Category Archives: This & That

Fancast Insecure: The Movie

November 7, 2021

Filed Under : Fancast - This & That - Uncategorized

Without a doubt, Insecure is one of most underrated, scripted shows on television today. With an ensemble cast (A main cast including Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, and Jay Ellis), crude humor, and relevant life lessons, Issa Rae’s critically acclaimed series continues to make an impact on popular culture. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t know all the lyrics to Issa Dee’s “Broken Pussy” freestyle (Maybe’s it’s dry as hell, maybe it really smells…broken pussy)? Like most things in life though, all good things come to an end (Insert Nelly Furtado song). Insecure is currently airing its fifth, and final season to wrap up the series. So, in honor of this bittersweet moment, I thought it would be a fun idea to cast an Insecure movie.

THE PITCH

Imagine an alternate universe where Issa Rae pitched a new age, American romantic comedy-drama film that centers around a group of black women living in LA. Each character is navigating through love, heartbreak, healing, corporate America, partying, and social media (It’s giving the Best Man meets How to be Single). Sounds like we have a hit on our hands folks!

FANCAST


Source: HBO

Most of the character’s personalities will remain true to the television series, with liberties being taken here and there to accommodate the film’s two hour runtime. So, without further ado, lets meet our main cast:

ISSA DEE NICOLE portrayed by BAHARI

Source: IMDB

Cinematic Issa should be relatable, charming, and full of emotions. So, we’re looking for an actress with range. That said, I concluded that Nicole Behari will take the lead. Often overlooked (We’ve seen her on television, but we never know her name), she’s one of those actresses that can transition between television and film quite well. Plus, she has the acting chops to keep an audience entertained for a two hour film. This could be her big break.

MOLLY CARTER portrayed by WUNMI MOSAKU

Source: IMDB

Strong, independent, and quite anxious, Molly is pivotal to the storyline of the film. She serves as the Yang to Issa’s Ying, and guaranteed a lot of screen-time. After watching Love Craft County and LOKI, Wunmi Mosaku is the perfect casting choice for cinematic Molly. We haven’t seen Wunmi play this type of character on the big screen yet. Why not start with the ride or die character like Molly?

LAWRENCE WALKER portrayed by YAHYA ABDUL-MATEEN II

Source: IMDB

For Lawrence, I went with fan-favorite actor, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. After seeing his work in Aquaman, Candyman, and Watchmen, I was sold! Lawrence is a very layered character that requires both a charismatic, on-screen presence, full of raw emotion (Yahya has that covered). Plus, Yahya would have great on-screen chemistry with our lead. Will you be #teamLawrence this time around?

KELLI PRENNY portrayed by SAMIRA WILEY

Source: IMDB

Samira Wiley as Kelli?! Okay, I know she’s a wildcard pick, but hear me out. Samira Wiley has range. Although Orange is the New Black and the Handmaid’s Tale are two completely different shows, Samira does an amazing job on both. She has a flattering on-screen presence that can make you laugh and blush at the same time.

TIFFANY DUBOIS portrayed by TAYLOUR PAIGE

Source: IMDB

Tiffany is one of those superficial characters with a few extra layers. For this pick, I went with Taylour Paige. I’ve seen her work on Hit the Floor and ZOLA, and I’m pretty impressed with her acting skills. Her portrayal of Tiffany will put a new spin on the modern day house wife.

SUPPORTING ROLES

And now for the rest…

DANIEL KING portrayed by TREVANTE RHODES

Source: IMDB

DEREK DUBOIS portrayed by JOHN DAVID WASHINGTON

Source: IMDB

CONDOLA HAYES portrayed by TIFFANY BOONE

Source: IMDB

NATHAN CAMPBELL portrayed by DAVEED DIGGS

Source: IMDB

FRIEDA portrayed by EMMA ROBERTS

Source: IMDB

ALEJANDRO “DRO” PENA portrayed by ISMAIL CRUZ-CORDOVA

Source: IMDB

CHAD KERR portrayed by DAMON WAYANS JR.

Source: IMDB

AHMAL DEE portrayed by KELVIN HARRISON JR.

Source: IMDB

LILA portrayed by C. C. H POUNDER

Source: IMDB

FINAL THOUGHTS

Based on these casting selections, the film will take characters and storylines from all five seasons, merged into one story. Most of Issa’s love interests and relationships will be shown throughout the film, representing different phases of her life.

Be honest, if Insecure was in fact a live action film, would you pay to sit through it? Why or why not? Who would you cast in these roles? Feel free to share in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!

Stay safe,

-Bryce Lennon

CTRL: A Short Film

May 24, 2021

Filed Under : Projects - This & That










Bryce Lennon tributes Control or “CTRL,” the debut album by singer SZA.  This short brings together style, imagery, and symbolism to provoke meaningful conversations about life and death. The film features audio excerpts from an interview with SZA. Check out the film above!

Fancast New Mutants

July 27, 2020

Filed Under : Fancast - Geeks Only - This & That

Source: Marvel

I’ve been highly anticipating Josh Boone’s supernatural thriller New Mutants for a couple of years now (The first trailer dropped back in 2017), and the film has yet to see the light of the day. Between the “horror friendly” reshoots that never happened and this year’s global pandemic, we can only speculate whats going on behind the scenes. The film’s theatrical release date was delayed a total of four times, and it’s upcoming August 28th premiere appears less likely now. That being said, now is the perfect time to fancast New Mutants for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

DISNEY ACQUISITION

In 2018, the Disney-Fox merger was finalized (Disney owned 21st Century Fox Studios, and all of it’s assets), meaning the X-Men and it’s associated properties would be part of the MCU.

Following the acquisition of Fox by Disney, New Mutants never saw the light of day. You see, New Mutants was originally filmed back in 2017 under Fox, with an April 2018 release date. Two and half years later, the film has yet to hit theaters. It’s most recent attempt was back in April. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was delayed once again. Although the film is finished and has retained its initial cut (Rumors about reshoots were on the horizon), it’s August 28th release data seems more than unlikely.

Source: IMDB

THE PITCH

My suggestion…release New Mutants on Disney+ as a standalone film, and begin planning a new film to introduce the characters into the MCU. Maybe just maybe Kevin Feige will recast the film with fresh faces, and more comic accurate depictions of the characters. Don’t get me wrong, Anya Taylor-Joy was my first choice Majik, but the original cast has aged and matured since principal photography began back in 2017.

Source: IMDB

THE SYNOPSIS

This film will pay homage to the original comic book, while incorporating modern themes:

Source: IMDB

Five teenagers, with extraordinary abilities, arrive to the time displaced city of Nova Roma for troubled mutant boot camp. After experiencing a series of nightmares and supernatural occurrences, they fight to accept their past sins and escape captivity.

FANCAST

So, in no particular order, here’s my roster for New Mutants:

BRIANNE TJU as KARMA (XI’AN COY MAHN)

Source: IMDB

When the New Mutants trailer dropped back in 2017, Karma was missing in action. Her absence was met with a lot of confusion from fans. In the comics, Karma is the original team leader. So, she needs to be there! Plus, she is one of the first lesbian characters introduced in Marvel comics.  That said, I’m sure Kevin Feige will have no problem including Karma this time around. Brianne Tju is my pick to play her.

JOEY KING as WOLFSBANE (RAHNE SINCLAIR)

Source: IMDB

With two major awards under her belt, Joey King has the acting chops to bring Wolfsbane to life. Don’t believe me, check out here imdb credits here. This young star is on the rise! Disney better snag her quick before she signs up for another major franchise.

AMBER MIDTHUNDER as MIRAGE (DANIELLE MOONSTAR)

Source: Unknown

The lack of indigenous actresses in Hollywood is quite disappointing to say the least. Luckily, the X-men franchise was previously introduced to Native American actress, Amber Midthunder. Sound familiar? Amber plays mutant Kerry Loudermilk on the FX original show, Legion. Luckily, Legion has no direct connection to the MCU. So, Amber can easily transition over to Disney as Mirage.

JHARREL JEROME as SUNSPOT (ROBERTO DA COSTA)

Source: Hollywood Reporter

Breakout star Jharrel Jerome would be the perfect addition to New Mutants as Sunspot. Although he is not Brazilian like his comic book counterpart, Jharrel is afro-latino, which is true to the source material. Plus, the boy can act! Have you seen “When They See Us?” Jharrel delivered!

ASA BUTTERFIELD as CANNONBALL (SAMUEL GUTHRIE)

Source: Unknown

Asa Butterfield is one of my personal favorites. He plays Otis Milburn on Sex Education, and brings a lot of innocent, yet witty antics to the show. Plus, he was the front-runner to portray Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Homecoming. So, he’s already on Feige’s radar. Cannonball seems more fitting.

ELLE FANNING as MAGIK (ILLYANA RASPUTIN)

Source: Guardian

I’ve been familiar with Elle Fanning’s work since Super 8, and always thought she was destined to play a Marvel related character. Not only is she a household name, Elle Fanning is the missing piece to this fresh franchise. Her acting range could really bring Magik to life. Hook Elle up with a bang, metal arm, and sword and she’s ready for battle!

THE VILLAIN

The first New Mutants film deserves a ruthless villain to carry the film. I’m not anticipating a cosmic entity like Thanos, but someone who lerks in the shadows. Perhaps, their motives will span across different MCU films. Who is a better villain than the Hellfire Club’s Black Queen, Selene? Not only is she an immortal vampire, Selene is a pivotal member of the Hellfire Club, which has yet to be reintroduced since the acquisition.

THANDIE NEWTON as SELENE

Source: Hollywood Life

In terms of casting, I would consider Thandie Newton as the role of Selene. She’s a strong enough actress to portray a elegant vampire with ulterior motives. Plus, I’m interested in seeing Thandie portray a villain. She usually plays the protagonist in most of her films.

So, there we have it. I’ve fancasted a New Mutants film without diving too much into a plot. Be sure to look out for Josh Boone’s New Mutants film in the near future.

Source: IMDB

Thanks for reading,

-Bryce Lennon