Star Wars Gender!Swap Casting
I don't even understand my life or my life choices anymore. Apparently my brain couldn't rest until I did this.
I had originally thought of Kristen Stewart as Skykiller(/Luke) because she is so perfectly AWKWARD and uncomfortable, which is pretty much how I feel about Luke. But then I had this thought... of Anakin and then... well... after that Stewart pretty much lost the battle. My head went through various options for this listing and I'm not entirely sure my (male) characters are all perfectly perfect. But once I had Anakin, everything had to fit around that, pretty much.
Saoirse Ronan as Young Anaka Skykiller
Once I had Anakin and Luke figured out, this was just the perfectly perfect choice for this role. She's not quite as young as the role is intended - but honestly, she's so bad-ass I think we can all just agree that the age of Anaka when she's found is not as important as whether the (child) actor can pull off this roll. Saoirse only takes the most difficult roles - a girl who accuses someone of rape, a dead girl, a warrior-princess. She's not only capable of this role, she was bloody born for it. Probably the adorable creature from Kick Ass could pull this off as well ... but we all know what Anaka grows up to be, and Saoirse can be ice-cold but still lovable.
Michelle Williams as Anaka Skykiller
I just saw her in Take this Waltz and though I'm sure there are other women who could do this part justice, probably other more "SuperHero"-esque women who wouldn't be as challenged with the physical stunt-work. But honestly, if you want to watch someone fall down the path of making the wrong choices for all the right reasons, Michelle will tear your heart out with her as she goes. And that's really necessary for this role: You have to still LOVE them, even when they get so dark and do all the wrong things. And Michelle? Oh hells yes can this woman do that.
Carey Mulligan as Leia ("Luke") Skykiller
Once I had decided on Michelle Williams for Anaka ... well LOOK AT CARRIE'S FACE! She's like Michelle 2.0! There is no question in my mind these women shouldn't be in a project together. And Carey could DO this. She's just as awkward as Stewart (my first choice for Luke) and quite honestly... the amount of pathos and empathy this character needs, while also being capable of the 30-yard stare, I believe Carey can absolutely do.
Like with Michelle - Carey'snot exactly "perfect" in terms of physicality. But I think that's what will make this casting so interesting - Luke and Anakin are the people you least expect to be warriors, they're almost like the runts of the litter in a way. Carey and Michelle don't seem like the obvious choices - and that's why they're perfect. And while I'm not a fan of Episodes 1-3... these two women are such mirrors of each other in appearance and acting-style, the effect of a 6-film arc would be not only improved, but I would suggest - radically altered with these two women as the focal points.
Jennifer Garner as Young Obi Wan
She's bad ass. And that's putting it lightly. Jen Garner as a young Obi Wan just makes sense. Obi Wan is so full of hope and draws such clear lines between the rules and what isn't allowed. He was too young when he had to take charge of Anakin and was still trying to work himself out. Garner can do this. Oh my, she is buff as hell and can take care of herself in a fight - but when she is wounded emotionally, it's THERE in every glance and movement. She's a dork, she can pull of ridiculous glee and happiness, can joke and flirt and have a good time. But at the drop of a hat turn a 180 into a serious scene. She's a very subtle actor when the part calls for it - you have to pay close attention, but her face is one of the most expressive I've ever seen. Basically, she's perfect.
Lena Olin as Obi Wan
So okay - I cheated a little. Lena Olin has previously played Jennifer Garner's mother, so the physical sameness is locked into my head. She's the perfect counterpart to Garner's performance. While young, Obi Wan is so idealistic, but once he's older - there's a lot of bitterness, doubt, shame, and ambiguity. Lena Olin plays ambiguity like a harp! She has the ability to make Obi Wan seem much darker (the potential of I just LOVE), but also has a playfulness that cuts like a knife. She is the perfect balance of humor and deadliness. Which you want in an aging Jedi.
Eliza Dushku as Hannah "Han" Solo
Let me preface this with, excepting the men, this was the most dificult role for me to wrap my head around. And also, that I am a fierce Dushku STAN. Han needs to be quick on the draw, flirty, fun, and intelligent. Not that there aren't a lot of women who hit this, Eliza seems just so right. I was also throwing around in my head Kate Beckinsale, Franka Potente, Milla Jocovitch, and Gina Torres. But none of those seemed like good partners for Carrie Mulligan. Dushku could be playful and teasing with Mulligan at just the right level. Basically, I love Dushku when she is performing with other women (see: any scene with any woman ever) and as much as Han/Leia is a perfect love story - the Luke/Han bromance is just as important, if not more so. And Dushku is a GREAT big sis. A great dynamic between Luke and Han is what Episode IV is built on, and Eliza can carry that throughout.
Tahmoh Penikett as Luke ("Leia") Skykiller
Not going to lie - don't we ALL want to see little Carrie Mulligan and Eliza Dushku RESCUE big ol' Tahmoh? With all these little ladies, I should/could have picked a little Luke. Or even someone who looks more like Michelle and Carrie. But I wanted Luke to stand out visually from his settings. I'm kind of imagining a Millenium Falcon that is suited for Eliza's small frame and Tahmoh is always have to duck and scrunch around. This visual pleases me. I don't want a Riley/Buffy/S4 thing happening - I did not cast a big guy to make the ladies look smaller. No. Quite the opposite. If the whole set/world is suited to these powerful women who are physically small - Tahmoh will look ridiculous. This is a woman's world and they are allowing him to be around, but they aren't going to make things easier for him - or make room for him. Plus, who can pull off the moral high ground better than Tahmoh? Or the Romantic lead? I want to see Tahmoh chillin' with the Ewoks, not in control of the Millenium, gving speeches, and being tortured by Williams. The Universe needs to give this to me. The extra perk: Eliza and Tahmoh deserve more screen time. And this role would allow him to play a bit more, poor kid always is in such serious roles.
Joshua Jackson as Peter ("Padme") Amidala
So ... another thing that I noticed when I started compiling this list is that most of the pairings have worked together before. With young/old Obi Wan that was pretty much intentional. With Tahmoh and Eliza, it was a happy perk. With Jackson and Williams - I literally forgot until I started looking for images of him and went "duh, Dawson's Creek". Regardless, I am obsessed with Fringe and obsessed with Jackson's adorable face. And also with his ability to be completely pathetic and strong at the same time. I think Jackson will have the deftness and delicacy to play against both Saoirse Ronan, the young ingenue who has a crush on him, and Michelle Williams, as his secret lover. Jackson is also pretty bad ass and can hold his own in the fight scenes. And eloquent/scary with his words! There's a scene in Fringe where Jackson threatens someone with Science and the poor man almost wets himself. It's glorious - and can't you see a good politician having that ability: "Facts are terrifying, do what I say"?
Gina Torres as Leandra ("Lando") Calirissian
Pirate/Smuggler turned Utiopian-ist? Han Solo's best friend? Morally ambigious, kick-ass leader with a heart of gold? The person who will make the biggest mistake and then do all they can to make up for it? Who will run into a dangerous situation to save the friend they betrayed? Gina Torres can bring humor to all of these scenarios. I feel like this one needs very little explanation.
I did not gender!swap Chewie, the robots, and Yoda because... well, I would assume that all these characters would be made female - but I focused only on the human characters, because this isn't an All-human AU. This is the Skykiller story, lead by awesome ladies.
Though... possibly Emma Stone would make a FANTASTIC voice for C3PO
Note: Idea and format completely and utterly stolen from the brilliant penny_lane_42
I had originally thought of Kristen Stewart as Skykiller(/Luke) because she is so perfectly AWKWARD and uncomfortable, which is pretty much how I feel about Luke. But then I had this thought... of Anakin and then... well... after that Stewart pretty much lost the battle. My head went through various options for this listing and I'm not entirely sure my (male) characters are all perfectly perfect. But once I had Anakin, everything had to fit around that, pretty much.
Saoirse Ronan as Young Anaka Skykiller
Once I had Anakin and Luke figured out, this was just the perfectly perfect choice for this role. She's not quite as young as the role is intended - but honestly, she's so bad-ass I think we can all just agree that the age of Anaka when she's found is not as important as whether the (child) actor can pull off this roll. Saoirse only takes the most difficult roles - a girl who accuses someone of rape, a dead girl, a warrior-princess. She's not only capable of this role, she was bloody born for it. Probably the adorable creature from Kick Ass could pull this off as well ... but we all know what Anaka grows up to be, and Saoirse can be ice-cold but still lovable.
Michelle Williams as Anaka Skykiller
I just saw her in Take this Waltz and though I'm sure there are other women who could do this part justice, probably other more "SuperHero"-esque women who wouldn't be as challenged with the physical stunt-work. But honestly, if you want to watch someone fall down the path of making the wrong choices for all the right reasons, Michelle will tear your heart out with her as she goes. And that's really necessary for this role: You have to still LOVE them, even when they get so dark and do all the wrong things. And Michelle? Oh hells yes can this woman do that.
Carey Mulligan as Leia ("Luke") Skykiller
Once I had decided on Michelle Williams for Anaka ... well LOOK AT CARRIE'S FACE! She's like Michelle 2.0! There is no question in my mind these women shouldn't be in a project together. And Carey could DO this. She's just as awkward as Stewart (my first choice for Luke) and quite honestly... the amount of pathos and empathy this character needs, while also being capable of the 30-yard stare, I believe Carey can absolutely do.
Like with Michelle - Carey'snot exactly "perfect" in terms of physicality. But I think that's what will make this casting so interesting - Luke and Anakin are the people you least expect to be warriors, they're almost like the runts of the litter in a way. Carey and Michelle don't seem like the obvious choices - and that's why they're perfect. And while I'm not a fan of Episodes 1-3... these two women are such mirrors of each other in appearance and acting-style, the effect of a 6-film arc would be not only improved, but I would suggest - radically altered with these two women as the focal points.
Jennifer Garner as Young Obi Wan
She's bad ass. And that's putting it lightly. Jen Garner as a young Obi Wan just makes sense. Obi Wan is so full of hope and draws such clear lines between the rules and what isn't allowed. He was too young when he had to take charge of Anakin and was still trying to work himself out. Garner can do this. Oh my, she is buff as hell and can take care of herself in a fight - but when she is wounded emotionally, it's THERE in every glance and movement. She's a dork, she can pull of ridiculous glee and happiness, can joke and flirt and have a good time. But at the drop of a hat turn a 180 into a serious scene. She's a very subtle actor when the part calls for it - you have to pay close attention, but her face is one of the most expressive I've ever seen. Basically, she's perfect.
Lena Olin as Obi Wan
So okay - I cheated a little. Lena Olin has previously played Jennifer Garner's mother, so the physical sameness is locked into my head. She's the perfect counterpart to Garner's performance. While young, Obi Wan is so idealistic, but once he's older - there's a lot of bitterness, doubt, shame, and ambiguity. Lena Olin plays ambiguity like a harp! She has the ability to make Obi Wan seem much darker (the potential of I just LOVE), but also has a playfulness that cuts like a knife. She is the perfect balance of humor and deadliness. Which you want in an aging Jedi.
Eliza Dushku as Hannah "Han" Solo
Let me preface this with, excepting the men, this was the most dificult role for me to wrap my head around. And also, that I am a fierce Dushku STAN. Han needs to be quick on the draw, flirty, fun, and intelligent. Not that there aren't a lot of women who hit this, Eliza seems just so right. I was also throwing around in my head Kate Beckinsale, Franka Potente, Milla Jocovitch, and Gina Torres. But none of those seemed like good partners for Carrie Mulligan. Dushku could be playful and teasing with Mulligan at just the right level. Basically, I love Dushku when she is performing with other women (see: any scene with any woman ever) and as much as Han/Leia is a perfect love story - the Luke/Han bromance is just as important, if not more so. And Dushku is a GREAT big sis. A great dynamic between Luke and Han is what Episode IV is built on, and Eliza can carry that throughout.
Tahmoh Penikett as Luke ("Leia") Skykiller
Not going to lie - don't we ALL want to see little Carrie Mulligan and Eliza Dushku RESCUE big ol' Tahmoh? With all these little ladies, I should/could have picked a little Luke. Or even someone who looks more like Michelle and Carrie. But I wanted Luke to stand out visually from his settings. I'm kind of imagining a Millenium Falcon that is suited for Eliza's small frame and Tahmoh is always have to duck and scrunch around. This visual pleases me. I don't want a Riley/Buffy/S4 thing happening - I did not cast a big guy to make the ladies look smaller. No. Quite the opposite. If the whole set/world is suited to these powerful women who are physically small - Tahmoh will look ridiculous. This is a woman's world and they are allowing him to be around, but they aren't going to make things easier for him - or make room for him. Plus, who can pull off the moral high ground better than Tahmoh? Or the Romantic lead? I want to see Tahmoh chillin' with the Ewoks, not in control of the Millenium, gving speeches, and being tortured by Williams. The Universe needs to give this to me. The extra perk: Eliza and Tahmoh deserve more screen time. And this role would allow him to play a bit more, poor kid always is in such serious roles.
Joshua Jackson as Peter ("Padme") Amidala
So ... another thing that I noticed when I started compiling this list is that most of the pairings have worked together before. With young/old Obi Wan that was pretty much intentional. With Tahmoh and Eliza, it was a happy perk. With Jackson and Williams - I literally forgot until I started looking for images of him and went "duh, Dawson's Creek". Regardless, I am obsessed with Fringe and obsessed with Jackson's adorable face. And also with his ability to be completely pathetic and strong at the same time. I think Jackson will have the deftness and delicacy to play against both Saoirse Ronan, the young ingenue who has a crush on him, and Michelle Williams, as his secret lover. Jackson is also pretty bad ass and can hold his own in the fight scenes. And eloquent/scary with his words! There's a scene in Fringe where Jackson threatens someone with Science and the poor man almost wets himself. It's glorious - and can't you see a good politician having that ability: "Facts are terrifying, do what I say"?
Gina Torres as Leandra ("Lando") Calirissian
Pirate/Smuggler turned Utiopian-ist? Han Solo's best friend? Morally ambigious, kick-ass leader with a heart of gold? The person who will make the biggest mistake and then do all they can to make up for it? Who will run into a dangerous situation to save the friend they betrayed? Gina Torres can bring humor to all of these scenarios. I feel like this one needs very little explanation.
I did not gender!swap Chewie, the robots, and Yoda because... well, I would assume that all these characters would be made female - but I focused only on the human characters, because this isn't an All-human AU. This is the Skykiller story, lead by awesome ladies.
Though... possibly Emma Stone would make a FANTASTIC voice for C3PO
Note: Idea and format completely and utterly stolen from the brilliant penny_lane_42