Pook's Place

Yu-Gi-Oh! Live Action Movie
Part 1:  Casting
By Pook

             5.14.04  Alright, so there has been a recent trend of live action movies being made from other sources – comic books, television shows, and now, even anime.  So, I think that I’ll take the initiative to pitch my idea for the Yu-Gi-Oh! live action movie.  Please note:  All of these ideas are just that, ideas.  This is not based on any fact what so ever, and this is completely my idea – no telling movie news sites that this is going on, because it isn’t. 

The series of Yu-Gi-Oh is so in depth, there’d have to be a series of movies.  The first movie would cover Duelist Kingdom, so I’ll focus on that for now. 

I’m thinking that this would be the first in a series of articles, so each week I’ll add a new factor.  For the first entry, I’ll go with casting.  For this casting to work, I think that age realism is the key (for the most part) – I don’t think that making everyone older or younger to appeal to a certain audience is a good idea, because the hardcore fans won’t approve, and that should be who matters most.  With that said, here’s how I see the casting:

Main Characters:

            Yugi Moto/Yami Yugi – I’d say that Haley Joel Osment would make a good Yugi.  He’s the right age, plus he can do the range of both sides of Yugi – the timid but courageous good side, plus the dark, brooding, noble Yami side.  Plus he’s got enough name recognition to carry the movie.  If I had to pick someone else, and believe me, I really don’t want to, is Frankie Muniz.  He’s carried two major movies over the past 2 years (Agent Cody Banks and its sequel), but I’m only recommending him because he looks the part, not because I can see him pulling it off. 

            Tea Gardner – Evan Rachel Wood (yes, Evan is a boy’s name, but she’s no boy).  I haven’t seen Thirteen yet, but I heard that she’s incredible in it.  Yeah, she’s blonde, but give her a good brunette wig (or dye it) and she could be a dead ringer.  She’s very pretty, and she seems sweet yet rough.  Second pick would be Amanda Bynes – she’s got the look, just a bit too tall. 

            Bakura Ryou – Without a doubt, Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies).  Face it, he’s a great villain, he’s English (fake accents usually aren’t too good), and he’s got the right hair – in the new movie, his hair looks downright white, just let him grow it out.  He could pull off the innocent side of Bakura no problem, and we’ve seen him evil. 

            Tristan Taylor – Alright, kind of tough call, because you just need someone charismatic.  I’ll say Shia LaBeouf (Holes).  He’s a good actor, so it’s kind of a wasted part for him, but that’s why I also nominated him for another role. 

            Seto Kaiba – Here’s a better role for Shia.  This is a good part for him to show his range – angry, obsessive duelist, yet caring older brother.  He’s got the right look, too.  But my real pick is none other than Frodo Baggins himself, Elijah Wood.  Forget his long locks from the LOTR trilogy, because it just doesn’t work.  But think of him as this super-dark figure who wants to be the best duelist in the world.  He’s older than everyone else so far, but he looks like he could play 16-17.  No offense, Elijah. 

            Mai Valentine – I’ve got a tie for this one, because I love both nominees – Keira Knightly (Pirates of the Carribean) and Elisha Cuthbert (24).  Both are outstandingly gorgeous, and you feel like you want them to kick your butt.  They’ve both got the attitude.  However, I think Elisha’s a safer bet – Keira is in the middle of like a million big-budget movies right now, and Elisha is more accessible.  Plus, she’s got the….um…build….for Mai, and she’s already blonde. 

            Joey Wheeler – This is the toughest call.  My choice is Emile Hirsch (The Girl Next Door).  Relatively unknown, he really carried Girl Next Door very well, plus he seems like a really cool guy.  Dye his hair blonde and he’s really captured the look.  He can play hotheaded, but a true friend.  Also, this could be a real star-making vehicle for him.  That, and he has an established relationship with Elisha Cuthbert, so the tension between Joey and Mai would be excellent!

            Grandpa Moto – No question, Mr. Miyagi himself, Pat Morita.  He’s my pick for Master Roshi for a DBZ movie, too.  Just a great actor, plus he’d be amazing.  And don’t even think about recommending the grandpa from Three Ninjas – no way!

            Mokuba Kaiba – Rory Culkin (Signs).  He just IS Mokuba.  He looks it, he can act it, and that’s all you really need.  Other pick would be David Dorfman (The Ring).  He looks exactly the same, he’s just a bit younger.  Both kids – uber creepy. 

Supporting Characters/Villains:

            Maxamillion Pegasus – The one, the only, Kevin Spacey.  Why?  I have no idea.  He just sounds the part – imagine Lester Burnham saying, “Ooh, Yugi-boy.”  It just works. 

            Bandit Keith – If only Owen Wilson could not be a goof, because he’s the spitting image.  Likewise, if only Paul Walker could act (how is he in any movie is beyond me).  But, my recommendation will be Michael Vartan, and not just because Alias is the best show on television.  He could make a good blonde, he always has the 5 o’clock shadow, and he can be dark.  The only condition is that he has to introduce me to Jennifer Garner. 

            As for the others (Weevil, Mako, Rex, Bonz), could be anyone, even unknowns.  Not going to try and place them right now. 

Well, there you go.  PLEASE – No hate mail over my casting ideas.  If you have suggestions, that’s fine, but no “Ugh, he/she can’t act” or “He/She is the wrong person”, etc.  This is just my opinion, and everyone is entitled to their own.  I’ll gladly hear your ideas, so let me do the same.  Next time, I’ll talk about the script, the special effects, and maybe a few surprises.