The Long Box – Comic Book Casting: The Punisher

The Cast

Frank Castle / The Punisher – Tom Hardy:  Hardy is quickly becoming a hot commodity in Hollywood.  With an amazing performance as Bane in The Dark Knight Rises and the lead role in the upcoming Mad Max: Fury Road, Hardy could be one of the newest action stars.  He’s able to be a complete bad ass and still make you care about him.  You want to root for him when he’s on screen (plus the ladies like him).  He can also bring in an audience that wouldn’t normally see a comic book movie.  Look at his roles in Warrior & Lawless. If those two roles don’t convince you he’s a perfect fit for Frank Castle, nothing will!

Rachel Alves – Rachel Nichols: Rachel Nichols not only looks the part of a US Marine, but she’s also been cutting her teeth on the action movie scene.  She starred as everyone’s favorite female GI Joe (Scarlett), and she’s gained somewhat of a cult following with her role as a time traveling detective on SyFy’s Continuum. There are a couple actress that I think are perfect for some of the leading ladies in the Marvel universe, and Rachel Nichols would fit right in.

Oscar Clemmons – Terrence Howard: I know Terrence Howard might be a little sour on working for Marvel again after the Iron Man 2 debacle, but he would be a great fit for this movie.  Oscar Clemmons is an NYPD detective who is straight laced and plays things by the book, but as the story progresses, Clemmons becomes more worried about catching The Punisher than working the case he is assigned.

Walter Bolt – Josh Hartnett: Whatever happened to this guy?  Josh Hartnett has been off the radar since 2007.  Why not make a comeback as the new partner to Oscar Clemmons?  Hartnett would be a great addition to the cast, and he could bring a little of that charm he’s so famous for having.  I wouldn’t want to see an overly jokey version of the character, but a one liner here or there would help lighten the mood every once in a while.  Plus, Bolt is keeping a little secret of his own that helps move the story along.

Norah Winters – Amber Heard: Norah Winters is a new character introduced in The Amazing Spider-Man comic series as a spunky, up and coming reporter for the Daily Bugle. If you’re familiar with the Smallville TV show, Norah is very reminiscent of Chloe Sullivan. Amber Heard (Zombieland & Drive Angry) would be a good fit for the character.  She’s got the look and the attitude to pull this off.

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