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Not too long ago, well… almost a year ago at E3, Studio Kojima revealed plans of making a full-length film based off its popular Metal Gear Solid series. Recently, Sony Pictures has announced it’ll be in-charge of producing the film. They gave no further details other than Michael De Luca will be co-producing with Hideo Kojima. More than likely, the film is still in the high concept stage but MGS fans shouldn’t worry; Sony has a good track record in video game to film adaptations [i.e. Resident Evil, Final Fantasy]. But even if the film is confirmed for production, it’ll be quite awhile before it’s completed and released into theaters.
In the meantime, there are still many questions occupying the minds of gamers everywhere. Who is going to direct? Who’s in the cast and more importantly – Who’s going to play as Solid Snake? These are questions that must be plaguing every diehard MGS fan. Choosing a cast is probably the most crucial component of any adapted film, and if not done properly… it could spell disaster. Casting famous stars might be a problem, due to typecasting and negative reactions based on past performances. While casting new and relatively unknown actors could risk losing hype over the film. The dilemma is something producers will be thinking about with a dark shadow over their shoulders… but don’t fret fans and producers alike – I'll give you some possibilities with my own star-studded casting call.
Just to note, all characters mentioned are those making appearances in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. It would be interesting to see a film set between MGS2 and MGS4 so we still have a chance to see a younger, healthier Snake, while retaining feasibility for all these characters to appear.
Supporting Characters
Naomi Hunter - Monica Bellucci
Naomi Hunter - Monica Bellucci
This gorgeous actress looks so similar to Naomi that it may make you question if the 3D modeler used Monica as a muse. She is not only beautiful but has this dark and mysterious appeal about her which will translate well with portraying the unpredictable Naomi.
Roy Campbell - Anthony Hopkins
Anthony Hopkins is one of Hollywood's veteran actors. His diverse talents are clearly seen in his roles as the eerie cannibal, Dr. Hannibal Lecter [Silence of the Lambs, Red Dragon] to the calm tycoon William Parrish [Meet Joe Black]. Acting as the former commander of FOXHOUND, whose character fits between the extremes of Lecter and Parrish, should be an easy task for him.
Hal Emmerich a.k.a. Otacon – Eric Bana
Otacon, Snake’s helpful sidekick has become one of the most beloved MGS characters. Who could possibly put on his shoes for the movie? Why not have someone who’s played as a scientist before, say… Eric Bana [Bruce Banner in The Hulk]. Bana does a good job being Hulk but perhaps as plain old Otacon, it may make audiences confused. With Bana’s action star status it may be unusual for him to play the passive Otacon, but here’s where a twist comes in. Let’s say Otacon doesn’t stay passive through the entirety of the film and might just get a little action sequence for himself… hmm…
Meryl Silverburgh - Rachael Leigh Cook
Meryl Silverburgh - Rachael Leigh Cook
Meryl, the love interest of Solid Snake in Metal Gear Solid 1, should be played by someone who is youthful and energetic. Rachael Leigh Cook couldn’t personify this more. With her striking resemblance to Meryl in Cook’s Josie and the Pussycats [pictured below] it’s a wonder how the role could go to anyone else. Besides, Rachael has some experience in the video game industry, voice acting the lovely Tifa of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children fame.
Raiden - Macaulay Culkin
Now before you go thinking that this is a joke, let me clarify that it is not. Raiden is a character that MGS fans, more or less, despised for his boyish looks. Culkin is an actor forever remembered as that lovable child in the Home Alone movies, embedding in people’s minds that he’ll always be that kid. With Raiden’s new look in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, practically begging gamers to appreciate him, and Culkin’s lack of spotlight time, this role seems written for the former child actor. This could be Culkin’s chance to make his name big again in Hollywood and show that he’s more than just that goofy kid. Well, he’d still be playing a goofy kid again… but this time as an action hero! Now, if he could just train and bulk up a little…
The Bad Guys
Vamp - Johnny Depp
Who better to play Vamp than one actor who made his name big in all things dark and gothic? Yes, Johnny Depp would bring the immortal vampire to a whole new level as well as appease the gothic underworld crowd. The guy needs a break from swashbuckling pirates.
Revolver Ocelot - Daniel Day-Lewis
The role of Revolver Ocelot is one full of mind games and slick gun slinging. Daniel Day-Lewis garnered his gun skills in The Last of the Mohicans, all the while playing with Leonardo DiCaprio’s head in Gangs of New York. Day-Lewis has an uncanny voice that resonates with such power, that only he can compliment Revolver Ocelot’s love of making speeches. Also, that Mustache [pictured below] is uncanny as well!
Big Boss - Liam Neeson
Oh! A surprise appearance from Big Boss, the original Snake! He actual isn’t dead after all! It wouldn’t be surprising if Big Boss is the main antagonist. It wouldn’t be surprising if Big Boss is portrayed as an old, wise mentor who is mentioned as dead at the beginning of the film, but later revealed to be alive and planning Snake’s demise. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Liam Neeson got this role, since remembered for his many “old wise man is going to die” roles in movies such as Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Gangs of New York, Kingdom of Heaven, and Batman Begins just to name a few.
The Starring Lead
Solid Snake - Hugh Jackman
The most important character to cast correctly is Solid Snake. Solid Snake has to be charismatic, rough, tough, and have a sense of humor all rolled into one. No other actor has the look and a personality more synonymous with Snake than Hugh Jackman. Jackman, most notable as of late for his role as the trash talking X-Man Wolverine, plays the "suave bad boy" role so well that if he played as Snake, a film trilogy wouldn't be a surprise. The only problem is that Jackman is already working on several films [Wolverine, Australia] and might not be available for shooting the MGS movie. If Jackman's busy schedule is an indication of anything, it would be that he's a hot commodity that can't be passed up.
As for the director, it could be anyone really. Maybe it might be Paul Anderson, who did a great job with the Resident Evil series. But whoever it is, there is only one person most gamers would have wanted or expected to direct the Metal Gear Solid movie – Hideo Kojima. Although highly unlikely, who knows. Kojima is well known for playing tricks and joking around it could really be him all along. Only time can tell and until then, keep dreaming and eat some snakes!
As for the director, it could be anyone really. Maybe it might be Paul Anderson, who did a great job with the Resident Evil series. But whoever it is, there is only one person most gamers would have wanted or expected to direct the Metal Gear Solid movie – Hideo Kojima. Although highly unlikely, who knows. Kojima is well known for playing tricks and joking around it could really be him all along. Only time can tell and until then, keep dreaming and eat some snakes!
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