever it is that makes him so damn cool.

#4-Sofia Boutella

Ever since appearing in Kingsman: The Secret Service, Sofia Boutella’s star has been on the rise in the best way.  She’s gotten plenty of action heavy work in flicks like Star Trek Beyond, Atomic Blonde and The Mummy (apparently she’s the best part of that movie too).  Sofia carries confidence and fun with each role she takes on.  So she would be perfect as a long time Mobile Suit pilot like Karen Joshua from 08th MS Team or heck even my longtime Gundam crush,0080’s Christina Mackenzie.  But Sofia could also play the type who is gorgeous and can pilot as well as use her charms to get whatever she wants like Roux Louka from Gundam ZZ.  I’m so happy she’s been getting a great stream of work and Gundam would be a nice project for Sofia Boutella to have on her ever growing and awesome resume.

#3-Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron has always been a queen of the silver screen.  Still I don’t think any film has cemented that better than Mad Max: Fury Road.  She basically stole the show from the titular Road Warrior as Furiosa and was both ferocious and vulnerable when called for.  In a Gundam project, I could def see Charlize playing a villainess kind of in the vein of Kycillia Zabi from the original series.  She can be a beauty and calm in the face of battle while still giving off that low level of “not to be f’ed with menace.  I could also see her playing a strong commanding officer like Gundam Seed’s Murue Ramius and Sumeragi Lee Noriega from Gundam 00 or even a veteran pilot like Marbet from Victory Gundam.  Short version, Gundam is a playground for Charlize Theron to play in…so let her play.

#2-Rosa Salazar

Anyone who saw Alita: Battle Angel will not only agree that it was one of the better Live Action Anime films in recent years, but also Rosa Salazar was the best part of the movie.  Her acting defied any skeptisim about the questionable eye augmentations made to Alita herself.  Alita was (literally) wide eyed with wonder and slowly grew from curious, naieve young girl into a battle hardened, take no prisoners cyber warrior.  Hmmm, sounds like the kind of arc your typical Gundam pilot might take, especially if the start out a civilian like Amuro Ray or Kira Yamato.  I could easily see Rosa leading the fight against whoever the Gundam stands against.  She belongs in that cockpit.

#1-Stephen Amell

I freaking love this guy.  Stephen Amell has been a powerhouse during his tenure on the CW’s hit series Arrow.  He’s brought a sense of bad assery and depth to Oliver Queen and has continued to push his limits season after season with new heartbreaking moments and bone crunching stunts.  With Arrow coming to an end in its upcoming 8th Season, this could be a good chance to Stephen to bring his amazing qualities to Gundam.  I could see him as the smooth ladies man mentor type like Gundam Seed’s Mu La Flaga or, preferably, the King of the Masked Bad Asses Char Azable (plus Char can kick your ass in hand to hand combat too…and Amell is a lethal weapon at this point lol).  Please read this and consider it if you’re asked to join the project Mr. Amell.  You helped bring my favorite DC Universe to life, you could do wonders with my favorite Anime franchise too.