Now that Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained has its script, we can expect a rush of quick casting news. These are going to be good days.
And surprising ones. According to THR’s Heat Vision, Tarantino wants Will Smith to play Django, the freed slave who wants to reunite with his wife, and take down an evil plantation owner, Monsieur Calvin Candie.
No offer has been made. No talks have taken place. Smith is said to have the script in hand, though. He has a busy plate, but I don’t think it will be too busy for this. I think he will end up being Django. Tarantino usually nabs his man.
Much to the surprise of no one, Samuel L. Jackson is also being courted for the role of Candie’s house slave, “an expert manipulator who will face off with Django.” Christoph Waltz, of the many denials, is still said to be in talks for the part of the German bounty hunter, who helps Django on his quest.
Obviously, this is all still very early. Jackson is probably a given, though, as is Waltz. Smith is a wild card. He hasn’t been on anyone’s “fantasy cast list” and I’m sure his name will provoke a few groans or mumbles of “I wanted Idris Elba!” disappointment. But casting is hardly Tarantino’s weak spot, and if he wants Smith, then I’m not going to argue. And it would be nice to walk out with a renewed appreciation for Smith, who was once someone I loved seeing onscreen. A badass role (a really badass role) is just what he needs, don’t you think?