Let’s Cast DC’s Kingdom Come!

Pastor Norman McCay – James Cromwell

McCay serves as narrator and witness, a stand-in for the audience to observe the fickle nature of gods. Their capacity for good as well as evil. Aside from looking the part (I mean, jeezus, give the guy a hair piece and he’s golden), Cromwell could light it up as the pastor.

The Spectre – Liam Neeson

He’s big, spooky, and spouts cryptic shit throughout the whole story. Neeson can handle that. Nuff said.

Magog – Jensen Ackles

For being such a pivotal character, Magog has little “screentime” in Kingdom Come. Because of his actions (and the public response to them) Superman goes into self-imposed exile. Magog represents the new order, the new breed of metahumans and ”superheroes”. Though small, it’s an important role; the actor playing Magog should be noticeably younger than those in the roles of the older generation of heroes. But Magog isn’t just a “heavy” along the lines of Doomsday. I think Ackles has enough acting chops to lend the depth Magog needs.

Power Girl – Scarlett Johansson

She may have been miscast as Black Widow in Iron Man 2. I think the images to the right and below are justification enough for putting her in this role.

Red Robin – Matthew Fox

We never see Red Robin without his cowl, but we know that the man underneath is a grown-up Dick Grayson. And aside from looking the part, Fox’s resurgence on Lost makes me think he’s more than up for the role.

Hawkman – Conan Stevens

This one is maybe an unknown. Stevens is a stunt actor; he stands 7’1” tall. You may have seen him in the recent (and recurring) role of Gregor “The Mountain (that rides)” Clegane on HBO’s Game of Thrones. Given that and his experience with makeup and creature effects, and he’s perfect for the giant and beastly Hawkman of Kingdom Come.

Green Lantern – Robert Redford

I admit, my reasoning for this is largely that the older Green Lantern of Kingdom Come is the original, Alan Scott. And Scott was always drawn as having blonde hair, and I thought Redford looked the part. I think that’s enough for me.

Aquaman – Dolph Lundgren

This one is just pure fun. For years Aquaman has been the butt of jokes (deserved or not). So just this once, let’s cast a bad-ass in the role. And given he’s recent, albeit small comeback in The Expendables, there’s no more bad-ass, older blonde actor than Ivan Drago himself, Dolph Lundgren. It’s one paltry scene, but damnit if Lundgren wouldn’t own that thing.

The Flash – CGI

That’s right. Don’t even bother casting an actor in the role. There’s no need. In Kingdom Come The Flash has become a man in constant motion, never stopping, never standing still. Alex Ross draws him as a blur, so just use the latest CGI to bring that vision to life. No actor necessary. But if you insist, just use some of the motion capture of Ryan Reynolds from Green Lantern.

Orion – Ron Perlman

As I understand, the scene between Superman, Wonder Woman, and Orion on Apokilips wasn’t actually included in the original publication of Kingdom Come, but Waid and Ross added it to a special Deluxe Edition that was released later. It’s a great albeit short scene, but Perlman is great, and I think a great choice for the son of Darkseid.

Lex Luthor – John Goodman

I must say, this one surprised even me (and I came up with the idea!). In the past, Goodman was too big for the role. Literally. His obesity would rule him out. That’s probably why you think I’m crazy right now. But I submit the following:

Now look again at how Luthor is drawn by Alex Ross, then imagine a bald, more svelt Goodman in the role. Am I right? Am I RIGHT?!

Captain Marvel – Tom Welling

This is another small though important role. Also like Magog, Marvel needs a younger actor to play against Superman and the “old guard”. I think Welling certainly has the look, and while his acting on Smallville has never been all that inspiring, I think he can manage the Billie Batson/Captain Marvel role. Plus, the irony of putting Welling in a Captain Marvel suit after 10 years of playing Clark Kent while having never donned the red and blue is just too good to resist.

Wonder Woman – Lucy Lawless

This one is no contest. Her portrayal of Xena: Warrior Princess more than qualifies Lawless for the role of the fierce Amazon. And while Diana has aged, she’s still beautiful and, more importantly, powerful. Given Lawless’s more recent work on Battlestar Galactica and Spartacus, there’s no doubt she is perfect for this role.

Batman – Tommy Lee Jones

I wrestled with this one for awhile. My first thought was Clint Eastwood, but it just didn’t feel right to me. This role calls for an actor who can both portray Bruce Wayne at the advanced age depicted in the story AND make you believe that he could have been Batman at a younger age. Jones may be a bit out of left field, but I submit this as evidence that he fits the bill.

Superman – Patrick Warburton

There has always been something about Warburton, the barrel chest, the deep voice, the strong jawline, that made me think – “in another universe this guy could be one helluva Superman.” Well it’s time to give him his chance. Sure, Warburton is more well-known for his work on sitcoms like Seinfeld and Rules of Engagement, but from what I’ve seen he’s more the straight man in those shows. Give him some strong direction and I think he could nail an aging, tortured Man of Steel.