But that still leaves half of a renegade band of veterans, wanted for crimes they did not commit, to cast: "Howling Mad" Murdock (originally played by Dwight Schultz) and B.A. Baracus (Mr. T's star-making role). Murdock is the showiest role in the Team — the brilliant but delusional pilot who spends most of his time in a mental institution — and, as such could go to anyone from Robert Downey Jr. to Sam Rockwell. But I'd like to see them take a chance on Jim Carrey. When given the chance, the man can act (see: The Truman Show); here's a role that'd require him to both play the loon, and the damaged man bubbling underneath.
And then we come to B.A. Baracus. I'm sure every black actor with an athletic build is being looked at — Ice Cube was, at one point, a rumored favorite — to play the driver, mechanic, and legbreaker. But Mr. T, coming off of playing the villain in Rocky III, wasn't the cuddly mohawked teddy bear he'd later morph into: He was downright frightening. These days, muscles don't, ironically, carry the same weight. Think of Don Cheadle in Devil in a Blue Dress or Jeffrey Wright in Shaft — they were terrifying because you believed that they were crazy enough to do whatever crossed their minds. So I'm gonna rally for Chewitel Ejiofor (pictured) — who's never been bad in anything, and elevates everything, from Inside Man to Serenity, Children of Men to Redbelt. Hell, I just wanna see that dude in more movies.
What about you? Who would you like to see flesh out these classic TV vigilantes?
Comments (1-15) of 88 Add your comment
Ejiofor was pretty scary in Serenity. He wasn’t exactly a villian, he was definitely a force to be reckoned with.
Vanessa Hudgens as B.A. and Megan Fox as Murdock please.
I agree with your suggestion of Carrey, and though I think Ejiofor is a brilliant actor, I can’t shake the idea that B.A. HAS to be physically imposing. As a result, (although I know this would never happen because he’s not a big enough star) I’d take a loo at Terry Crews, who has the physique to pull of the action, as well as comedic chops if they decide to add in some light moments.
I could definitely see Michael Weatherly playing the role of Templeton “Faceman” Peck. He is witty, charming, good-looking – just what the character calls for. Just my $0.02!!!
Margaret Cho was born to play B.A. on the big screen, and Charlie from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” would be a perfect Murdock.
Dude I absolutely agree! Weatherly would be right on for that since that is practically his character on NCIS. I always thought he would have been a good Michael Knight too if that show was better.
Liam neeson is not an oscar winner. only nominee
Ice-T or Vanilla Ice
Michael Clarke Duncan as BA
Brendan Fraser for Murdock, and I like Ejiofor or Wright for B.A.
Bring back Mr. T. The guy is a legend. If you’ve not already, get Mr. T on your GPS to remind you of how funny and cool the guy is. I’m part of the A-team every day with his GPS voice. It’s from a site called Navtones. They do real celebrity voices for GPS. It’s awesome! As well as Mr. T being back in it, Gary Busey should be Hannibal. Think about it before you just dismiss it!
I pity the fool that tries to play BA… Mr. T forever!
Josh Holloway for ‘Howlin’ Mad’ Murdock – he can play humour and pathos.
B[ad].A[ttitude]. Baracus could be played by Common [who's apprarently being considered], but I’d prefer Ejiofor, who could certainly bulk up for the part – though, as has been pointed out already, he was plenty intimidating in Serenity.
The A Team was first broadcast in ‘83. Rocky III was in ‘82. I think there’s more evidence to support Clubber Lang being Mr. T’s star-making role, rather than B.A.
As to the new movie – Tiny Lister as B.A. and John Turturro as Murdock.
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje for B.A Baracus plz.
Jim Carrey has always been my Murdock choice.
so say we all