Source: Marvel News
Director Lexi Alexander announces three new actors for Punisher movie sequel
While the first “Punisher” wasn’t as huge a success with fans as was hoped, Marvel is counting on director Lexi Alexander to change all that with the highly anticipated 2008 sequel titled “Punisher: War Zone.”
This week she announced some intriquing new casting details with a promise of more to come!
On her official blog, Alexander introduced three of the new cast members and their respective roles. Dash Mihok, who recently appeared in the drama “Hollywoodland,” is set to play Detective Martin Soap. In the comics, Soap is the inept and unfortunate member of the NYPD who is assigned to bring Frank Castle down.
Mihok also had a pivotal role in the Dennis Quaid film “The Day After Tomorrow,” and can be seen later this year or early 2008 as the lead in the compelling Iraqi war drama “Superheroes.”
Colin Salmon, who has had roles in “Tomorrow Never Dies,” “Match Point” and the TV series “Hex,” is set to star as Agent Paul Budiansky. Featured in recent issues of THE PUNISHER, Budiansky is a cop who becomes analogous to Frank Castle after making a series of morally gray decisions.
Salmon is being kept very busy in 2007 and 2008 with a total of nine new films in the offering, including this one. The one fans might be most interested in knowing about is the Chris Nolan feature film “Blood: The Last Vampire.” Another is a horror flick ready for 2007 called “Credo,” which examines the dark side of the human psyche.
And it looks like Doug Hutchinson, who starred opposite Tom Hanks in “The Green Mile”, will play Loony Bin Jim, a role rumored to be the brother of classic Punisher villain Jigsaw. Speaking of Jigsaw, Alexander says that she has yet to find just the right actor for that part.
Hutchinson, one of my favorite character actors, had a recent appearance on ABC’s “Lost” and will star in the Western Horror film “The Burrowers” in 2008, as well as the intensive urban drama “Days of Wrath,” currently in post-production.
Already on board are Wayne Knight of “Seinfeld” fame to play Microchip, Dominic West (“300”) and Ray Stephenson as the Punisher. Actor Thomas Jane opted out of appearing as the vigilante after his first entry “The Punisher” in 2004.
Stephenson has risen in prominence after his outstanding performance as Titus Pullo on the critically acclaimed HBO series “Rome.”
Wow! I just noticed that with that particular pose and those ears JJ Abrams could cast Doug in his new “Star Trek” feature film as a Vulcan.
Stay with Slice of SciFi for all the latest information on this and other great comic book-to-film upcoming features.
Mark in St. Louis says
And by “first”, do you mean “second”? Granted, the first one could easily fit the description, too.
Skiznot says
I was going to say the same thing. I still remember the Dolf Lungrin Punisher movie making War Zone the 3rd.
not to worry, you know us nit picky types. Keep up the good work Sam. I enjoy the updates I get from the site and podcast I chose to go ahead and donate a bit.
Skiznot says
then again when I talk about the “First Batman” I speak of Lewis Wilson in 1943. I watched it with Monty Burns for a nickel.
Sam says
Thanks alot, I’ve tried all this time to put that Lundgren fiasco out of my brain……..just when I think I’m out THEY DRAG ME BACK IN! 🙂
JJSoundclash says
Keram Malicki-Sanchez (American History X, 24) is set to play Ink. Not major news, but news nonetheless.
Aphrodite says
the ONLY reason i’m even going to see the film is because keram malicki-sanchez (saving grace, keramsongs.com)is playing in the film!!! i can’t wait to see how he works this role!
Dima says
I’m excited about the film because Keram Malicki-Sanchez is going to play Ink. Can’t wait to see him rock the role!!
Don says
If it follows the Garth Ennis vision of The Punisher with the Tim Bradstreet Tone/Atmosphere of the man, then this should be good. I personally was disappointed that Tom Jane backed out of the sequel to the 2nd film.
Nomad says
Fear not, Don. Ray Stevenson looks a LOT more like The Punisher than ever Thomas Jane did. Check this out:
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u235/NomadsPics/ScreenHunter_03_Jul_10_19.41.gif
And if you saw him in HBO’s Rome, you know he’s a fantastic actor and can kick major butt!