CAST THIS: Holden Caulfield

June 24th 2010, 11:26am

I’m looking forward to this column, which has me casting the leads in one of my favorite books of all time, even if that is a massive cliché. This week, we heard that it is possible that FINALLY the film rights of THE CATCHER IN THE RYE might be sold, as the Salinger estate is strapped for cash after his death.

Salinger always said he NEVER wanted to see his classic turned into a movie, but he ALSO said that if he died, that the film rights to the book could act as a life insurance policy for his family. This might be the closest we get to a film adaptation for a while, so I figured I’d jump on the news. In that spirit, we need a HOLDEN CAULFIELD.

It’s interesting, because we obviously don’t have a physical picture of Holden other than a few artists’ renderings (as seen above), and only a loose physical description for the book. Therefore, this casting call is less about looks and much more about youth and acting ability.

The film version of CATCHER is called the Holy Grail of screenplays, when it does come to pass, so it would be a HUGE responsibility for a young actor to take on. There aren’t many who would be ready for such a part, but I’m curious to hear who you think would be able to live up to the film’s high expectations.

Last Time: THE RIDDLER

Whew, I should have known the response for this one would be huge, but almost 250 comments blows Captain America’s previous record out of the water (at 150). So who did you guys pick? There were a TON of options thrown out, but three stood out above the rest:

1. Michael C. Hall (18%) 2. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (13%) 3. Guy Pearce (8%)

I don’t know guys, I just don’t see Michael C. Hall being right for this role. He’s only been in a handful of films period, and his last turn as an eccentric bad guy in GAMER didn’t go so well if you ask me. Gordon-Levitt seems like a pretty obvious choice, but other than the fact that yes, he’s a good actor, and has worked with Nolan, I don’t see him being the Riddler. Maybe Robin? Ha ha ha. Kidding. Kind of.

I really like Pearce for this though. It would be great to see him reteam with Nolan, and he’s got the looks and the smarts to pull off the Riddler without question. I can see the green suit on him already.

OK, who should play Holden Caulfield?