Joss Whedon & Shakespeare: Casting Whedon's Actors in other Shakespeare Plays

News of Joss Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing shouldn't surprise his fans devoted fans. The Shakespeare Readings that took place between Whedon, his wife, and his actors are legendary in the fandom. Commentary tracks on Buffy, ANGEL, Firefly, and Dollhouse always made mention of those readings. Each Sunday, if my memory is correct, several of Whedon's actors would flock to Whedon manor to perform the works of William Shakespeare. Amy Acker used to knock the socks off of everyone when she would read her parts, which then inspired Joss to kill off Fred in ANGEL so that Illyria could be born--a role designed to showcase Acker's dramatic chops. I also heard Vincent Kartheiser owned the material he was given. Nathan Fillion and Alexis Denisof were also praised (even J. August Richards) for their portrayals of various Shakespearean characters.

When news broke about Joss Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing, it wasn't long before casting details were leaked. Unsurprisingly, Amy Acker and Alexis Denisof portrayed Beatrice and Benedick. Nathan Fillion would've worked as Don John, but I think he'll own the role of Dogberry. Dogberry's the kind of character that allows Fillion to showcase his playful acting style. Sean Mahar-as-Don John is the surprise, thus far, but the lack of Summer Glau surprises me even more. I suppose she's too old to portray Hero. Hero and Beatrice are the only significant female characters in the entire play.

Of course, I'm not writing a speculative post on how each actor performed in their roles. I'll wait patiently for the day I watch Whedon's adaptation of one of The Bards' best comedies. You see, I'm a fan of Shakespeare. During my college years, I actively sought out classes on Shakespeare. I took one in community college followed by some more in university. I read the plays and wrote many, many words about them. If Whedon adapts one of the plays, perhaps more adaptations will follow. With that in mind, I present some plays I'd like to see adapted by Whedon along with which Whedon actors I'd like to see in the adaptation.

HENRY IV, PART 1

Henry IV is one of Shakespeare's more underrated histories. It's basically a prequel to Henry V because this play follows young Hal as he goofs off with Sir John Falstaff. In between the adventures of Hal and Falstaff is a political drama about who should sit England's throne. The play features fantastic scenes between Hotspur and Bolingbroke. Sean Mahar would be well cast in the role of Prince Hal. John Falstaff's a rotund character, so Whedon would need to branch out beyond his trusted group of actors. I'd like to see Tony Head in the role of King Henry. Just for the hell of it, Robin Sachs would do well as Hotspur.

AS YOU LIKE IT

Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of As You Like It is a masterpiece. I pondered including the play at all because Branagh's film came out five years ago, so it's quite fresh; however, Shakespeare productions happen all the damn time, so that's my counter. Rosalind's an interesting heroine as she dons the guise of a boy when hiding from her pissed off Uncle. Amy Acker or Summer Glau would be terrific in the role. I lean towards Summer because she seems more suited for Rosalind. If Summer's Rosalind, Amy Acker should be Audrey, with Fran Kranz as her William (not really her William as Audrey resists him for Rosalind). Touchstone brings to mind Nicholas Brendan. Duke Senior and Duke Frederick are more difficult roles to cast because none of the core Whedon actors are old enough. J. August Richards-as-Orlando is perfect. Alexis Denisof's probably the best actor to portray Jaques, the melancholy lord who delivers the play's most iconic soliloquy. I can't think of anyone else but Mercedes McNab for Celia.

MEASURE FOR MEASURE

Certainly, this cross between tragedy and comedy is among the lesser read plays of The Bard's. The BBC version of the play's fine but Whedon would add a ton of life and color to production of this play. The play's about the issues of mercy and justice. Isabella and Claudio are two important characters. Isabella's a novice nun. Claudio, her brother, is in prison for having sex before marriage with Juliet. Angelo, the deputy duke, holds Claudio's fate in her hands. The Duke, meanwhile, posed as Friar Lodowick to observe how the city's run without him. It's quite a good play that I'd recommend to people. Anywho, Isabella seems like an Amy Acker role. I've ignored other wonderful actresses, so Morena Baccarin would be my choice for Juliet. Nathan Fillion as Claudio would work well because it'd allow fans to see Mal and Inara in love (even though the characters aren't from Firefly). Angelo, the villain of the piece, seems like a role for Adam Busch. Vincentio the Duke would played well by Tony Head.

THE TEMPEST

The Tempest fascinates me. I wrote so many words about the play in college in which I analyzed the post-colonial aspect of the play. I won't blowhard about The Tempest in this space, though. Simply, the play follows the exiled Prospero and his daughter on a magical isle. In an act of revenge, he creates a tempest that boat wrecks the people who took the throne from him. Among the inhabitants on the island are Caliban and Ariel. I really have no idea who I'd cast for what role. I'd like to see Joss himself take on the role of Prospero. Critics argue that Shakespeare is Prospero; that the play is Shakespeare's way of bidding farewell to the theater; thus, I'd like to see the auteur Joss Whedon as Prospero.

HAMLET

A piece about Shakespeare wouldn't conclude without Hamlet. Hamlet's one of my favorite plays. Some might roll their eyes but the play is an amazing work. The depth of thought is astounding. Hamlet's among the best characters ever created. Vincent Kartheiser would be my choice to portray the tortured Prince of Denmark. The role of Ophelia would go to Amy Acker. I'd cast David Boreanaz in the role of Laertes, even though he's a few years older than the role. I'd bring Sam Anderson in for the role of Polonious. Hamlet's loyal friend, Horatio, should be Alan Tudyk. I'm not sure who to cast as Claudius or Gertrude. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern would be portrayed by Alexis Denisof and Tahmoh Penikett. The role of the two clowns (among my favorite characters in Shakespeare) would go to Fran Kranz and Ron Glass.

I could write more about other plays such as Macbeth, A Midsummer's Night Dream, King Lear, The Merchant of Venice, and The Taming of the Shrew, but they'd follow the same formula. Obviously, I'd put Amy Acker into any prominent female part. Jewel Staite would find her way into a role. Fran Kranz, Alexis Denisof, Nathan Fillion, and Vincent Kartheiser are my top choices for any prominent male character.

Also, I'm excited for the day Much Ado About Nothing is readily available to watch. 2012 will be the year of Joss Whedon.

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