By Eric Ditzian
Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong has been talking about bringing a cinematic version of his group's hit album American Idiot to the big screen since before the album was released in 2004. Now it seems those dreamy wishes will become a reality, as Tom Hanks is in discussions to produce a movie version of the musical set to open on Broadway in April.
The last time Hanks and his Playtone production company adapted a Broadway musical for the cinema (2008's "Mamma Mia!"), he ditched the theatrical cast and enlisted Hollywood vets like Meryl Streep, Colin Firth and Pierce Brosnan. Presumably, Playtone would approach American Idiot in a similar way. So who might step into this story about three friends dealing with war, alienation and the numbing effect of American pop culture and consumerism? Let's play casting director!
Johnny: Otherwise known as Jesus of Suburbia. A spiky-haired, neck-tattooed Lou Taylor Pucci ("Thumbsucker") played this character in Green Day's epic music video for "Jesus of Suburbia." Johnny's a lost soul who likes to graffiti bathroom walls, make out with girls and drink beer. Pucci was perfect for the part, but we fear producers will opt for a bigger name, overlooking him or an actor like Jamie Bell ("Jumper"). Joseph Gordon-Levitt would be almost perfect, yet we wonder if the 29-year-old has grown too old for the role. If Shia LaBeouf has a hankering to belt out some rock and roll, he'd certainly fit the bill.
Tunny: While Johnny toils in the city, Tunny heads off to war in Iraq and ends up losing a leg. The part calls for a tough guy who can also communicate emotional vulnerability. We're thinking Ryan Gosling, except he might suffer from the same problem as Gordon-Levitt. Liam Hemsworth, who is set to star opposite Miley Cyrus in "The Last Song," is a rising star in Hollywood whose skill set is a perfect match for the role.
Will: The third of these childhood friends sticks around the 'burbs after his girlfriend gets pregnant. He's trying to do the right thing, but becomes increasingly frustrated with his boring life and frightened at his impending fatherhood. That combo of sensitivity and head-in-the-clouds attitude seems like the job for Penn Badgley of "Gossip Girl" fame.
St. Jimmy: This dude is a badass, the "comedy and tragedy" of the album, as Billie Joe sings. He likes his heroin, rails against the Man and gets Johnny hooked on dope. This character has scene-stealer written all over him, which is why we like "She's Out of My League" star Jay Baruchel for the part. He may not be a household name at the moment, but after appearing with Nicolas Cage later this year in "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," he might be. Baruchel can bring the funny, then hit you with the searing emotion when you're not even looking. Prepare to be surprised, as there's a big twist involving St. Jimmy.
Whatsername: She is Johnny's dream girl, his partner in bed and on the drug-filled streets. We'd suggest Evan Rachel Wood for the part, especially since she appeared in the video for "Wake Me Up When September Ends," but the musical has established the character as African-American. Shareeka Epps was a revelation of tough girl inflexibility in 2006's "Half Nelson," while Clare-Hope Ashitey wowed us with her quiet strength in 2006's "Children of Men." Either actress would be an excellent choice.
Heather: She is Will's pregnant girlfriend, who eventually becomes so annoyed with him that she packs up and takes off. We'd suggest Amanda Seyfried, but she already starred in "Mamma Mia!" Maybe it's just because we got used to seeing her waddle around with a pregnant belly on "Lost," but we can definitely see Emilie de Ravin become Heather.
The Extraordinary Girl: While Tunny recovers in the hospital, he falls for his ethereal nurse called Extraordinary Girl. Her name says it all. Keke Palmer has serious vocal chops as well as impressive acting skills (on display opposite Kevin Spacey in last year's "Shrink"). She's still a little young, though. Producers might be smart to look to Nicole Beharie, who received rave reviews for her turn as a victimized single mother in the little-seen 2009 drama "American Violet." Her portrayal of a character with a passionate sense of morality shares much creative territory with Extraordinary Girl.
Who would you like to see in the film version of Green Day's "American Idiot" musical? Let us know in the comments!