Our fantasy casting column Multiversity Casting Couch is back this week, as we’re looking to give our readers who we would cast in movie versions of some of our favorite comics. Up first is one of our favorites in Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt’s The Sixth Gun, as we look at who we would want to play Drake, Becky, BillJohn and all of our other favorites if Hollywood decided to gift us with a big budget version of this top notch comic.
This book already has a Sy Fy series in development, but we wanted to aim for the stars with the casting. Check after the jump as myself, Matthew Meylikhov, Josh Mocle and guest writer Jessica Graham cast this fantastic series.
Drake Sinclair – Jude Law
Why Him?: This was a heavily discussed role, as we talked about names like Tom Hardy (assuming he could slim down a bit), Joel Edgerton, Guy Pearce and the obvious answer in Timothy Olyphant, but when it all came down to it we ended up with Law. We were looking for someone in the 35 to 40 range who excels at being a charming rogue while also having a bevy of skeletons in his closet, and Law has proven himself throughout his career as being able to be exactly that. Not only that, but when MC EiC Matt Meylikhov’s girlfriend looked at The Sixth Gun she said “oh, and Jude Law is on the cover” when looking at Drake. The two do actually quite resemble each other, and we’re fairly confident in the fact that he would nail this role.
Becky Montcrief – Jennifer Lawrence
Why Her?: Tough, independent young woman who has proven herself able to take care of herself and her family in rural America? Doesn’t that kind of sound like Jennifer Lawrence’s character in 2010’s “Winter’s Bone?” You know, the Oscar nominated role that launched her career towards starring roles in X-Men films and the Hunger Games series? We think so too. Dye her hair and call it a day, because Lawrence is just the type of young actress to turn Becky Montcrief into the heart and soul of this film, just like she is in the comic.
General Hume – Jeff Bridges
Why Him?: This is a really obvious pick. I mean, General Hume kind of feels like Rooster Cogburn if he focused all of his energy on the occult and being a monster instead of boozing and begrudgingly helping young girls avenge their father’s death. But just because it is obvious does not make it the right one. Names as disparate as Donald Sutherland and Ron Perlman were considered, but ultimately, it’s Bridges whom we felt we could most count on turning Hume into the malevolent force of nature that we all love to hate.
Missy “Widow” Hume – Eva Green
Why Her?: In many ways, the Widow Hume is the most truly evil character in The Sixth Gun, as she is a constant thorn in our heroes sides from day one, only stepping a little out of the spotlight when General Hume is resurrected (for a spell). Widow Hume is a beautiful but harsh woman, capable of committing unspeakable atrocities in one minute and charming the living hell out of her Pinkerton agents with her beauty the very next. Originally, Bryce Dallas Howard was discussed, but ultimately it was decided she is good at being at being a pain in the ass but not necessarily full out evil (it really depends on where you stand on her role in “The Help” of course), and that Green’s beauty could handle the more severe turns – both visually and mentally – more ably.
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BillJohn O’Henry – Philip Seymour Hoffman
Why Him?: This is another character that had a lot of options discussed, but ultimately it came down to Philip Seymour Hoffman because of his similarity in look of the character, his ability to be a good natured rogue with a lot of hidden decency, and because I would genuinely pay money to see him dressed as BillJohn and as a Golem. Other names considered my personal favorite John Hawkes (ruled out because of his size, but the decency he exudes rings true for BillJohn), Ray Winstone and Brendan Gleason, but PSH could turn a role like BillJohn into the scene and heart stealing core of the movie like he often was in The Sixth Gun.
Gord Cantrell – Chiwetel Ejiofor
Why Him?: First off, look at them. Second off, have you ever seen Chiwetel Ejiofor act? The guy exudes honor (well, except in “Children of Men”) and is perpetually radiating capability. Gord Cantrell is a man with a past that haunts him, but it never takes him out of the present nor does it stop him from helping those he is close to. While Idris Elba was considered as well, Ejiofor is the man for this job and would do a phenomenal job at bringing the character to life.
