Feature

More Odd Heroes

It’s hard to remember now, but Robert Downey Jr. didn’t seem like an obvious call for Iron Man, either.

By Lane Brown & Dan Kois
Published May 11, 2008

(Photo: Patrick McMullan)

DON CHEADLE AS …GREEN LANTERN
Why It’s Unlikely: The man’s an Oscar nominee, and he’s certainly appeared in his share of hits—the Ocean’s Whatever series among them—but Cheadle’s never opened a movie.
Why It Could Be Perfect: His quiet portrayal of heroism in Hotel Rwanda suggests he’d be ideal as ex-Marine John Stewart, the most practical and driven of the men who have worn the Green Lantern’s ring of power.

(Photo: Harold Cunningham/WireImage)

SAMANTHA MORTON AS …WONDER WOMAN
Why It’s Unlikely: The edgy, brilliant British actress shines in unconventional fare like Morvern Callar but is mostly unknown in America, where if anyone recognizes her it’s as “that scary bald chick in Minority Report.”
Why It Could Be Perfect: Morton’s otherworldly authority—that sense that she occupies a plane above every other actor on the screen with her—could finally help the Princess of the Amazons lose her Lynda Carter camp.

(Photo: Patrick McMullan)

RYAN GOSLING AS …AQUAMAN
Why It’s Unlikely: After a brush with heartthrob status following 2004’s The Notebook, he’s demonstrated an allergy to most things commercial.
Why It Could Be Perfect: He’s already played a guy in love with his sex doll—if anyone can talk to fish without looking ridiculous, it’s him.

(Photo: Albert L. Ortega/WireImage)

ZOOEY DESCHANEL AS …SHE-HULK
Why It’s Unlikely: Despite her decadelong résumé, you still probably think her first name is a typo.
Why It Could Be Perfect: Her impressive range (David Gordon Green dramas; Elf) would sure come in handy for playing timid attorney Jennifer Walters and her green-skinned alter ego, who occasionally copulates with werewolves.

(Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage (Platt); Patrick McMullan (Clarkson))

PATRICIA CLARKSON AND OLIVER PLATT AS …THE WONDER TWINS: 30 YEARS LATER
Why It’s Unlikely: Well, we just don’t think any Hollywood studio is going to green-light a movie about the Super Friends twins, now in their forties, bitter and alcoholic—but if they do, why not reunite these Pieces of April stars and squeeze them into matching bodysuits?
Why It Could Be Perfect: “Form of … A bottle of gin!” “Shape of … God, just forget it.” Admit it: You’d watch this movie.