With over 150 million Americans having played at least one video game in 2016, names like Lara Croft, Master Chief, and Gordon Freeman are as close to becoming household names as Thor, Star-Lord, and Doctor Strange. Video games are quickly making the transition from the TV screen to the silver screen, being adapted by Hollywood for big-budget blockbuster releases.
While there are some movies adapted from comic books that have questionable casting decisions (Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze in “Batman & Robin” and January Jones as Emma Frost in “X-Men: First Class” both received a frigid reception), executives should hope these video game flicks don’t. Otherwise, it’s game over.
Instead, they should pay attention to the over 2,000 Americans we surveyed and who they think should play the main characters in some of the biggest video game movie adaptations. Keep reading to see who’s been fan-casted.
“Tomb Raider” Starring Angelina Jolie, Denzel Washington, and Harrison Ford
“Tomb Raider” – focusing on the adventures of treasure hunter Lara Croft – would be a movie in the vein of “Indiana Jones.” It’s been adapted multiple times already, with the fans’ top choice, Angelina Jolie, having played Lara on two occasions. Jennifer Lawrence gets a nod, though, possibly due to her performances in “The Hunger Games” franchise.
Fans also agreed Lara’s sidekicks, butler Winston and tech-support Zip, would be roles best suited for Harrison Ford and Denzel Washington.
“Uncharted” Starring Liam Neeson, Jennifer Lawrence, and Harrison Ford
The “Uncharted” series focuses on the recovery of prized artifacts by Nathan Drake, aided by his partner Elena and mostly trustworthy mentor Sully. Men and women were able to see Liam Neeson in the starring role, alongside Harrison Ford as the honest con man with a heart of gold (that he perfected as Han Solo in “Star Wars”), Sully.
Men and women thought Lawrence was the best choice for Elena, but Charlize Theron appeared on the short list for both men and women.
“The Last of Us” Starring Hugh Jackman, Emma Stone, and Jodie Foster
“The Last of Us” tells a story about the struggle to survive after an infection transforms people into cannibalistic monsters, where Joel is tasked with shepherding Ellie to safety. Men and women agreed Gerard Butler and Christian Bale should step aside for Hugh Jackman to assume the role of Joel. Emma Stone proved to be the most popular choice for Ellie.
“Resident Evil” Starring Emma Stone, Chris Pratt, and Brad Pitt
Even though there have already been multiple “Resident Evil” movies, fans are willing to see a more literal adaptation starring Emma Stone as Jill Valentine, Chris Pratt as Chris Redfield, and Brad Pitt as Leon Kennedy.
Stone and Pratt are no strangers to playing characters we’ve met previously in different media. She brought the character of Gwen Stacy to life in “The Amazing Spider-Man,” and he surprised critics with an exceptional performance as Star-Lord in “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
“Halo” Starring Dwayne Johnson, Jennifer Lawrence, and Denzel Washington
While Microsoft has had to frequently squash the hopes of gamers dying for a blockbuster treatment of their beloved “Halo,” it doesn’t keep them from dreaming up A-list celebrities that would fit the bill. One of Hollywood’s most in-demand leading men, Dwayne Johnson, might struggle to fit into Master Chief’s armor, but he’d definitely please those paying for tickets.
Accompanying him on his interstellar journey is his virtual assistant, Cortana, played by Jennifer Lawrence, and Sergeant Major Avery Johnson, played by Denzel Washington. At least that’s what the fans want!
Half-Life Starring Robert Downey Jr., Christian Bale, and George Clooney
Government cover-ups, alien invasions, secret military installations … “Half-Life” follows this story through the eyes of Dr. Gordon Freeman. Those surveyed thought Ben Affleck and Andrew Garfield would be good choices, but men and women couldn’t see anyone better suited than “Iron Man” Tony Stark, Robert Downey, Jr.
Gman, who recruits Dr. Freeman to help combat future threats, can be only one actor according to those surveyed: the man who portrayed John Connor in “Terminator Salvation” and Bruce Wayne and Batman in “The Dark Knight,” Christian Bale.
“God of War” Starring Gerard Butler, Liam Neeson, and Angelina Jolie
Gods, demigods, and a few mortals to boot, “God of War” tells the story of the demigod Kratos who ascends to the role of God of War after killing Ares. Maybe it makes even more sense that fans saw Gerard Butler as the best pick for this role considering Kratos is a Spartan, and Butler previously played a Spartan in “300.” There’s your additional connection, which makes this pick perfect.
As for strong choices for Zeus and Athena, Liam Neeson and Angelina Jolie earned the top nods from those surveyed.
“Gears of War” Starring Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson
Fighting against the invading Locust and serving as humanity’s last line of defense, Delta Squad operatives Marcus Fenix and Damon Baird lead the most successful offensives against these enemy forces. For this sci-fi war epic, men and women were split on casting Dwayne Johnson and Arnold Schwarzenegger, respectively, for the top billing.
Bruce Willis, meanwhile, was the main choice for both genders when it came to Corporal Damon Baird. There was a surprise nomination, though, for the role of Baird: “Rocky IV” villain and one of the many stars of “The Expendables,” Dolph Lundgren.
“Call of Duty” Starring Gerard Butler, Hugh Jackman, and Chris Pratt
Over 20 games since 2003 have been released under the “Call of Duty” banner, giving movie producers plenty of stories and characters to use. The silver screen adaptation of these first-person shooters should feature Gerard Butler, Hugh Jackman, and Chris Pratt, according to fans.
Women were a little less convinced with the casting of Butler for the role of Sgt. Frank Woods, placing Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck ahead of the Scottish actor on the totem pole.
“Mass Effect” Starring Chris Evans and Angelina Jolie
Tasked with saving the galaxy from an advanced civilization known as the Reapers, Commander Shepard leads a small crew aboard his (or her) ship, the SSV Normandy. Players can customize almost every feature of their Shepard, from hair color to gender. However, there was a divide between men and women on who should take the lead role: Chris Evans or Brad Pitt. Overall, Evans, who has headlined several big-budget films as Captain America in “The Avengers” and “Civil War,” was deemed best for the part.
He would be accompanied by one of his companions, Miranda Lawson, who fans feel should be played by Angelina Jolie. However, the character of Miranda is modeled after and voiced by another celebrity, actress Yvonne Strahovski. Perhaps some gamers are hoping for more of a spiritual retelling of the beloved story.
Methodology
We surveyed 2,137 Americans on which actors and actresses should play popular video game characters if the games were to be made into future feature films.
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