Ah, 1999. Debatably one of the finest years for film. For today, I pose the question of what would the upcoming Justice League movie have looked like if it were coming right out of the 90s? A look back at some of the hot properties (some of which have held strong today, others have fallen through the cracks) that really got us going to the theater (well, those of us that could drive at the time) to see the likes of American Beauty, Fight Club, and The Avengers.
Not that The Avengers.
6. Martian Manhunter – Nicolas Cage
Say what you will about Cage’s recent outings with his latest entries on his filmography; Cage was a 90s powerhouse and was really able to strut his stuff. With Face/Off, Con Air, The Rock, and an Academy Award for Best Actor in Leaving Las Vegas, it’s hard to see how Cage wouldn’t be involved in the biggest action film of the year. He had the fans, the gusto, and was even up for Superman for Tim Burton.
His Manhunter would have been all kinds of sedated, quirky strangeness, and it’s likely that it would be a role Cage could completely get lost in. While he might be a bit busy with Johnny Blaze and quick-fix films like Stolen and The Frozen Ground right now, it doesn’t hurt to dream about the what-could-have-beens. And I think it’s safe to say that Cage could have made quite the interesting Martian Manhunter in his prime.
Alternate: Denzel Washington
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5 Comments
I was on board all the way until we got to #1.
I would prefer Tom Cruise or Keanu Reeves as Supes.
You list does make me wish that the film could have been made in the 90s.
JLA in the 90′s :
Superman: Daniel Day Lewis
Batman: Liam Neeson
Wonder Woman: Cameron Díaz or Lucy Lawless
Green Lantern: Kevin Costner
Flash: Kevin Bacon
Aquaman: Brad Pitt
I’d move Pitt into the Superman spot because Depp is too small, and give Batman to Mel Gibson, he could do a VERY Dark Knight.
Good call Michael
Why do you keep leaving Aquaman out of your reviews, casts and lists? Was there no actor who could have played him in the 90s (thanks Juan Salvo :D)? You didn’t include him either in your “super villains list” intro, as if he has no chance to make the movie. Poor Arthur. I think he has great chances to be there, as his new comic book is one of the best out of the New 52 reboots. Yes, I’m a fan!