The Things We Do To Fill The Void

It’s amazing what people are distracting and entertaining themselves with as this unusual ‘lockdown’ scenario carries on. I've spotted NFL journalists re-doing drafts from years past, musicians re-working songs to give them a fresher feel, and there are members of the public joining in and creatively taking part, as well as finding their own ways to keep themselves amused and fill some time.

Personally, I have taken to re-casting old movies. I pick an old favourite, then imagine I’m a high-rolling producer with £100million to spend and the rights to film it for a modern audience. Then I decide which current actors I would put in each role.

FOR EXAMPLE (and I’ve picked a film everyone will know for the purposes of this demonstration):

Back to the Future:

ROLE – Marty McFly

Original actor – Michael J.Fox

MY CASTING – Tom Holland

WHY? – Has already successfully taken on a known role with Spider-Man. Boyish looks make him believable as a High School student. Good American accent.

ROLE – Dr. Emmitt Brown

Original actor – Christopher Lloyd

MY CASTING – Stephen Merchant

WHY? – Tall and gangly. Eccentric. Great facial expressions.

ROLE – George McFly

Original actor – Crispin Glover

MY CASTING – Andrew Garfield

WHY? – Looks young enough. Brilliant combination of vulnerability and strength, needed for different parts of the role.

ROLE – Lorraine Baines

Original actor – Lea Thompson

MY CASTING – Daisy Ridley

WHY? – She’s a terrific actress, and reminds me a lot of the character.

ROLE – Biff Tannen

Original actor – Thomas F. Wilson

MY CASTING – Daniel Kaluuya

WHY? – He’s brilliant. Strong physique. Comic abilities. I just think he’d nail it.

I’m aware that I’ve cast lots of British actors in American roles, but so what? Everyone else is doing it.

RC 16-4-20