By Dakota Grabowski
Remedy Entertainment did it again. They went above and beyond expectations and delivered another thrilling video game that doesn’t pull any punches — except, maybe the ominous ending. Seven years since they released Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne, Remedy Entertainment delivered another title that is worthy of a Hollywood adaptation in the form of Alan Wake.
In 2008, 20th Century Fox adapted Remedy’s Max Payne into a live-action film that starred Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Chris O’Donnell, and Beau Bridges. Despite horrid reviews from critics, Max Payne went on to win number one in the box office its debut week and grossed more than $85 million worldwide ($40 million domestically). In addition, it earned $25 in DVD and Blu-Ray sales – not bad for a film shot for $35 million.
That said, it makes sense that a Hollywood production company would jump on board and adapt Remedy’s latest critically-acclaimed video game. Owning the intellectual property (IP) in full, Remedy has the ability to search across the globe for a big picture partner with no interference from Microsoft (unlike what happened with the Halo film). So let’s explore the casting for an Alan Wake adaptation.
Alan Wake played by Viggo Mortensen
While Mortensen may not look exactly like the title character, his acting would fit best when looking back to his performances in Eastern Promises, The Road, and A History of Violence. His presence in the film wouldn’t be overbearing like the casting of, say, Brad Pitt or George Clooney (not saying they would ever be an option). If we are to keep this film low key and less abstract such as Max Payne turned out to be with “Marky Mark” and the atrocious fake Russian accent of Mila Kunis, Mortensen would blend in and take the film to new heights.
Alice Wake played by Elizabeth Mitchell
Granted, this role would be minimal, Elizabeth Mitchell would make an excellent Alice that could stand out with her blond beauty for the limited time she would appear on screen. Her appearances in television’s Lost and lead role in ABC’s sci-fi remake V, Mitchell has won over die-hard fans with her smile and soft-spoken acting.
Rose Marigold played by Bryce Dallas Howard
Bringing in another known name, Bryce Dallas Howard would help aid in promotional items as her star status is growing every year; especially since she’ll have a role in the upcoming The Twilight Saga: Eclipse this summer. Looking the part, and most definitely capable of playing the part, Howard would assist in raising the bar in the area of acting.
Barry Wheeler played by Rich Sommer
Opting for more of an unknown supporting actor, Rich Sommer has made a small name for himself on AMC’s Mad Men as Harry Crane. Even though the actor is younger looking than the character within the video game, Sommer’s Barry would allow for a younger cast that wouldn’t chew through the scenes where Mortensen must shine as the lead. Plus, if you have ever watched Mad Men, you already know that Sommer is able to nail down the nervous and fast-talking Hollywood type with ease.
Rusty played by Vincent Kartheiser
Another Mad Men carryover, Vincent Kartheiser would be chosen more on his looks rather than his acting – although, his acting isn’t anything to scoff at. Kartheiser has been able to stand toe-to-toe with Jon Hamm throughout the series, so his acting should never come into question as Bright Fall’s park ranger. Once again though, this casting choice would be changing the age of the character in question, but it’s a small one at best, so it wouldn’t affect the viewing pleasure of the audience.
Dr. Emil Hartman played by Tom Wilkinson
Selecting Tom Wilkinson would be a wise one due to how great of a vile character he can play. For evidence, we only have to examine his roles in Batman Begins as Carmine Falcone and as an unpleasant father in Wilde. Dr. Emil Hartman requires an actor who can fill the shoes as a smug and arrogant psychiatrist; thus, Wilkinson would be able to accomplish this task with his eyes closed.
Cynthia Weaver played by Blair Brown
Cynthia’s part within the Alan Wake saga is a small one, so choosing Blair Brown, one of the more mysterious characters from J.J. Abram’s Fringe, is more about picking an actress who isn’t too recognizable but can hold her own on the big screen.
Barbara Jagger played by Cristine Rose
There was an immediate connection between character and actor the first time I saw Barbara Jagger handing Alan Wake keys to the cabin in the first episode. Cristine Rose was born to play this part after seeing her manipulative role in NBC’s Heroes. She has the look and that’s what matters most for finding Jagger’s real life counterpart.
Agent Robert Nightingale played by Jim Parrack
Altering the age of one of the supporting characters, Jim Parrack would slide into the position as FBI Agent Robert Nightingale, an officer who has had one too many to drink. Parrack’s time spent on HBO’s True Blood as Hoyt Fortenberry has showed that Parrack can play the twitchy and unsure of himself character with authority.
Sheriff Sarah Breaker played by Rebecca Hall
The last character that needs to be cast is Bright Falls Sheriff Sarah Breaker. Electing to go with another yet-to-be-made-famous actress, Rebecca Hall fits perfectly as a homely officer that has concern for Alan Wake’s well-being.
Many of the casting decisions I have made were much more about building a team of actors who could play the role and do so in a stunning fashion. Often, we have Hollywood selecting Jake Gyllenhaal as the lead of Prince of Persia, Mark Wahlberg as the aforementioned Max Payne, Jean-Claude Van Damme as Street Fighter’s Guile and many other off the wall choices. If I had my way, I’d rather see actors who could take to the screen and make it their own.
Alan Wake would hinge on the performance of its title character, whom I would beg Hollywood to at least consider the one, the only, Viggo Mortensen.
