Cool News
Thomas Jane Is THE PUNISHER'! That
Hey, everyone. "Moriarty" here with some Rumblings From The Lab.
There was a widely-repeated rumor last week that the casting for THE PUNISHER had taken place, and that the title role was going to be filled by a “lesser known by well-respected actor.” The two reports we got in from the Fangoria Weekend Of Horrors would certainly seem to support that statement. Check ‘em out and see for yourself...
Hey Harry,
I'm writing to you website for the first time and I hope this scoop is useful. I've just finished attending the Fangoria Weekend of Horrors and Thomas Jane was there promoting his new film Dreamcatcher and during the Q&A he just Blurted out if anyone was familiar with the Punisher and if we thought it should get remade and everyone said yes then he proceeded to tell us that the company behind the Punisher approached him and offered him the title role. He didn't seem quite sure if he wanted to do it and he had made a remark about the fact that he'd have to workout for this role, but still he said he may take it and that if he did do it would involve a sequel clause.
I hope you find this useful. Oh by the way Fangoria also showed clips from Willard, Freddy Vs Jason (including a sequence with the young Mongoloid Jason drowning and Freddy popping up to pull him under water), Texas chainsaw massacre, a thriller with James Caviezel called Highwaymen and last but not least they showed a 6 min clip of the crash sequence of Final destination 2 and let me tell ya it looks very good. they also handed out free tickets for a screening on January 23 in Manhattan.
Anyway thanks if you post this,
NeoSe7ensHere’s another guy who was there for the same presentation, and he’s got a strong opinion on what they showed regarding FREDDY VS. JASON...
Hi Harry. I was at the Fangoria NYC convention today. I heard an interesting tidbit straight from the horse's mouth. Thomas Jane was there promoting Dreamcatcher. He said that he's been offered the role of the Punisher. He asked the audience if they liked the original and most people booed. He asked if the film deserved to be remade and the audience began to cheer. He said he wanted super powers and a mask if he was ever to play a superhero but he said the premise was interesting. He also mentioned the costume which WOULD have a skull on the chest. He said the producers want him to bulk up for the part. When I got the chance to meet him I told he should really consider the part. He told me that he didn't expect to get this positive of a reaction and he would take this feedback to heart. His assistant then stepped in and said you have to do this movie. He came across as a really funny guy with a bad plaid suit. I think its an interesting choice.
They also showed footage from Freddy Vs Jason. The fans went wild. As far as I was concerned the feces meter went off. It looks like its a total reimagining of Jason as a 90lb weakling. There were some teens dancing and a couple of shots of Freddy and Jason. It wasn't a lot of footage and I wasn't impressed.
The cast and producers of Final Destination 2 were there. I really haven't been looking forward to this but they may have changed my mind. The entire car crash sequence was shown in its entirety. It was actually pretty impressive. The sequence was well staged and exciting. There also appears to be a bit of gore in the film. I think I might have to go see this one. Ali Larter was smoking but she doesn't seem to have much personality.
Emma Caufield was there also. She confirmed that this was her final season on Buffy. The crowd started booing her but she laughed it off. She actually had a sense of humor. I was surprised. The panel also explained why the Mcfarlane Tooth Fairy figure looks nothing like creature in the movie. Apparently they gave Mcfarlane production drawings before they brought Stan Winston on board. He revamped the character after the figure came out. They said that there will be a new version of the figure later this year. Some footage was screened that looked interesting but they revealed too much. They showed the tooth fairy's face and I think I liked the original look of the character better. I think the film has some promise though.
I guess that's about it. If you decide to use any of this call me The Omegaman. Adios.If you want to check out some new info on FREDDY VS. JASON for yourself, this last scooper’s the one you should pay attention to...
MTV's got some info on the flick...Interviews, videos, and more.
CLICK HERE TO SEE IT!!Thanks, everybody. Let’s see how things progress with Jane in the next few weeks. I’ll say this, though... it’s an interesting choice, and certainly indicates that they’re trying to get a good actor for the role.
"Moriarty" out.
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Thomas Jane as Punisher...I can see it...I think.
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Actually, lookwise, Dolph had it goin' on as the Punisher. Too bad his acting sucked and the movie itself was a freaking trainwreck.
You don't necessarily need somebody bulked-up to play Skull-chest, but the actor should definitely be somebody who can do "grizzled" and "tough", yet not look ridiculous with a giant skull on their chest (it serves as armor, you know). DeNiro at his peak would have been a good choice.
Who would you guys like to see as the Punisher? Poops. -
Jan 12, 2003 11:48:22 PM CST
Thomas Jane can't act for shit, and has a pretty bad filmography
by thematarife
This guy acts like an overly sensitive tom hanks wanna be, kick his ass to the curb and give us a badass like Jason Stratham or Bruce Campbell, HELL, even go back to Dolph, at least he knew how to pull it off.
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Can any of these franchises suck any more. This movie would have been cool 10 YEARS AGO. I swear, I'd rather watch another Leprechaun movie then catch YET another one of these..... by the way Lepprechaun in the Hood kicked ass
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Not an obvious choice but a good one. I was at the con breifly and I wish I'd stayed for his appearance. But I DID see the Freddy vs. Jason trailer and anyone who says Jason looked like anything but a killing machine is fucking off their nut. The Jason in this looks like he could eat Kane Hodder for breakfast - no offense to Kane. The bottom line is that Jason looks tough in this movie. In one scene in the trailer Jason is laying waste to a bunch of kids in a cornfield and there's a great, slightly overhead shot as he hurls one kid up in the air with a pitchfork. Very cool stuff. It looks like Ronny Yu did a great job with the movie. Willard looked great too, by the way. Crispin Glover is perfect. Great shot of him standing in a frieght elevator (on his way to settle up with his boss, I'm sure) with rats crawling on his shoulders.
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First of all, Jason looks huge. I can only guess that the "reviewer" is a closet Kane Hodder worshipper and therefore is pissed he ain't in it.
The biggest thing that struck me about the FvJ footage was that this movie seemed like they were going DARK. There were no crappy Freddy one-liners, Jason looked vicious (he's on fire, hacking at teens at a rave being held in a cornfield), it seems to have great spooky atmosphereic cinematography... images like Jason stalking down Elm Street carrying a machete... Freddy in the woods of Camp Crystal Lake... this could really be incredible.
Seems like Ronny Yu really pulled it off. Can't wait to see the trailer in a theater. Hopefully, it will be in front of Final Destination2 -
they should worry about the script problems and get rid of the stock b movie bad guys
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"Burke Hicks. I bust-, I believe Sean Archer busted you for stalking a U.N. Secretary General." He was creepy in that role.
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Never even heard of this guy until this rumor popped up.
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Jan 13, 2003 12:42:07 AM CST
I think Thomas Jane would make a pretty good Frank Castle.
by the dude abides
I think it would be best if they told the Punisher Kills The Marvel Universe story. That way we can see the Punisher shoot Cyclops in the face. Now that would be a treat!
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Jan 13, 2003 12:53:35 AM CST
Man, Lundgren could whip this guy and the new whimpy Jason
by moriarity report
Lundgren is great but he was miscast as the Punisher because the Punisher is Italian and Lundgren is a Swede! As much as I love Dolph, he isn't that talented of an actor to make me believe he is Italian. However, he was a KICKASS He-Man! That guy IS He-Man! Where is the news of Masters of the Universe 2? Definatley Dolph's best role. I am sure they will do a re-make of that and cast some whimpy British guy and it will just be all wrong! He-man needs to be Scandinavian or German! And with muscles; unlike this new kinder, gentler Jason. Ugh.
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because he's engaged to Patricia Arquette and because he got to spit in Anjelina Jolie's mouth in ORIGINAL SIN. How cool is that? Im not too excited about THE PUNISHER because they'll probably make it PG-13 anyway, so who cares.
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Awesome. Just awesome. The news yoou ask? Naw, I couldnt give two shits about the Punisher. As far as Freddy vs Jason is concerned, I'll just be happy to finally have an ending to the classic 5th grade lunchroom debate. No, Imtalking about the fact that somebody actually saw and mentioned the immortal "Be Somebody or Be Somebody's Fool." I used to rent that from Family Video, aloing with Dolemite (heh heh thas right lil bitch, I took it back)every month. Then, the genius at the store put it up for sale for 2.95, thus expanding my alternative video collection to new heights of absurdity. It is one of the funniest things I have ever seen (and Ive seen the Police Academy 3 directors cut! uhh, ok im lying). If you can, check it out. It reminds me of the feeling I got watching sat mornig cartoons on the mid to late 80s. The video teaches kids how to approach their feelings, the Mr T way! Its got breakdancing and the illiterate chick from "Summer School" It also has Mr T getting pissed off at a fly buzzing around his head and a lesson about his ancestors from the Mandika tribe. a True classic. "Tatah Salad, Jimmy?"
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Yeah he's one of those guys you never would have thought of in a million years for the part, but I can see it happening. I'm not really bothered that he doesn't look anything like Frank Castle, since Dolph was a spitting image and that film sucked.
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And Emma certainly sounds cool. She's about the only reason I have any desire to see Darkness Falls right now. That and these recent reports on Winston's effects work.
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.. They can ditch that lame ass late 80's thing of COMPLETLY FUCKING UP THE COSTUME DESIGN
#2 DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES HIRE 1 Mark goldblatt 2 Albert pyun and 3, ANYONE WHO WAS IN ANY way CONNECTED WITH Mystery Men, The Flash tv show, Mutant x or (blaaghh) Birds of prey. Keep it REAL. Treat our thing with some respect, ie: Sam Raimi style.The people that make these films need to have been lifelong comics fans or they simply Should NOT BE INVOLVED in the first place.
Peace out.
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Ha Ha!! Thought I'd just give all you fanboys a scare there. What a horrible idea indeed. But I think Thomas Jane is a passable choice. And I was actually just flippin' through a magazine and saw a picture of Josh Brolin; I could almost see him in the role too (hell, he could much more easily pass for Italian than Thomas Jane), though obviously he's not one of the names being considered. -
Jan 13, 2003 5:18:55 AM CST
Agreed. Thomas Janes is a pretty damn solid (if unspectacular) c
by cash bailey
Face it, fanboys, it could have been SO MUCH worse. I hear both Freddy Prinze Jr and Nic Cage have made a New Year's resolution to commit seppuku if they haven't landed a comic book role by the end of the year.
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Thomas Jane isn't a bad choice, it just hard to picture him as Frank Castle. I just hope they don't soften up the character too much.
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Hi, everybody! Personally I think everybody is trashing Goldblatt
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In the original Friday the 13th you don't know EXACTLY why he died! He drowned..... how? why? In teh HORROR WORLD Freddy would exist! Thus meaning that it is totally plausable that Freddy dragged Jason into the lake. Jason was fucked up though, he didn't die like the other kiddies. He came back, with a vengance.... and now it time to see who will win. IF that is the case then My money is on Jason winning! Not only that but cos of Jason X he now has a new franchise start where as Freddy is long gone! FACT!
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Besides Freddy vs. Jason, there were quite a few promising trailers screened at the Fango con - including House of 1,000 Corpses and Cabin Fever. There's a run down of the highlights at www.undertakerslounge.com
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Henry Rollins! Go look at pictures of this dude, there is nobody else who sould play the title role, NOBODY!
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I completely agree, Henry Rollins would be great for Jack Castle. Now do me a favor and tell me who the heck Jack Castle is. Last i read, Frank Castle was the Punisher. Maybe you were thinking of this guy that so many of you marks in here think should be played by The Rock. And why on earth does anyone want The Rock to play Frank Castle. Thats the worst casting idea ever.If they did go with Rocky then maybe we could see Vince McMahon as Bucky, Triple H as Lady Sif and if we should be so lucky Bad News Brown as The Angel in a Marvels movie.
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Man, I thought that this guy was a shoe in for the Punisher! We could also have gotten a cameo by Daredevil, finally played by the right person, Terry Bradshaw. Bring on the Hulk!!!!!
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I don't look anything like him, but I've always wanted to be in a Major Motion Picture! sk
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Steven Segal (with a hair cut) LOOKS like the Punisher from the comics. Put the skull on his chest and I think it would be a career resurrection. The thing I always liked from Segal pictures was that when he hit you, it really looked like he hit you and it really really hurt. I think he'd be a fantastic Punisher. Never happen though.
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If I remember correctly the Punisher don't talk much, aside from the occasional one liner. Hole lotta shotin and internal dialogue, but not much in the range of acting besides being able to look convincing shooting a gun and looking tough. I've been saying for years that Mr. Rollins would look damn good with a skull on his chest.
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I'd like to see a film where Thomas Jane kills Ben Affleck with his bare hands. Well,... I'd really like to see that in an abandoned warehouse somewhere in Mexico.
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"61*" was a great flick, and TJ as "The Mick" was terrific. Good actor, understated style - perfect as the Punisher. Meanwhile, if Hollywood REALLY wanted to get a horror movie right, they would've made "Jason v. Freddy v. That Asshole Who Wrote the Episode III Summary" (for much-needed comic relief as well as his disembowelment).
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get the script right first, then worry about casting. By the way, why is Bruce Cambell suggested for everything? What is it with this guy? Is he Steve McQueen or Spencer Tracy reborn?
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I see him in DEEP BLUE SEA and some other flicks like ORIGINAL SIN. He's very good. Good looking but not pretty, athletic, has a certain intensity. Very good choice.
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from boogie nights? dirk's and reed's coke buddy? i don't give a shit about the punisher but thomas jane is clearly cool.
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Jan 13, 2003 2:26:06 PM CST
Thomas Jane: Great Choice but Henry Rollins would be better...
by karl childers
If Henry Rollins could act, that is.....
I always thought Thomas Jane was perfect for Cyclops, but as The Punisher it might be fine. I really think they should go slightly older.... -
Ice-T wrote the raps for Mr. T.
http://www.inzenity.com/mrt/wavs.htm -
Thomas Jane is Trip on Enterprise, right? My bad if someone already mentioned it.
-HECKLES -
...if this were a film on a smaller scale. You'd need somebody with proven acting chops for one this size, though.
Poops -
We're slipping, geeks.
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I totally got the "Frank Castle should be Greek" joke right off the bat. Speaking of which, I thumbed thru the February issue of Premiere today, and there's a ridiculiously Hot full page pic of Jennifer Garner in there as Elektra.
I can see Thomas Jane making this work, but then I thought he would have made a great Matt Murdock. Physically I'd have no problem with Dwayne Johnson or Henry Rollins, I just don't think they've got the acting chops.
And to be totally off topic, I stopped by my local Target store today, and they had a big crapload of official Hulk movie merchandice. Action figures of all shapes and sizes, and the "Hulk Smash & Trash Hands" or something like that. A big pair of green plastic hands you wear that have smashing sound effects. -
after reading this script trust me whoever is syaing the punisher needs acting chops is crazy.
its got b movie written all over it especially with a first time director.
laugh out loud bad guys make it even worse. think about every stereotypical bad guy and u got it here -
I really hate to bitch but as much as I like Thomas Jane he represents exactly what I was afraid of as a casting choice for Frank. I knew they'd cast some young guy (Jane was born in 1969). I know it may be time to rewrite the Vietnam vet origin for Punny but I still wanted an older more seasoned version of the character. To me Castle was always a bit older than your average superhero; someone like Rutger Hauer or Tom Berenger could play the character at the appropriate age while still being able to kick ass. Oh well, first Wolverine and now Frank; Hollywood doesn't want anyone over the age of 40 I guess.
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I only jokingly suggested Bruce since it seems he would obviously get suggested anyway, hell, he can get the build, and hes done action before, plus the fanboys love him. But youre right, Ray Liotta can act, does some action movies, and would be damn scary with the right directioon.
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he could say shit like: "as far back as i can remember i always wanted to be a homicidal maniac." i agree, he would be awesome. that is, of couse, if they can't get freddy prinze jr.
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I think he would make a great punisher. He has played tough characters in several movies (phoenix, black and blue, the salton sea). He should also appeal to all of you that feel that the actor HAS to be italian. Unfortunately, he would never in a million years get this part because hollywood is more concerned with who brings in the money, than who can actually act.(ex: affleck)
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That username kicks serious ass!!!
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Yeah, Ray Liotta wouldn't be a bad choice. As much as it's going to make me look like I'm jumping on the bandwagon to say it, I wanted to suggest him before, but figured he might look too old. But if everyone else can see it, then what the hell... Henry Rollins would be pretty awesome, he's definitely intimidating, but certainly doesn't have a substantial enough acting resume to star in it. Josh Brolin: okay, has done action, but maybe a bit young and non threatening enough, that "Casey Jones" from TMNT mentioned would be none other than Elias Koteas, who can be somewhat intimidating. Steven Seagal would have been passable if this film had been shot in the early 90s, only now he's too fat (even if he could still probably kick my ass), and seeing as how he's now living his very own "Punisher" story what with the mob being after him, this story may "hit" a little too close to home (and I mean that literally; some mob goomba will probably send him to sleep with the fishes long before the movie actually happens). What about Michael Madsen? Tom Sizemore? Other than that, keep the suggestions coming, so long as they're not for anyone obviously questionable or cheesy like Travolta, or Keaton, or Vin Diesel (I don't care if he may really be Italian, he's bald and he sucks), Robert Davi, or Charlie Sheen, or Mark Wahlberg, or Stallone, or Affleck. Jesus. -
Can't say that I remember Thomas Jane from Deep Blue Sea; I've managed to successfully erase that terrible monstrosity of a film from my memory. But I, for one, would really like to see some gruffy older guy play the part. Actually, my personal choice for The Punisher is Billy Bob Thornton. I keep hearing his droll voiceover from The Man Who Wasn't There as Frank Castle's voice in the Garth Ennis books. At least, it would be pretty funny, and from what I understand, the Ennis stories are the basis for the script. By the way, even though I read Punisher these days, and will keep doing so as long as Ennis keeps writing it, I really do hate Punisher. He was a great supporting character in Frank Miller's Daredevil, but most of the solo stories are gun-happy, semi-fascist drivel. Remember when they used to have that Punisher Armoury section in the back of the books, with details of all the weaponry! Eugh! Luckily, Ennis and Dillon have worked their magic on the character.
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Ray Liotta would be cool too, though.
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Raymond Liotta is lookin' like Raymond Burr these days. What's up with that?
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..I know 'cause I saw it on E!
hardeeharhar -
The first time i noticed him like many of you i am sure was in Boogie Nights and since then I have been there opening day for every Thomas Jane movie. He is always compelling and has blown me away on more than a few occasions. To think that he might be the Punisher is like the best news i have heard all day.
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Liotta put on those pounds for the role, but he is back in shape now. Just saw Narc a couple hours ago. Pretty good. Sweet opening. Patric and Liotta were rock solid. But still pretty standard stuff. Just with some more edge.
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screw thomas jane, henry rollins should be the punisher he look just like him and is totaly kick ass, jane has no tallent anyway.
rollins was born to be the punisher -
If they remake it ,it has to be rated R,if not they're wasting our time.The punisher was a violent comic,very dark and violent.Vin disel could do it if he had like three lines in the whole movie like Pitch Black.Oh well, we shall see....anybody else whose seen Thursday knows ,Jane could pull it off.
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Ken Kirzinger is playing Jason, he stands 6'5" tall and weighs 225 lbs. Robert Englund is 5'10" and Kane Hodder is 6'3" ... don't think that size should be a problem. I guess the pic linked below is of Jason, but it's pretty old so it's probably old news. Ray Liotta was awesome in Narc.
http://www.creature-corner.com/news3/nov01jason.php3 -
Hmm, I'm always shocked to see so many errors on this site. Not only obvious grammatical errors in Harry or whoever it is that introduces the "spies", but also the spies themselves. Talkbackers like us don't have to follow proper English cause, let's face it, NO ONE CARES WHAT WE SAY OR WRITE. But Harry, bro, can't you spend a couple of seconds to make your spies, or yourself, look mildly educated? Come on, buddy. At least pay someone part-time to take care of this. It's almost painful, man.
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Now you're talking. One of the few real men left in Hollywood. If he was on board this thing my ticket is paid in advance.
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As far back as I can remember, brother, I always wanted to wear a giant white skull on my chest.
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Either Michael Madsen or Martin Kemp. For those of you who don't know Martin Kemp was in Spandau Ballet in the 80's and most recently starred in Eastenders (A British Show) as Steve Owen nightclub owner and gangster. The man has such a menacing presence on screen that he would be great for Punisher. As long as the British accent was removed.
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...because I've always thought Jane would make a damn fine Punisher. Personally, I think the film should be set in the 80s. Why? First off, that's when ol' Punny got his first series. Second, it makes sense if he's a Vietnam veteran (which is integral to the character), and that's basically the last time that the mafia was really prominent. Of course, De Niro circa "Raging Bull" would've been perfect (not when he was fat though). Tom Berenger is also a good choice. Henry Rollins would be fucking stupid. Liotta is an interesting choice but I don't want to hear him screeching (when the man gets worked up he screams like a girl). Anyway, the film should be an operatic crime film with a gritty 70s action movie feeling (ala "The Hunting Party" or "The Big Racket"). Speaking of "The Big Racket" Italian actor Fabio Testi would've been damn good...that is if he could speak a word of English (I'm not sure).
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I don't know if this guy has been mentioned anywhere but I think he would be perfect for the role. Oleson has played bit parts here and there (Bloodsport 3, Eating LA) but is probably best known as the "not so nice" Neo Nazi in "American History X." He's got the look, he's got the size (all of these other people being talked about are shrimps...this is The Punisher we are talking about, not The Irritator), and best of all, we know he can dish out the punishment when it comes time, as Ed Norton's rear end could attest following the shower scene that was more brutal than "Psycho." If anyone in the know reads this, I implore you to pass this suggestion along to Gale Anne Hurd, Hensleigh, hell, anyone with access to those pulling the strings on this production. Check out his pic at the following link and see if you disagree with me:
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Club/3036/oleson.html -
I'd rather have him playing the character than the usual muscle-head with no acting ability playing the Punisher. I am more worried about the script. The film that has Dolph Lundgren has one hell of awful script. If anything, it's Jane who should be asking if the script is any good or not.
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