If there was a live action movie who would you cast?

I was brainstorming the other day about this. And I know this is so left field, but just as an interesting mental exercise nonetheless.

Now before most of you jump onto the usual bandwagon of either starring exclusively asian actors because this is a japanese manga and anime series or leading men like The Rock or Vin Deisel or some other irrational choice, consider first that in order to carry through this character, Saitama is neither a muscle bound freak, nor is he a leading man. He is unassuming and humble. So think about the casting as a real director would, meaning having to consider things like public appeal, authenticity towards to the series and franchise as well as his casting budget (so no more than a couple of big hollywood names). And also things like whether this movie will be a comedy much like My super ex girlfriend. Or tiptoe in between being a serious superhero movie with elements of humor thrown in there for good measure, or a full fledged comedic superhero movie like Kickass.

Personally I think none of the above serve as good examples for comedic superhero movie styles that would do one punch man any justice. The last thing fans would want is for hollywood to dumb down what makes one punch man so appealing. And instead serve us up a juvenile slapstick with elements of zoolander or some other banal western mainstream movie as a template. Instead what is needed is a clever balance of wry humor with all the awesomeness of a Marvel blockbuster. So if this careful balance can be achieved, it would be a sure winner.

However for that to happen you need to have a brilliant cast, because they can make or break the feel of the film.

Well my 2c on cast are the following:

Saitama: Jimmy Fallon (chose him over Owen Wilson or Ben Stiller, because of the youth appeal vs the other choices. Ideally I would of wanted someone with the natural nonchalance of Jack Black or Zach Galafinakas, but given the role, these guys are not physically representative of the character - Jimmy on the other hand might even be able to sport the bald look, and looks average everyday, as well as not too Caucasian to make his position as crime fighter in an asian city implausible. He also has a good head of hair on him to play flashbacks to his youth)

Genos: Originally was going for Jared Leto, but later felt he was better suited to the role of Speed o sonic (Saitamas self proclaimed nemesis) So for this role I felt it would have to be a serious character, budget notwithstanding I would choose Christopher Pine or some other similar actor, otherwise some unknown would be ok. Genos is not meant to be funny - in fact he is probably supposed to be the most serious attempt to being a full fledged superhero along the lines of Ironman. His sombre approach to being the best is meant to contrast perfectly with Saitamas nonchalance, accidental hero demeanour, so I was almost going to go with Sean William Scott, but didn't feel his comedic leanings would do the character justice. I could be wrong though and might prove to be the perfect choice. Sean William Scott would however be perfect for the role of Garou in a second movie. But I shouldn't spoil season 2 for others yet unfamiliar to the manga.

Tornado or Tatsu-maki: This choice was easy for me. Definitely has to be Ellen Paige, because of her diminutive size, smaller than her younger sister Fubuki, but also her snootiness and the ability to play annoying characters. Her conceit should not be hard to invoke.

Speed o sonic: Jared Leto, what can I say the guy exudes his feminine side very well. He would certainly play someone with such finesse and overconfidence to a T.

Silver Fang: Old guys that come to mind, initially even Danny Trejo makes me wonder. Otherwise Ian McKellen(Gandalf) although expensive. Or an unknown, I'm also thinking someone able to be abit more physical could fit the bill better Tom Savini from Dusk till dawn or Jeff Fahey from Lost.

Puri Puri Prisoner: Could be Sasha Cohen with some bulking up or CGI. Of course it could even be some unknown ex wrestler. Or even the Rock, although I don't know how willing he would be to play some fruity ex con with man crushes over daintier heroes. But it would be very funny just because of the irony, which is definitely what makes Puri Puri Prisoner so hilarious.

King: Although only viewed for a few scenes at the end of season 1. He does play a larger role in season 2. Was thinking Will Farrel for sure, but his presence makes anyone laugh. The king wears the meanest poker face throughout most of his appearances. If Will Farrel is upto having minimal lines and not breaking into a comedic improv as he is rumoured to do on set, then he may be able to pull it off. To be fair, the hilarity is mostly to do with him trying to keep a straight face throughout his performance. So it might be right up his alley.

Deep Sea King: Was a very creepy character indeed, being that it would certainly be cgi all the way, I was more thinking who would be the best voice actor to breath life into this character. And I couldn't go past, Robert Knepper's stellar performances in prison break. So this guy is spot on IMHO.

Lord Boros: again another cgi effort for sure if a live action movie is made. Back in the day, Highlander antagonist Clancy Brown would of been brilliant for this. Nowadays many other antagonist come to mind. Perhaps even Zachary Quinto for his efforts on Heroes.


Season 2 character spoiler

Blizzard-Fubuki: This one was a toss up between, Jennifer Lawrence and the more budget conscious Thor lackey chick - Jaime Alexander. Fubuki is supposed to be flawless in looks. Anyone arguing to have Anne Hathaway is blind, if you are going to pay so much for an actress you might as well have Jennifer Lawrence as a brunette. Back in their days, even Charlise Theron could of played this vixen.

Garou: Sean William Scott or perhaps even Zachary Quinto. It really comes down to how the manga presents this guy as. In the webcomic he comes off abit douchy like Beavis personified.