by JR Cook - 11 years ago     show comments

When it comes to creating a satisfying cinematic experience for the audience, casting is a huge part of the equation. Sure, films in the high fantasy genre often hinge on producing an over the top, larger than life experience with special effects, large scale war scenes and an epic score, but casting remains important. The internet learned last week that the Warcraft movie, aptly titled WarCraft, is once more heading in the right direction, and that shooting could begin in Q1 of 2014. While great news for gamers, the announcement came with scant details. In 2007, it was announced that the film would take place just before, or during the World of Warcraft game. There has been no definitive update on the title in that department since that announcement, so we have to believe the plan remains the same.

In the interest of fun, BlizzPro sat down and looked at some prominent characters in the World of Warcraft universe, and which actors could best bring them to life on the silver screen, regardless of whatever timeline Blizzard eventually decides to roll with in the finished product.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Warchief Garrosh Hellscream

It absolutely seems like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is a super cool guy in the real world. His twitter feed often boasts a number of comical musings, as well as motivational messages for those looking to improve their physical well-being. That said, the man that built his fame through wrestling often ends up in roles that showcase his terrifying and muscular physique, usually while breaking people in half. I mean, look at the picture of this guy. Toss on horns and some tattoos and he basically is the tyrannical, foul tempered Warchief of the Horde. Who would not want to see Karl Urban’s Varian Wrynn and The Rock’s Garrosh Hellscream duke it out?

Karl Urban as King Varian Wrynn

Karl Urban’s hardly new to the epic fantasy film genre. Urban played Horse Lord Eomer in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, sporting long hair, a fierce temperament and a talent for beating the tar out of Orcs, something him and Stormwind’s King have in common. Despite his tendency to learn towards action films, Urban’s more than capable of delivering a satisfying dramatic performance and if Blizzard does plan to utilize the human King in their story, Urban would be a fine choice.

Julie Benz as Jaina Proudmoore

Dexter alumni Julie Benz is currently cooling her heels by the water cooler that is SyFy’s Defiance, a sci-fi show released in conjunction with Trion World’s newest non-subscription based MMORPG. Benz bears a similar appearance to Jaina Proudmoore, as well as a history of playing generally level headed characters. Sure, Proudmoore’s become uncharacteristically fiery in recent content, but if this film were to take place back in the day, her temperament would be a lot more even. What’s more, Benz currently serves as a mayor in Defiance dealing with struggles between factions vying for power, meaning that if Blizzard did decide to move the timeline up, Benz would be well-suited to bring to life Proudmoore’s recent struggles with the Horde and the Sunreavers.

Kate Beckinsale as Sylvanas Windrunner

It might seem like typecasting at this point, but there’s no denying that Underworld star Kate Beckinsale would make the perfect big screen adaptation of the Dark Lady, Sylvanas Windrunner. In her role as vampire Selene, Beckinsale displayed her talent at being cold and even vicious at times. She also bears a very similar physique to the Banshee Queen, lithe, compact, but incredibly dangerous all the same. Beckinsale would be an ideal choice.

Ron Pearlman as Thrall

Ron Pearlman is no stranger to the fantasy community. The prolific actor has starred in a number of films, often portraying a hulking, violent monster of a man. In that respect, bringing the part of Thrall to life might actually be a calmer affair, given the former Warchief’s uncommonly reasonable nature. Pearlman has the size, experience and acting range, and most importantly, is no stranger to being covered in face paint. Considering WarCraft is set to be a live action film, Pearlman seems like the best option following the unfortunate passing of acting great Michael Clarke Duncan.

Kristian Nairn as Tirion Fordring

There have been more than a few celebrities to declare their love for the World of Warcraft, but none more awesome than Kristian Nairn, the man responsible for bringing Hodor to life in HBO’s Game of Thrones series, the television adaptation of the Song of Ice and Fire book series. Sure, Tirion Fordring has some years on Nairn, but with cinema magic, we at BlizzPro believe that Nairn has the acting skill, physical build and appreciation of lore required to bring the Lord of the Argent Crusade to life in a World of Warcraft themed film. Him being a nerd like the rest of us is just icing on the cake.

It’ll be interesting to see what director Duncan Jones chooses to do with the film. There are a number of deep characters that he can choose to make use of in the upcoming film adaption, and there’s no lack of exciting plot arcs. We’re interested to hear your thoughts though. Which actors and actresses do you believe should assist in bringing Azeroth to life?