Marvel Comics' characters had a fantastic run in the modern era of film making, starting from about 2004 with Tobey Macguire's Spider Man.
Suppose however that the public interest + film technology + cash flow were at the right level way back in 1961 to 1965 or so when Marvel was first getting started? Who would I cast in the major roles? Which Hollywood faces 'match' the look of their comic book counterparts? Let's get started with the major ones first, more to follow later.
The Amazing Spider Man:
For a comic that was going to get cancelled (Amazing Fantasy) after a few issues it was Stan Lee's good fortune to find his idea about a high school nerd getting bitten by a radioactive spider so enthralling, building the brand for Marvel for many decades to come.
Let's say this was a big enough deal in 1962 or so to warrant going to the big screen? Here's who I would cast:
Peter Parker/Spider Man
Robert Walker Jr. Better known from Star Trek as 'Charlie X'. He's got the wimpy gangly looks of the classic Spider Man.
Mary Jane Watson
Anne Margaret, of course.
Aunt May
Ellen Corby Aka Grandma Walton. She's got the right sense of frailness to keep Peter in trouble trying to save her.
J. Jonah Jameson
Spider Man's nemesis Lee J. Cobb
The cigar-chomping caricature of the typical news editor.
The Fantastic Four
The start of Marvel's run in the 1960s, emphasizing its contrast to D.C.'s style -ironically, FF was supposed to be Marvel's answer to The Justice League which was doing well for the competition. Who would I cast in a feature film of them?
Mr. Fantastic/Reed Richards
Russell Johnson aka The Professor on Gilligan's Island Well, it figures. A professor for the smartest stretch-man in the universe.
Sue Storm/The Invisible Girl
Connie Stevens Not many famous blondes from the 1960s to pick from. Marlyn Monroe was too big -even after death- to allow for blondes. Plus you got Jackie Kennedy, Liz Taylor etc.
Johnny Storm/The Human Torch
Dwane Hickman/aka Dobie Gillis Again, slim pickings for blonde guys too. But he looks the part.
Ben Grim/The Thing
Anthony Quinn Slow, but steady composure, unless you rile him. That's Anthony Quinn alright.
Dr. Doom
Derren Nesbitt Remembered mostly from The Prisoner as the new Number 2 (God I loved that show!)
These are the actors who would get these roles if Marvel made movies in the 1960s!
Next time: Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, Nick Fury, Daredevil, Dr Strange, Sub Mariner!
