Let’s Make A Deal

You can always judge the success of any movie franchise by the actors who want to be a part of it. I can remember when George Clooney played Batman. Yes, yes, it was awful, but he has gone down in Batman history as one of the Caped Crusaders. There’s a status with it I suppose.

I also know some actors are fans of comic books. It was widely known Robert Downey Jr. is a huge Iron Man fan. There is some speculation as to whether or not he was an Iron Man fan before or after he signed onto the project, but, nonetheless, he has done wonders for Iron Man on the big screen, so it’s a moot point at this juncture.

Apparently one hot acting job has yet to be filled and there are three starlets looking to take the role of Catwoman in the next Batman installment. The three actresses are Charlize Theron, Kate Beckinsale, and Sienna Miller. At first glance, I start singing the Sesame Street song “one of these things is not like the other.” I mean, really? Sienna Miller? Really?

I’m not knocking her for trying to become part of a hugely successful movie franchise. I just think if she gets cast over Theron or Beckinsale it would be a travesty. I mean, honestly, look at Miller’s body of work. No, not her body! Her body of work. There is a difference.

The one good movie she has to her credit is Stardust, which ironically co-stars Michelle Pfeiffer, the first big screen Catwoman. Perhaps Miller is hoping the movie execs will make the connection between the former feline actress and her, thus making her the next super villainess. I’m not sure what else she brings to the table.

Miller was also in G.I. Joe:The Rise of Cobra. Yes, I actually had to type that dreadful movie again. Does anybody think that qualifies her to be Catwoman? I sure don’t.

Theron is obviously the heavy hitter in this group. She has acting prowess, she is an A-list actress, and well, she’s freaking gorgeous. I have no doubt she would take this role and run with it to new heights.

As much as I love Theron, I would have to go with Beckinsale on this one. I’m not a fan of the Underworld movies, but she is solid in all of them. They are currently making the fourth Underworld installment, so somebody likes these movies. Also, she amazed me as Ava Gardner in The Aviator. I think between her experience in action movies and her ability to hold her own with big name actors, Beckinsale would be a better fit than the other two.

Now, in saying this, if Theron were to be cast, how could I go against it? I couldn’t. It certainly would be a reasonable move. Let’s hope the casting powers that be realize they have two great choices and one wannabe. Please don’t choose door number three!