Casting Rumors: Matt Damon to Play Aquaman — and More
Hollywood rumor mills are belching smoke this week, with unconfirmed reports linking big-name actors with several high-profile roles: Jared Leto playing Doctor Strange, Matt Damon as Aquaman, and — prepare yourself for utter lunacy — Twilight alum Robert Pattinson stepping into the well-worn boots of Indiana Jones. Which of these might be (remotely) possible — and which are pieces of fanciful click-bait? We break it down below…
Jared Leto as Doctor Strange
Considering Johnny Depp was once rumored to be Marvel’s top choice for its master of the mystic arts, it would make sense if the studio turned to another pretty rocker-actor. The long-gestating project took a big step toward reality when Scott Derrickson (Sinister) was announced as its director. And (big) if Leto does sign on, it would cap off a nice week for Oscar’s recent Best Supporting winners, following on the heels of Lupita Nyong’o’s casting in Star Wars VII.
ODDS: 1 in 4. (Even if there’s any truth to this, Leto repeatedly said on the Dallas Buyers Club campaign trail, that acting hasn’t been numero uno in his heart.)
Matt Damon as Aquaman
According to The Wrap, Damon’s name has been floating around Justice League conversations ever since his best bro Ben Affleck was named Batman. And with 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice on the horizon and a Justice League movie to follow (both directed by Zack Snyder), it wouldn’t be surprising to see Aquaman dive into the action. Jason Momoa has also been rumored for the role… and we’re sure Adrian Grenier is keeping his schedule open.
ODDS: 1 in 10. (Damon laughed off the rumor on CNBC Meets, but — interestingly — left open a window by saying he would consider it if it “moved the needle” on his Water.org efforts.)
Robert Pattinson as Indiana Jones
What better way to win back Indy fans — less-than-thrilled with Kingdom of the Crystal Skull — by anointing Twilight pinup Robert Pattinson as Harrison Ford’s successor? Yeah, this seems as unlikely as Indy adopting a pet snake. Still, that hasn’t stopped certain outlets from reporting that an “unidentified insider” (studio executive? talent agent? custodian?) maintains that “Rob is top of the initial list.”
ODDS: 1 in a billion. (We’re saying there’s no chance.)
Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
