Which actors we'd cast in A New Hope if it was being remade today
Everybody's talking about Episode VII, but what would happen if A New Hope was made today?
We've come a long way since 1977, and despite all the special editions and updates George Lucas has made to his original space opera, it's more exciting to imagine what would happen if it were actually done all over again. Would the writing change? Sure, probably a little, but what really excites us is the possibility of seeing the film recast with modern actors.
Who would play whom? Well, we've come up with 13 actors to give you an idea of how we'd like to see it done. Tell us what you think and who you would cast if the power of the Force were in your hands.
View Images
Anton Yelchin as Luke Skywalker
Mark Hamill was a relative unknown when he was cast for Luke, so we wanted someone similar for our reboot. Yelchin is best known for being the new Pavel Chekov in Abrams' Trek relaunch, but it was his turn as the affable but inept lead in the remake of Fright Night that made us think he’d make a perfect Luke Skywalker.
Bill Murray as Uncle Owen
We felt like Luke’s aunt and uncle were just fine in the original New Hope, but we wanted something more. That’s why we chose veteran comedian Bill Murray for Uncle Owen. He’s got the ability to play a role straight, but we know he’d bring that sly little bit of comedy and guarantee a smile.
Mary Steenburgen as Aunt Beru
We wanted to keep the motherly kindness of Aunt Beru, but with Murray as Owen, we also knew we’d need someone who wouldn’t brook a lot of nonsense. Mary Steenburgen is both those things, plus she’s pretty hot.
Emma Watson as Princess Leia Organa
Leia in a nutshell -- really smart, bit regal, kind of a snooty know-it-all, but she winds up with the scruffy nerf-herder even though everyone assumed she’d go for the main character. So basically, she’s Hermoine Granger. DONE.
Harrison Ford as Obi-Wan Kenobi
Maybe this is stunt casting in the extreme, but we’re dying to see the man who played Han “there’s no such thing as the Force” Solo have a turn as Obi-Wan “I’m all about the Force” Kenobi. How cool would it be to see that evolution? Plus, we’d be willing to bet Harrison Ford would nail it.
Jensen Ackles as Han Solo
If you’ve seen Supernatural, then you know that Dean Winchester has Han Solo written all over him. He’s got swagger, he’s got guts, and he’s definitely in way over his head. Blast a little Carry on My Wayward Son in the Millennium Falcon and we’re good to go.
Doug Jones as Chewbacca
How cool would it be to have Abe Sapien from Hellboy play Chewy? It would be a big reinvention, sure, but we’d find ourselves with a Wookie who truly felt alien. And that would be pretty cool.
Jim Parsons as C-3PO
Even if you hate The Big Bang Theory and think that Sheldon Cooper is the worst thing to happen to nerds since Wesley Crusher, there is no denying that Jim Parsons was born to be C-3PO. The voice, the body-type, the sense of humor. He would be GOLDEN. Get it?
Nick Offerman as R2-D2
Think of R2-D2. Now imagine the little droid with a mustache. He’s robot Ron Swanson! Think of how over it R2-D2 is with people. He’s just trying to do his job! We don’t know if he should talk in the remake, but we think sardonic bleep bloop noises from Offerman would be enough.
Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Wedge Antilles
Wedge is pretty goofy, so it’s always astonishing that he manages to survive every space battle he’s in. If that doesn’t say McLovin to you then we don’t know what does. Plus, a nice Fright Night reunion.
Andy Serkis as Greedo
Greedo is drastically underused and, well, it was hard to pull off a green-looking toadie like him in the '70s. But now we’ve got more than special effects on our side -- we’ve got Gollum. With all the character Andy Serkis would bring to the part, there would be so much more meaning when HAN SHOOTS FIRST.
Christopher Eccleston as Grand Moff Tarkin
Peter Cushing made for a kindly good guy, but he really exceled at playing a nasty villain, as evidenced by his turn as the Grand Moff in the original New Hope. But also, he was Doctor Who in two movies! Eccleston is a perfect successor in all those regards. Mostly, though, we just look at him and see someone who would absolutely order the destruction of Alderaan
John Noble as Darth Vader
You want him, Episode VII? Well, you can’t have him! He’s tall, he’s got a deep and menacing voice, but we know deep down he’s just trying to be a dad. John Noble is, dare we say it, perfect for Darth Vader.
