Marvel’s casting agency? Get in touch with Saoirse Ronan’s agents. Saoirse Ronan’s agents? Give Marvel’s casting agents a call. Let’s get this done.
Joss Whedon made quite a statement when rumors said that Irish actress Saoirse Ronan was his inspiration for the Scarlet Witch in his Avengers 2 script, but we really didn’t know what she thought about it. That is, until now.
The actress is making the rounds promoting her latest film, Violet & Daisy, and spoke with “Geek Girl Culture” site The Mary Sue about it. Being that The Mary Sue is one of the best geek journalism sites on the web, of course they asked Ronan about being Whedon’s muse:
The Mary Sue: You worked with Eric Bana in Hanna and he played the Hulk for Marvel. There was a rumor going around you’re Joss Whedon’s “prototype” for the character Scarlet Witch in The Avengers sequel. Did you hear anything about that and second, would you be interested in doing a superhero film ever?
Ronan: I have heard about it and yes, I would. Yeah, of course I would. I love Joss and I love those films, and I love his handle on them and how he portrayed these kinds of superheroes. I think it’s very different from what anyone else has done. So yeah, I’d love to be in it.”
The Mary Sue: Awesome, I hope it happens.
Ronan: So do I!
So there you have it, Whedon’s prototype sounding almost giddy with the prospect of taking on the role of Scarlet Witch. How can this not happen?
Well, as far as I can tell, Whedon has never officially come out and confirmed the “Ronan as prototype” rumor. And my one hitch with the rumor is that it seems unlikely that a director with so much experience in Hollywood as Whedon has would go out of his way to single out one actor for any part. Unless, of course, he was trying to retroactively force Marvel’s hand with the casting decision.
Which brings up another potential roadblock in the proceedings. Marvel might have their hearts set on another actress for the role. Usually, Marvel is very selective in the actors they have playing their heroes, and like to take a hands on role in their casting. However, Ronan’s interest should shift any preconceived notions Marvel might have had. She is the type of actress Marvel loves to cast. She has an Academy Award nomination (garnered back in 2008 when she was 13 –13!–for her work in Atonement) and action movie props (in the vastly underrated Hanna). She is young but looks wise beyond her years, which helps if they want her to play the role for the next few years. She is just at the cusp of making a name for herself, but not such a star that she’s out of Marvel’s price range.
Or, at least, she shouldn’t be. However, this brings up another potential roadblock. If Whedon in fact did single out Ronan by name, her representation might use this to try to get the most money out of Marvel as possible. As we have seen with Jason Momoa and Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel’s typical reaction to agents asking too much money for their clients is to simply move on to other actors.
Of course, I have to mention that there is a chance that the character might not even make it to the final draft of the film.
Personally, I think Ronan is a great choice for the role. But will she get it? We shall see, won’t we?
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