Cast the Mirage TMNT movies...

[impetus]

OK, I thought long and hard on these... let's see how they measure up. Factors considered include personality, voice, and, for human characters, physical traits (obviously). These are obviously based on the Mirage comics.

Mike - Keanu Reeves (the Matrix)
Raph - this one was tough... Matthew McCaughnehey (Reign of Fire)
Don - Will Macy (Mystery Men's "The Shoveler"), honorable mention goes to Oliver Platt (Lake Placid)
Leo - Brendan Frasier (The Mummy)

Casey - Hugh Jackman (X-Men), Jimmy Chamberlin (Smashing Pumpkins)
April - Rachel Weizs (The Mummy), honorable mentin goes to Carrie-Ann Moss (The Matrix)

Shredder - tough call, prolly some unknown Japanese actor. But from my own knowledge, Chow Yun Fat (Crouching Tiger) could pull off the more sophisticated, human qualities of the Shredder and also kick butt

Leatherhead - Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park)
Nobody - Ben Stiller (the only person I can see as a cop in tights)
Savanti Romero - Jean Reno!!!!! (M:I, Ronin)
Baxter Stockman - Samuel L Jackson (disagree? watch Jurassic Park again).
Radical - Jennifer Garner (Alias)
Carnage - The Rock (goofy I realize, but who better?)
Rat King - Dolph Lundgren (every B action movie from the 80's)
Renet - Cameron Diaz!!!
Karai - that gal who played Yuriko in X2
Honeycutt - Christopher Walken, Christopher Lloyd or Robert Duvall.
General Blanque - Ed Harris

Feel free to comment on my choices or put your own cast together!!

[Mondo J. Gecko]

Not bad... Except Keanu Reeves as mikey??? I can't see it, how about Jimmy Fallon (Saturday Night Live)

[impetus]

Actually, my Mike and Leo are kinda interchangeable.

As for Keanu as Mike, watch Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure...

Oh, one thing I failed to mention. This is not so much a "cast" as it is a list of my fav for each part. Obviously, this many great (and often leading) actors on one roster is probably asking for an ego crisis...

Nor is it a cast for a single 10-hour movie.

[cqb101]

Looks good!

[Leo656]

I was just about to say the same thing about Keanu and Bill and Ted...

I don't care how much money Speed or the Matrix flick made, he'll always be Ted to me... the guy who Melvinned the Grim Reaper... the guy who hugged Alex Winter and then called him a "***".

How dare he get all serious and sophisticated. :evil:

[Reznorite420]

Is it just me, or hasn't there already been a TMNT movie based somewhat if not a lot off the Mirage comics? I believe it was THE FIRST ONE...

[Mondo J. Gecko]

Yeah dudes Bill and Ted's excellent Adventure is sweet.... actually I like the second one better with death and the babes, but I think Alex Winter would make a better Mikey, Cause Keanu has gotten to serious with Matrix and what not.... and I think Jet Lee should play Shredder.

[impetus]

Is it just me, or hasn't there already been a TMNT movie based somewhat if not a lot off the Mirage comics? I believe it was THE FIRST ONE...

LOL, I meant if a new movie (call it a remake if you wish) was to be made today...

... with all red bandanas ...


EDIT: sorry, sarcasm is hard to come across just right in type. That comment was meant to be whimsical, not nasty. :)

[impetus]

and I think Jet Lee should play Shredder.
I thought about what role he might play, and he's too small to pull off the Shredder. Also, his fighting style is quick and flashy, which I don't think fits Saki's more haunting, powerful nature. I think Jet would make a good cameo as Nagi. And maybe Jackie Chan as Hamato Yoshi. :lol:

[Psycho Da Turtle]

Could someone do me a favor?

Explain to me what the big thing about the red bandannas is.

I'm aware they wore all red in the comics, but keep in mind they were black and white comics, they didnt NEED to have different bandannas. But for when theyre in color, I dont see why they shouldnt have alternate colors. Its really not such a big deal.

[Mondo J. Gecko]

Originally posted by impetus:
And maybe Jackie Chan as Hamato Yoshi. :lol:

:lol: :lol: :lol: Jackie Chan :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Leo656]

Psycho, I agree wholeheartedly... I never got the big deal either....

[impetus]

Could someone do me a favor?

Explain to me what the big thing about the red bandannas is.

I'm aware they wore all red in the comics, but keep in mind they were black and white comics, they didnt NEED to have different bandannas. But for when theyre in color, I dont see why they shouldnt have alternate colors. Its really not such a big deal.

Just an appreciation for the original (which is still the way it's being done).

Really, both versions are a little odd as it actually makes more sense to think the Turtles would wear something different every day just like you or me. I (and as far as I know, most everyone on these forums) have no prob with some colors.

Really, the main thing I like about all red bandannas is that in Mirage, the Turtles all look basically alike, especially without their weapons. The colors do change that element, which I think is unique.

[Tetsu Deinonychus]

Here are my picks

Shredder/Saki: Cheng Ekin

Hamato Yoshi: Jackie Chan

Tang Shen: Michelle Yeoh

Oroku Nagi: Jet Li

Karai: Brigitte Lin(The Only one suited for the role)

Turtles & Splinter: Voices from first movie

April: Julie Strain (If she curls her hair, She looks like Mirage April. She was great in Heavy Metal 2000. And, She's Kevin Eastman's wife, which could cause an Eastman + Laird reunion!)

Casey: That guy who played Aragorn in LOTR could work.

Baxter Stockman: Samuel L. Jackson

I changed my answers slightly from what I said here (http://www.thetechnodrome.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3443&) after learning who Julie Strain is and realizing a younger Shredder would work better. I still say Brigitte Lin is the perfect Karai! :D

Also, I'm in favor of all red bandanas

[impetus]

TD, It's scary how close our lists are.... I swear I never saw that topic. Also funny that our entire cast of Japanese characters... is Chinese.

How old is Sonny Chiba these days? Must be pushing 60 by my guess. As for Julie Strain and Viggo Mortensen... disagree with ya there, my friend.

I too like the original Turtle voices from the first movie. What do you think of my little list tho? Just curious, I tend to value your opinion pretty highly.

I'd like to see who you guys come up with for the supporting characters (represented by the last group in my list)...

[Leo656]

I can dig an appreciation for the original, but there's something to be said for popular consensus as well. If they ever make a new Batman movie, do we really want the costume to look like the one from Detective Comics #27, or would we prefer the more recognized variations? Or how about Superman... should his logo always just be an upside-down triangle with a hastily-scrawled S, or change colors from red and yellow to yellow and black every few minutes, just because that's how it was in the original comics? :P

I mean, personally, I prefer the multi-colored versions for the reason Impetus prefers the red versions... I can't tell them apart otherwise! I'm dumb enough as it is, I don't need any more confusion! Mirage drives me nuts when they don't hold their weapons! Aaaargh!!!!

[Tetsu Deinonychus]

It's scary how close our lists are.... I swear I never saw that topic.

Also funny that our entire cast of Japanese characters... is Chinese.

How old is Sonny Chiba these days? Must be pushing 60 by my guess.

As for Julie Strain and Viggo Mortensen... disagree with ya there, my friend.Sonny Chiba was great as Lord Conqueror in the recent Martial Arts Movie "Stormriders", and most of the Japanese actors I know such as Beat Takeshi, Kaga Takeshi, Morita Noriyuki, etc. simply aren't right for the parts. And, Chinese actors can play Japanese roles just as White american actors can play British roles (and vice-versa). I would like to point out that Tang Shen IS Chinese. (Tang Shen is a Chisese not Japanese name)

And Leo, I'd LOVE it if the new Batman and Superman Movies were just like the original comics. I HATE it when things are done just for popular concensus. Besides, there have been years of no red mask TMNT media. Many Mirage fans have been waiting years to see them in that form outside the comics, It is no big deal though, just a preference.

[impetus]

getting a little off topic, so last post I make relating to bandanas. The first Batman and Superman appearances were half a century ago, whereas the TMNT comics are still being put out by one of their original creators, more or less the same as it's been from Day One. Although I do see why you make the analogy, and point taken.

Back to topic: Leo656, let's hear your cast. :D

TetsuDino: Hai, wakarimasu. Tang Shen wa Chugoku-jin desu. (I find your lack of faith disturbing). http://www.teamabuse.com/members/lord%20vader/profile.jpg

[Leo656]

Honestly, I'm notoriously bad at these things. I'm still deeply hurt by the fact that Bruce Campbell is too short and old to play Superman. :| Plus I'm not all that familiar with Mirage, even though I own a lot of the series I haven't found time to read them all yet, and I'm missing a few key continuity issues like #50 so I've been hesitant to jump in...

ANd Brother Tetsu, the changes in Batman and Superman logos and costumes weren't made solely for popular consensus, more like the artist(s) in the old days honing their style. Again, note how in early issues of Action Comics, Superman's logo changed style and color every few panels, simply because Shuster and the other artists were still "feeling out" the character and back in the day there were no such thing as "model sheets". :) It didn't take long for the S shield to take its popular design. As for Batman... I always liked the idea that the added yellow oval drew gunfire away from his head, and towards the armored part of his chest. Seemed pretty damn smart to me, and at least they gave a reason for the change. I miss it. :(

[impetus]

I'm still deeply hurt by the fact that Bruce Campbell is too short and old to play Superman. :| :(

Heck, if Nick Cage can be considered for Supes, Bruce Campbell is on solid ground. Besides, how old is Supes now? 70?

I happened to "cast" a Mirage live action film, but you can do whatever you want, of course. Animated or Archie or whatever.

TetsuD, if you've not checked out the Max Fleischer Superman series, do so now! (I imagine you prolly have)

One other thing on the topic of Chinese actors, dunno if you're Asian or not, but most of us (not me, but seems like most full breeds) can tell each other apart (Chinese, Japanes, Korean, etc) pretty effectively. Not that the typical American would notice. Or that it would stop me from casting Jackie Chan!

[Leo656]

Yeah, but consider that Ashton Kutcher was recently strongly considered to play Supes, and you can see how WB is catering to the youth market. They've gone on record saying they think super-hero flicks should be "teen movies" designed to attract females and their dates (thus casting someone girls think is "dreamy" like that idiot Kelso in a role he has NO business being considered for), so nobody older than 23 is gonna be wearing the cape anytime soon.

And yeah Supes is pushin' 70. Good thing he washes those tights each and every day.

The Fliescher cartoons are still some of the slickest animation ever. I have all the episodes on DVD. :)

[impetus]

Yeah, but consider that Ashton Kutcher was recently strongly considered to play Supes, and you can see how WB is catering to the youth market. They've gone on record saying they think super-hero flicks should be "teen movies" designed to attract females and their dates (thus casting someone girls think is "dreamy" like that idiot Kelso in a role he has NO business being considered for), so nobody older than 23 is gonna be wearing the cape anytime soon.
Man, that's just wrong. Well, lately I've despised DC/WB/AOL Comics. Who is Kelso? Nickname for Ben Affleck? :lol:

The Fliescher cartoons are still some of the slickest animation ever. I have all the episodes on DVD. :) How many are there? I have two DVD's, one with the original nine and one called "Lost Episodes" with 8 more. Is that all of em?

[J Legault]

Just wait until we here news about the cast for the Mini series.

[Leo656]

Well, WB can blow me. But after reading Superman/Batman #2, my faith in DC itself has been restored. Anyone not reading this book is brain damaged. Or at least depriving themselves of one of the best-written books EITHER character has been in in years.

Yeah, those are the two DVDs I have. As far as I KNOW, that's all of them.

And "Kelso" is the character Ashton Kutcher plays on "That 70s Show". I don't like him at all as an actor, so I refer to him by that name as a joke. I do that with people I don't like.

[Tetsu Deinonychus]

But Leo, the red masks aren't something that was only used while they were developing the TMNT. They were, and still are the official look of the TMNT comics. The changes from short bandanas to long bandanas, and the change from tied belts tp leather belts are more along the lines of development changes. And, I think Bruce Cambell would make a better Batman than Superman. And, WB needs to pull their heads out of their asses about the Teen movie thing.

And, I can tell the difference between different Asian races, but for the sake of a storyline I can pretend a Chinese actor is Japanese and vice-versa. And, If He/She can act He/She might even manage to fool me for a few minutes.

If we go Hard-core Japanese for the guys, Beat Takeshi might be a good Yoshi, and the guy who played Kojima in "Tôkyô-Fist", could be a good Saki. (I also, think he'd make a good Vegita in a DBZ movie.). But, Tang Shen is still a Chinese name, and I still can't picture anyone but Brigitte Lin (even though She's Chinese) playing Karai. I also guess Morita Noriyuki could voice Splinter.

And, I love ANYTHING Max Fleisher (including Superman), but especially Betty Boop!

[impetus]

Morita Noriyuki - is that Daniel-san no sensei from the Karate Kid? Yeah, I think he'd work...

[Tetsu Deinonychus]

Yep! :D

[Cascadia]

good picks on the cast for the potential new TMNT movie.

[impetus]

added a couple characters
Ed Harris as Gen Blanque
Robert Duvall or Christopher Walken as Honeycutt (Fugitoid)

[That Matt Guy]

OK, I thought long and hard on these... let's see how they measure up. Factors considered include personality, voice, and, for human characters, physical traits (obviously).

Mike - Keanu Reeves (the Matrix)
Raph - this one was tough... Matthew McCaughnehey (Reign of Fire)
Don - Will Macy (Mystery Men's "The Shoveler"), honorable mention goes to Oliver Platt (Lake Placid)
Leo - Brendan Frasier (The Mummy)

Casey - Jimmy Chamberlin (Smashing Pumpkins)
April - Rachel Weizs (The Mummy), honorable mentin goes to Carrie-Ann Moss (The Matrix)

Shredder - tough call, prolly some unknown Japanese actor. But from my own knowledge, Chow Yun Fat (Crouching Tiger) could pull off the more sophisticated, human qualities of the Shredder and also kick butt

Leatherhead - Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park)
Nobody - Ben Stiller (the only person I can see as a cop in tights)
Savanti Romero - Jean Reno!!!!! (M:I, Ronin)
Baxter Stockman - Samuel L Jackson (disagree? watch Jurassic Park again).
Radical - Jennifer Garner (Alias)
Carnage - The Rock (goofy I realize, but who better?)
Rat King - Dolph Lundgren (every B action movie from the 80's)
Renet - Cameron Diaz!!!
Karai - that gal who played Yuriko in X2
Honeycutt - Christopher Walken or Robert Duvall
General Blanque - Ed Harris

Feel free to comment on my choices or put your own cast together!!

Damn! :o The 10 Commandments had a smaller cast than this. Jeff Goldblum as Leatherhead? Since when was he a cajun?

[Karpo_007]

Since when was Mirage leatherhead cajun?

[jeff the cheff]

I think the guy that was casey jones in the movies would be perfect again!

[Karpo_007]

Except he's bald...

[That Matt Guy]

Since when was Mirage leatherhead cajun?

Eh, good point. But it would add more character.

[jeff the cheff]

Except he's bald...

really? hmm..i havent seen him lately.

[Karpo_007]

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Events/1487/EliasKotea_Vespa_608058_400.jpg

[The Stryker]

*see's picture*...


...........KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHNNNNN!!!! !

[impetus]

Elias Koteas (Casey Jones) was in Collateral Damage. I think he was AWESOME as Casey, but now he's a bit too old for the part, and, yes, bald (not that it would make a difference in Hollywood). But I loved him as Casey!

The Mirage Leatherhead was an intelligent friend of the Utroms as well as something of a scientist in his own right. Ta-da! Jeff Goldblum!

Matthew138, you're right; this is just a list of characters, not necesarily all in a single movie.

Hey, what do you guys think of Patrick Stewart doing another turn in the Wheel-Chair as Zippy Lad?

[Jephael]

I'm currently updating my casting page, and I like alot of your ideas, Impetus! One thing I noticed was we both like the idea of having Cameron Diaz as Renet! Va Va VOOM!

[Leo656]

Eh... Cameron Diaz looks like she's wearing a plastic mask these days. She looks like crap without tons of makeup. I'unno, she never did anything for me.

[Jephael]

I thought she was plenty good looking in the first Charlie's Angels, but she didn't look too good in the sequal for some reason.

[Leo656]

Heh... I noticed in the previews when they did that extreme close up on all the Anglels' faces, Cameron had a LOT of visible wrinkles. I just remember thinking "Hmm... aint makeup supposed to cover that?" And that's when I realized that Ms. Diaz' looks have slipped even father than I had thought, and that the only thing keeping her from being mistaken for a homeless meth addict is a ton of makeup and her personal stylist.

[Tetsu Deinonychus]

I've read your casting page, Jeph and I have to say I strongly dissagree with most of your choices. Not all, but most. Sorry.

[Jephael]

That's ok, man. I'm fine-tuning it at the moment so it should look alot better.

[Tetsu Deinonychus]

You need to watch more Asian movies.
You seemed to randomly pick asian actors from american movies and stick them in parts that don't fit them.

I agree with Christopher Lloyd as Honeycutt, though.

[Karpo_007]

Well I donn't care about popular names if the actors are good. Actors of the TMNT should be some real martial artists, Voice actors should be something like the first movie. Some unknown Japanese actor would be good for Shredder, providing he has size and fighting skills.

[Tetsu Deinonychus]

The guy who played Kojima (can't remember his real name) in the Japanese Indie film: Tôkyô-Fist would be an excellent Shredder!

But, I think Cheng Ekin would be better.

[Karpo_007]

Im not really familiar with Japanese movies, more into good Hong Kong movies[mainly John Woo stuff]

[Tetsu Deinonychus]

Usually, I turn to China for live-action and Japan for animation.
(Brigette Lin is the best actress in the frickin' world)

But, both are good with both!

[Jephael]

You need to watch more Asian movies.
You seemed to randomly pick asian actors from american movies and stick them in parts that don't fit them.

Yeah, I know. I'm really stumped with casting choices for Shredder and Splinter so I just recycled Jackie Chan and Robin Shou. I've never even seen Jet Li in a movie before. But the truth of the matter is I like those choices because they're people I'm familiar with.

[Tetsu Deinonychus]

Well, Morita Noriyuki was on Happy Days as Arnold, and Karate Kid as Mr. Miyagi, so he shouldn't be that unfamiliar. Anyway, watch Stormriders, and Tôkyô-Fist and you'll know why I made my Shredder choices. :D

[impetus]

T-D, I've added Morita-san to my cast...
Jeph, I've added Hugh Jackman and Christopher Lloyd...

Hey, I have a great idea - A TMNT/Mystery Men crossover movie!!! With the one character obviously missing from the MM movie - Flaming Carrot! OK, it would no go anywhere in Hollywood, but man what an idea!


Hey Jeph - I checked out your cast, here's my take:

The Good:
Estella Warren as Renet
Christopher Lloyd as Honeycutt
Hugh Jackman as Casey
Ray Park as Rat King

The Bad:
teenie bopper actors (you know the ones I mean)
most of the Japanese characters

The Ugly:
Matt LeBlanc as Casey Jones - WTF !?!?

LOL, just my thoughts - I'm not trashing your cast, I really liked a few of your ideas.

[Jephael]

Don't you mean Estella Warren as Renet? BTW, I might move her to first place, and Cameron Diaz to 3rd.

[impetus]

what do you mean? that's what I said. :oops: *edits post*

[Jephael]

I decided to list the sensei from Karate Kid and Beverly Hills Ninja as possible Splinters, and Chow Yun-Fat as my third choice.

[Tetsu Deinonychus]

I gotta agree that there are too many "Trendy-teen-stars" in Jeph's cast list, but Hugh Jackman would be an excellent Casey. :D

[Jephael]

I tried as best I could to avoid picking anymore than 2 teen actors per turtle.

[TheShredder]

I think DMX would make a good Baxter Stockman. Could you just imagine his lines?
Leo: Your reign of terror is over Stockman!
Baxter: Punk Bitch!

[Machias Banshee]

*grins* I still like my idea of Gilbert Gottfried doing some voices...He'd make one heck of a Krang.. :evilgrin:

[TheShredder]

Yeah but there's no Krang in the Mirage TMNT.

[impetus]

No no NO!!!! No rappers!!!!!

:lol:

I'll bet when someone said "let's put in Vanilla Ice" they thought THAT was a great idea too.

letting you guys know - I think this discussion is going pretty well - I'm sending Dan the link and asking him to pass it on to Peter. "The fans have spoken."

[RskimB]

dmx sucks.

For some reason i think I could picture Alfonso Riviera(Carlton from fresh prince) as a decent baxter if he lost a little weight, i dunno why.

[Jephael]

*grins* I still like my idea of Gilbert Gottfried doing some voices...He'd make one heck of a Krang..

Were you the one who suggested that to me? I can't recall too well.

Yeah but there's no Krang in the Mirage TMNT.

Well it doesn't neccesarily have to be 100% Mirage based. I did a blended reality when I wrote out my casting lists (http://members.aol.com/Jephael/casting.html).

[Machias Banshee]

yep! :D

[TheShredder]

Well it doesn't neccesarily have to be 100% Mirage based. I did a blended reality when I wrote out my casting lists (http://members.aol.com/Jephael/casting.html) But it says in the topic Cast the Mirage TMNT movies. Alright for Baxter how about Michael D. Roberts?
http://www.geocities.com/northernpike06/Micheal.jpg

[impetus]

hmm, he certainly looks like Baxter. What movies/shows is he from?