As Heroes prepares to complete their horrible rip-off of Watchmen in tonight’s season finale, Aint It Cool News has broken three very big rumors in regard to casting in Zack Snyder’s adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ classic comic book. According to the site’s scooper, Keanu Reeves is being offered the role of Dr. Manhattan, Patrick Wilson is being courted for Nite Owl, and avowed Watchmen fan Jude Law is being approached to play Ozymandias.
Wow. Law’s fine casting, and a staple of fan casting for years (and maybe a chance for the poor guy to finally appear in a movie that makes some money). And Patrick Wilson could be an inspired choice, especially after seeing his fantastic turn as the Prom King in Little Children. The guy is one of my favorite ‘new’ actors, so it’s good to see his name cropping up in connection with such a major role in such a huge film. But how about Keanu…?
Weirdly, I think it’s a good choice. Not physically, but then again Doc Manhattan will likely be done via CGI (or at least I hope so). But Keanu has a flat affect that I think will perfectly fit this omnipotent, omniscient being. Dr. Manhattan is ever so slightly removed from the rest of the world, always focusing on other, more cosmic concerns. I don’t know that Keanu is my dream choice for Manhattan, but if this is true Snyder has really earned the benefit of the doubt.
Here’s to hoping that this is the first in a wave of news about the project, including an official announcement of a shooting and release date.