From Sony Pictures and John Wick directing duo David Leitch and Chad Stahelski, comes the big screen adaptation of the Valiant Comics superhero Bloodshot. Jeff Wadlow (Kick-Ass 2) and Eric Heisserer (The Thing) wrote the screenplay and Matthew Vaughn and Jason Kothari are on board as producers. The film is targeting a 2017 release.
Bloodshot is a former soldier with powers of regeneration and meta-morphing made possible through nanites injected into his blood. After having his memory wiped numerous times, Bloodshot is out to discover who he really is and get vengeance on those who did this to him.
If you aren’t reading the current Bloodshot: Reborn comic series from Jeff Lemire over at Valiant Comics – you damn well should be. The character is easily my favorite superhero right now and Lemire’s writing has been stellar with a fantastic array of artists coming on board to bring Bloodshot to life. The current ‘Analog Man’ arc is one of the best stories in comics for 2016.
Since there haven’t been any casting announcements yet for the upcoming film adaptation, I thought I’d check in with the FFFN staff and see who they thought could step into the leading role of Bloodshot. Behold theirs and my responses:
Frank Grillo
Keven’s Choice
Why? Watch The Purge: Anarchy
Grillo was one of many a fan’s top choice to become the new Punisher (until Jon Bernthal landed the part) and if you haven’t seen him in The Purge: Anarchy, then you may be a little lost. Sure he’s Crossbones in the Captain America films from Marvel, but the role isn’t too large to clash with him becoming Bloodshot. Go check out The Purge 2 – intense action and Grillo is too good in that flick.
Frank Grillo looks the part, especially in the latest series of Bloodshot Reborn comics and he can kick a ton of ass (evident in any movie he’s ever been in). If they haven’t considered Grillo for the role of Bloodshot – they should be. He’s easily my hands down favorite choice. Do it.
Gabriel Macht
Troy’s Choice
Why? Watch SWAT: Fire Fight & Suits
When Troy offered up Macht I was at first puzzled. You mean “The Spirit”? He had no idea what the hell I was talking about. Gabriel Macht is currently starring in the hit drama series ‘Suits’. I had no clue he was in that series and Troy had no clue Macht already made an attempt at becoming superhero and crashed horribly. Don’t watch The Spirit – it’s bad. Macht however, you know what – why the hell not? He looks the part and he’s a good actor. Plus – he’s done superhero work before and maybe Bloodshot could be his redemption in that genre.
Daniel Cudmore
Scott’s Choice
Why? Watch Baytown Outlaws
Cudmore may not have been able to reprise his famous role as Colossus from every other X-Men movie ever made when Deadpool came out, but he’s never really had the chance to do much with that role anyway. They never gave Colossus the spotlight he deserved. Daniel Cudmore is due for a shot and he certainly looks the part physically if they wind up going for a VERY big man.
I thought Cudmore was a little young and unseasoned but the more I think about it – I’m probably wrong, so Scott may have something here. Plus – that superhero experience helps. You’ll notice every pick on here has already danced with the genre – some more than others and Cudmore – WAY MORE – even if he only got 2-3 minutes for every one of the 30 X-Men films he appeared in.