Casting Call for TITAN

So, one of the questions I get the most is “Would you ever want TITAN to be a movie?” And the simple answer is “Definitely!” Anyone who knows me can tell you that movies are as big of an influence on me as comics or prose, and TITAN in particular is heavily influenced by films like Blade Runner and Children of Men, so naturally I’d love to see a cinematic version of my book made (big surprise, I know). 

Over on my podcast Apples to Giraffes my co-host Jonas Madden-Connor and I recently did a short bonus episode where we discussed some elements of adapting my book to the screen, and in particular who we might cast in our individual version of the film. You can see all of Jonas’ picks (some of which I like as much or more than my own) alongside mine over on our Apples to Giraffes Instagram page, and we discuss our thinking in detail on the show, including two fantastic picks for director that had me so excited imaginign what either of them would do with my book! In addition, I thought I would write a little bit more about why I picked the actors I did here.

I’ve gone through a few different iterations of fancasting, especially for the principal roles of João and Phoebe, but this is the first time I created a full “dream cast.” I tried to think about how the actors might work together, as well as practical concerns like their ages (for a long time I pictured Giancarlo Esposito in the role of João, but I think it is safe to say he is too old for the role now) and even the relative heights of the actors, to help with selling the special effects needed to bring Titan’s giants to life on the screen.

 João da Silva – André Holland
Age: 42
Height: 5’9”

André Holland really caught my eye a few years back with his excellent performance as the beleaguered Dr. Algernon C. Edwards on Steven Soderbergh’s The Knick, and since then he’s often played passionate intellectual types caught up in exploitative systems in films such as Passing and High Flying Bird. But as his stand-out turn Moonlight shows, this talented actor can embody tender, romantic longing just about better than anyone… just think of that knockout scene in the diner where Holland puts on “Hello Stranger” by Barbara Lewis on the jukebox and imagine what he could do with the “Terra” sequence in TITAN. 

 Phoebe Mackintosh – Mackenzie Davis
Age: 35
Height: 5’10”

I still haven’t watched Halt and Catch Fire or Station Eleven, the shows that Mackenzie Davis is probably best known for (I’ve heard she is great in both), but I’ve been impressed with her whenever she pops up in a movie I’m watching, and her roles frequently feel like they reflect some aspect of Phoebe in them, such as her memorable turn as an android revolutionary in Bladerunner 2049, a star-crossed lover in Black Mirror: San Junipero, and most recently as an astronaut struggling across a barren planet in the The Very Pulse of the Machine episode of Love, Death, & Robots. But probably her turn as a cybernetic warrior woman in Terminator: Dark Fate (in general a pretty dull flick, but she was good in it) really made it clear that she could have the physicality and attitude to play the part of Phoebe. I think the Davis could be just the actress to bring a frankly badass heroine to the screen.

 Cyrus – Dave Bautista
Age: 53
Height: 6’2”

This former wrestler has made a major name for himself in playing laconic warriors in sci-fi films such as Guardians of the Galaxy, Bladerunner 2049, and Dune, but I think he’s shown he has the acting chops to pull off a more voluble villain. Cyrus could be a great role for this actor, a physically and intellectually imposing character who would rivet the audience’s attention while on screen. Lots of make up and prosthetics would be required for this role, but Bautista seems game after roles like Drax and the Beast Rabban! 

John Joans – Martin Freeman
Age: 51
Height: 5’6”

Asst Mngr John Joans is a tricky role to nail, he’s got to be both unassuming and sneaky, with a subtle capacity for cruelty simmering under a surface of officious, nervous energy. More than anything, Martin Freeman’s role in Fargo had me thinking he could nail this, and I’d love to see his take on Joans’ stuttering speech patterns. Perhaps with his experience filming the Hobbit he could help the other actors manage the forced perspective tricks that might be needed to bring TITAN to the screen! 

Alexi – Winston Duke
Age: 35
Height: 6’5”

An actor who’s star is on the rise, Winston Duke is a shoe-in for revolutionary leader and fighting champion Alexi. Anyone who’s seen his scene-stealing turn as M’Baku in Black Panther knows he’s got the ability to sell not only the fight scenes but also the rousing speeches Alexi delivers in TITAN. Not to mention that at 6’5″ Duke would certainly be believable as a giant warrior! 

Sonja – Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Age: 37
Height: 5’8”

Phoebe’s friend and former lover Sonja is a fairly minor role in TITAN, but takes the spotlight in several key scenes that illuminate the raw reality of life on Titan, and her fate galvanizes Phoebe’s determination to chart a new course for herself and her people. I always dig Winstead whenever I see her in a film or TV show, from her portrayal of Ramona Flowers in Scott Pilgrim to 10 Cloverfield Lane, Smashed, and Fargo. I think she could bring the right vibe of youthful revolt to this tragic figure.

 Ramona – Danai Gurira
Age: 44
Height: 5’7”

Another rather small role in the book, Ramona does have some great moments, with a couple brutal action scenes as well as a fairly withering philosophical take-down of Phoebe’s motives. Danai Gurira, well-known for playing tough-as-nails fighters in The Walking Dead and Black Panther, would certainly bring some very strong energy to the role.

What do you think? Would you go see a TITAN movie? Did you prefer any of Jonas’ picks? Do you have your own fancasting for TITAN?