The Correctness Casting Couch: Elektra
It’s that time again, when the Correctness corrects a casting mistake on a comic book heroine because a) we like comic books, and b) we like pretty actresses. We are funny that way. This week we take a look at the assassin who stole, and very nearly stabbed Daredevil’s heart, Elektra.
Who Are We Replacing?
Jennifer Garner
She can do action, and she is certainly easy on the eyes, so why replace her? Well, personally I never thought she was nearly exotic enough to play Elektra. Hers is more of a wholesome Midwestern cuteness, which works for Alias, but not so much for Elektra. I think the part calls for something a little darker, a little more dangerous. So lets take a look at some honorable mentions who are worth a mention, but don’t quite make the cut.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Evangeline Lilly
I was never a big “Lost” guy, so I don’t know how she’d perform in action scenes, but at least we know she can get a little gritty. She’s got the right look though, so I’d be willing to see an audition tape at the very least.
Kristen Kruek
Okay, this one comes with a caveat. Fanboys love her, and she certainly has an exotic flare, but I imagine she would need some fairly serious training to get her to the level of ass kicking that would be required for the part. That said, I think there are plenty of nerds who would throw down good money just to see her in the costume.
Missy Peregrym
Missy is the lead in a show called Rookie Blue, a show I have no intention of watching…at all….ever, but at least we know she can do action. She also had a recurring on Heroes, so she’s got some geek cred behind her. If you were looking for someone who suits the part that isn’t yet a household name, you could do a lot worse than Missy here.
The “If I Had a Time Machine” Award Goes To…
Carole Bouquet
You probably only know her from where I know her, the Bond Girl in “For Your Eyes Only.” Still every time I think of Elektra, I imagine her in the part, she has just the right amount of exotic lethality.
The “If only she could act” award goes to…
Danika Patrick
There is something of the Greg Horn Elektra in her face, I think. According to certain sources she can be a grade A Bitch sometimes (Don’t you kind of have to, to be a woman on the Nascar circuit?) but I think that is actually a point in her favour in this instance. I’m sure she’ll end up acting in something eventually, if she hasn’t already…and she looks the part, but I wouldn’t run out to the track and sign her up just yet.
THE TOP THREE
3. Kelly Hu
Okay, so more Asian than Greek, but she has superhero experience, looks fantastic, and could quite believably kick your ass. Hollywood fudges ethnicity all the time, it’s not really an issue if you are right for the part, which I believe she is.
2. Angelina Jolie
The only reason she didn’t make #1 is because she might be just a smidge too old for the part now…but she has the right look, the action star pedigree, and a believable hint of the tragic in her. Just picture that photo above with the red scarf on top and tell me you wouldn’t mark opening day on your calendar!
and…
1. Rhona Mitra
This is a woman who looks like she would cause you serious, serious harm, and you would probably die with at least half an erection. She has that dangerous beauty, and steely determination that Elektra needs. If I met Rhona Mitra in a dark alley, and she pulled out a pair of sais I would be very nervous. And a little turned on. But then really scared again. Rhona wins based on sheer badassery alone.
So there it is…Who did I miss? By the way if you have any suggestions on which comic book heroine you’d like to see re-cast, let me know!
In the meantime…I’ll be in my bunk.
