As you’re going to hear in our next episode of Comics On Comics Radio, the upcoming Hack/Slash movie has yet to be cast. It’s a travesty that this film isn’t closer to production. All I want to do is shovel popcorn into my mouth to it – is that so much to ask? That said, I’m relieved that this one isn’t in production yet, because the filmmakers still have the chance to avoid a pitfall that awaits them. Let me explain:
For the longest time we heard rumors that Megan Fox was in talks for this role. It was like a surprisingly attractive dagger in my heart. Don’t get me wrong – I could watch Megan prance about in some revealing gothy clothing all day long. But I don’t think for moment one that she can act. Sorry. I just don’t. Ask yourself how many people came up to you after Transformers and said – “Boy, that Megan Fox! She held this movie together.” And don’t let yourself get all turned around about her work in Jennifer’s Body, which you may remember as being well acted. But she didn’t really have to stretch much there. I can hear the director now: “Megan, play an angry, hot bitch.” I mean, come on! Also – Amanda Seyfried really held the lion’s share on that one.
So glad am I that we are not making excuses for how Megan Fox might just “pull this one out of somewhere” on this film that I have been looking forward too from the moment it was optioned. Oh, and if I hear rumor ONE about people considering Olivia Munn I am going to go all Red Hulk and start breaking stuff while simultaneously sucking and ruining the plot – OF THE WORLD!
See how I get off track – ANYWAY. While talking to Tim Seely and asking him what actresses might make him happy as his semi-titular lead (look that phrase up before you accuse me of being suggestive) he got to talking about one of my favorite actresses, who happens to be from one of my favorite shows, and … well it was just great.
Can you guess who it is? Well I used her name in the title of this article so fuck you if you can’t remember three paragraphs ago. What? Do I have to do this all by myself? I am crying alone in the desert people? Sorry – Sorry – They’re keeping me on a short leash her at Comics On Comics World HQ – and I needed a rant. ANYWAY –
It’s Allison Scagliotti. You’ve probably seen her in Smallville (as a Wonder Twin – FTW!) or more likely in Warehouse 13 – which by the way is a great great great show. When Tim mentioned she might be a good choice I was staggered I hadn’t thought of it first. This is pitch perfect casting for Cassie Hack. She’s got the look (or a few ounces of hair dye from it anyway) and the spunk (go ahead – make the joke – I’ll wait) and probably a large part of the physical skills needed to kick some slasher butt. Also she’s flat out hot. AND MOST IMPORTANT – see how I emphasized that with capital letters? – she’s a good actress.
I know it might be a little hard to defend this position from the jaded and over read comic book audience but I think Cassie Hack is a dynamic character. I think she’s very well written, deep, and has a lot of pathos to spread around from panel to panel. I could go on an on about why Hack/Slash and Cassie are well written – but that’s the least of my problems.
Hollywood as whole doesn’t really see things for what they are. Or rather they see things for their surface qualities and not their real essence. Its probably why so many of the 80s comic book movies were so bad. Somebody based them on a quick read and not a deep cut. So here is my big concern. First that Hollywood executives are going to see the Cassie Hack character as a sex-appeal character, and more importantly a lead, and just pick the flavor of the month hottie for the role. And second that THEY are going to want to dumb down the character because they feel a movie about a girl fighting often bizarre, back-from-the-grave monsters is about the action and the ripping of the outfits.
Well there is little or nothing we can do about what people with money decide about the script etc – but we can do a little something to maybe help the very talented Allison Scagliotti get considered for the role over Susie Flavor McMonthington. We as fan-boys, fan-girls, and fan-bots (gotta be out there somewhere) can say this is who WE want to see. We can create what they call in the industry – a BUZZ for this actress in the role, and see what happens when the chips come down.
So here is my challenge to you the reader (I also challenged you the listener in the radio show, if you prefer to hear things then read them – but you got so far already – just keep reading – sheesh). Go out there on the blog-o-sphere and start talking about Allison as a good Cassie Hack. Go to the message boards, and the forums of this and any other genera website and speak your piece. If you agree with me, back me up, if not, lets hear your idea. But lets make it a point to start having the nerd-scape take an active role in at least suggesting who we think makes our imagined conceptions of our favorite characters real.
But bring the bulk of it all back here to ComicsOnComics.com and we can see how the waters are churning. We want the rest of your fandom here too – you got some good art? Draw Allison as Cassie and post it. Want to make a fan video? We’ll put it up here. Write a manifesto or a rant? We’ll post it. I want this website to be Allison-As-Cassie (scagliotti/HACK) HQ. We may not get her the role, but we can be active in trying to make something work.
As the threads develop I’ll be posting more of why I think this is a good idea, both the campaign and the casting choice. That and all my normal ranting about whatever irks me about comics. So tune back in. If I get my way I’ll finagle an interview with the subject herself about her thoughts on the role and if she’d even want to do it. But who knows – I seldom get my way (RED HULK!).
Bring out your banners, nerds, we’re going to war. Casting War.
SAX
