Hey, everyone! It’s Kate Betts again with this week’s Writers’ Corner. This piece by Kristofer Seppala is all about Winnie the Pooh. Enjoy!
Casting the live-action ‘Winnie the Pooh’ film
by Kristofer Seppala
So if you haven’t heard, Disney announced not too long ago that there is going to be a live-action Winnie the Pooh film in the near future! There are not many details about it yet, including who’s going to be cast, so I’ve decided to use my imagination and offer personal suggestions as to which actors would be best for each character from the Hundred Acre Wood.
Christopher Robin — Aaron Paul
It’s said that Christopher Robin is going to be an adult in this adaptation. Paul is a fully grown man, but he has a certain youthful look about him that would echo the Christopher Robin we saw in the cartoons.
Winnie the Pooh — Zach Galifianakis
No, I did not pick Galifianakis just because he happens to be on the chubbier side. Winnie the Pooh is an innocent character who’s satisfied with the simple things in life, and Galifianakis has portrayed that character type rather well in films like “The Campaign” and “The Hangover.” I don’t find it too far from the imagination to imagine him going, “Oh bother.”
Tigger — Ryan Reynolds
Reynolds comes off as a very energetic actor. I could definitely picture Reynolds jumping around up and down and constantly getting on Rabbit’s nerves and being proud that he’s “the only one.” And imagine him pouncing on Galifianakis’ Pooh when he answers the door.
Piglet — Charlie Day
Day comes off as someone who could get scared by just about anything. He’s already portrayed timid characters in just about everything he’s been in (“Horrible Bosses,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”), so it’s not too far-fetched to imagine him shouting, “Oh d-d-d-dear!”
Rabbit — Tony Shalhoub
Shalhoub is probably best known for his role as the title character in “Monk,” a detective with OCD. Shalhoub would be perfect in a scene where he’s trying to take pristine care of his beautiful garden, and then Reynolds’ Tigger comes bouncing by to ruin everything.
Kanga — January Jones
Kanga was always the kind motherly voice of all the characters. Jones is best known for her role as Betty in “Mad Men.” While she may have been an immature mother in that show, she could play someone who’s motherly and kind and has it all together.
Roo — Justin Bieber
Ever notice how Roo never grows up? Perfect role for the Biebs.
Owl — Patrick Stewart
Owl is the smart one of the group (remember when he informed everyone that Christopher Robin was going to Skull?) His whole personality is very Shakespearian, which would be perfect for Stewart
Gopher — Ken Jeong
If anyone is the outsider of the whole gang, it’s Gopher. He’s always doing his own thing digging tunnels and blowing things up with dynamite. This role wouldn’t be too different for Jeong considering his role as Chang in “Community.” Imagine Galifianakis’ Pooh walking by as Jeong’s Gopher pops his head out of a hole to say “hi.”
Eeyore — Nicolas Cage
Cage has a very…interesting filmography to say the least with good films like “Raising Arizona,” to crappier films like “The Wicker Man” and various forgettable B movies. So I don’t see why him being a depressed donkey would be out of his grasp when it seems he’s willing to do just about anything.
