Dream Casting Nic Cage's Tiger King Series
15. Howard Baskin - Geoffrey Rush
The gentle soul that is Howard Baskin comes off better than most in the insane adventures of Tiger King, even if the images of him on a leash on his wedding day should have been a criminal offence. Outside of those pictures, Howard always came across as a learned fella who was one of the genuinely intelligent and (somewhat) dignified identities in the show.
No-one would be better to play the role of a measured gentleman with a hint of an eccentric side than Australian veteran Geoffrey Rush. While most famous for his exaggerated performances in the Pirates of the Caribbean series as Captain Barbossa, Rush was also outstanding in award winning dramas The King's Speech and Elizabeth: The Golden Age, where his more nuanced acting skills were on full display. While the idea of seeing Rush on a leash is not exactly something we've been hanging out for, he would definitely execute the intelligence and well mannered appearance of the Baskin.
Another option for the role should Rush would not be willing to participate would be another veteran in Brian Cox, who always has a measured manner in each of his film appearances. He would need to slim up to match the physique of Baskin's, but personality wise he seems like a good fit.