Fancast Fridays - Captain Planet and the Planeteers

It’s a new year and with that, new movies and television shows are in development across multiple studios. With that, I have gone back to my fancasts and after reading the latest issue of Captain Planet and the Planeteers from David Pepose and Dynamite Entertainment, I was thinking how cool and interesting it could be as a live action movie. Nerdist announced that there is a live action series in the works at Netflix, but my thoughts went to the big screen for this adventure and Pepose’s series is more cinematic with its art by Emmanuel Casallos. So to cut to the chase, this is who I think should play the main characters in an upcoming Captain Planet and the Planeteers live action movie.

Gaia – Cynthia Erivo

The spirit of the Earth should be a fierce, fiery and loving presence for the Planeteers and I can’t think of anyone better than the amazing Cynthia Erivo to take on the role of Gaia. From her awesome performances in the Wicked films to Harriet and series like The Outsider, Cynthia brings something new and exciting to every role she plays.

Kwame – Toheeb Jimoh

Kwame is sometimes the de facto leader of the group and the most grounded member of the Planeteers. He exudes the confidence and strength of character that the group needs to survive the battles they face. I think Toheeb Jimoh is a great choice for Kwame. Jimoh’s role as Sam Obisanya on Ted Lasso allowed him to be both comedic and stalwart as he learns and grows with the team while teaching them lessons as well.

Linka – Maria Bakalova

Linka is the group’s spirit and one of its more serious members. That doesn’t mean she can’t have fun, but she is usually the more focused member of the Planeteers. Maria Bakalova has played several different types of roles from comedy in Borat II to horror in Bodies Bodies Bodies. I think she has both the physical and acting chops to take on a role like Linka, but she might be hard to get with her role in Creature Commandos and the possibility of her character returning.

Wheeler – Tye Sheridan

Wheeler is definitely the hothead of the team in more ways than one. Beyond commanding fire with his ring, he also has a quick temper and impulsive personality. Tye Sheridan is my choice to take on the role of Wheeler based on his performances in the last Fox X-Men movies as Cyclops as well as his lead role in Ready Player One. I think he can play a volatile character who discovers that he needs to be part of a team.

Gi – Lana Condor

Gi is probably the smartest, if not most socially awkward, member of the Planeteers and the person who plays her needs to be able to pull off that intellect as well as goofy charm. I think Lana Condor would be a great fit for the live action version of Gi. After seeing her in movies like Moonshot and series like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, she has the kind of goofy charm that I am hoping for in the character of Gi. Also her performance in Deadly Class proves she can pull off the role physically as well.

Ma-Ti – Marcel Ruiz

Ma-Ti is the literal and figurative heart of the Planeteers. Beyond wielding the power of Heart, Ma-Ti is also the spiritual center of the group and exudes wisdom beyond his years. I think Marcel Ruiz could pull of the role of Ma-Ti. After seeing him in series like One Day at a Time and Snowfall, I think he could bring real heart (no pun intended) to the role.

Captain Planet – Lee Pace

When their power combine, they call on the help of Captain Planet. The Captain is a superhero created from the combined elements of the Earth to take on threats the Planeteers cannot handle alone. Captain Planet needs to be both physically intimidating but also have a superhero charm and presence. This role screams for someone like Lee Pace to command. Pace is an actor that can do it all with roles in films like The Hobbit, Guardians of the Galaxy and the Running Man as well as series like Pushing Daisies, Halt and Catch Fire and Foundation. He brings a presence to every role and would absolutely kill it as Captain Planet.