Whenever an old film or tv show are in the works to be remade there is always talk of who you’d like see cast as the different characters. In the end you have a hodge-podge of actors that really wouldn’t have much on screen chemistry. I mean how are Michael Cera, William Shatner, Beyonce, Eddie Murphy, George Clooney and Susan Sarandon going to work together as the isolated cast?
So, not that this movie with be made still, since talk of it has died off, but I’d like to put together my unlikely cast. I will start by saying I think it comes down to director. Personally the two directors I have in mind would most likely never do a remake, but they would come up with the most interesting and enjoyable versions of Gilligan’s Island. They are Christopher Guest (For Your Consideration, Spinal Tap) and Wes Anderson (Fantastic Mr. Fox, Rushmore).
Christopher Guest
His movies are mostly all mockumentaries full of odd characters. He’s definitely familiar with ensemble casts. His brand of comedy with Gilligan’s Island as the vehicle would be great. Here’s who I think would be his cast:
Jack McBrayer as Gilligan. He's never been in a Guest movie, but he has this kinetic energy that would be perfect for the role.
Fred Willard as the Skipper. He is always funny when talking down to people, and that's most of the role of the Skipper: belittling Gilligan.
Eugene Levy as the Millionaire. I could see any Guest regular play this role, but Eugene Levy has the most mainstream appeal and it's well deserved.
Catherine O'Hara as the wife. Just a no brainer. She's great playing off a husband character.
Jennifer Coolidge as the Movie Star (Ginger). This is not in line with most thinking on this role, but I could see Guest making this character the type of fake plastic girl Coolidge thrives as.
John Michael Higgins as The Professor. I think he looks perfect for the role. He has also gotten a lot of really good character roles lately to put him in audiences minds as a familiar face.
Parker Posey as Mary Ann. Now this is the one that would be the most different for the character. But, frankly, what is a Guest movie without Posey? It would be interesting to see what direction they took the role in.
Wes Anderson
He’s also made a living at making offbeat comedies. His movies are always more of a dramedy, however. Lots of angst and depression in his characters. Therefore overall I think he would make Gilligan’s Island an interesting character study. Why’s everyone always picking on Gilligan?
Jason Schwartzman as Gilligan. He's great as unappreciated.
Owen Wilson as the Skipper. I could see him bossing around Gilligan and then being buddy buddy with him.
Bill Murray as the Millionaire. He's great at whatever role he gets.
Meryl Streep as the wife. I could see her play off Murray. It would definitely be interesting. I could see her being able to shine in a Wes Anderson movie, especially since Adaptation.
Cate Blanchett as the Movie Star (Ginger). A true beauty and shows great depth.
Luke Wilson as the Professor. We've really only seen the brothers together a couple of times and it's usually been a Wes Anderson film. Just a great subtle comedic actor.
Natalie Portman as Mary Ann. She's, of course a beautiful and talented actress, but I feel like we've only scratched the surface of her when it comes to comedies.
So, there they are. My dream scenarios for a Gilligan’s Island remake. Too bad these types of movies are always attempts at huge blockbuster comedies that fall flat. There is a director who makes interesting movies who likes doing remakes: Tim Burton. I wonder what he would do with Gilligan’s Island.