Cast This: Dirty Harry

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

It's safe to say that a lot of readers of our site have an opinion or two when it comes to reboots and or recasting. It took me awhile to come around to the idea that it's not as though they are replacing our beloved characters, we can see them on Blu-ray or DVD whenever we want, for the most part they're simply just trying to capture lightening in a bottle and share that experience we hold so dear with a new audience. Now that I got that off my chest, let's cast Dirty Harry!

I haven't heard anything to suggest that they're rebooting the franchise with a new face for Harry Callahan, but if I were a betting man, I would say it's only a matter of time. For those of you unfamiliar with the series…hello, and welcome to movies! The franchise includes the movies DIRTY HARRY (1971), MAGNUM FORCE (1973), THE ENFORCER (1976), SUDDEN IMPACT (1983), and THE DEAD POOL (1988) featuring fictional San Francisco Police Department Homicide Division Inspector "Dirty" Harry Callahan played by Clint Eastwood. I think it would be great to see Eastwood in the role again, more curmudgeon than ever too. We basically had it with GRAN TORINO, but I guess they didn’t want to commit to that idea. Eastwood could direct the first entry in the new series too! Yes, we can dream here with Cast This.

Eastwood is the man. But a DIRTY HARRY remake could be successful especially if the actor inheriting the titular role brought his own brand of justice along with the grit and no-nonsense likability of the man we know and respect. In a James Bond world, casting could be a unique option for the series, with a new actor taking on the role after someone else has their run.

An obvious but favorite choice would have to be Scott Eastwood, son of the iconic Clint Eastwood. He’s likely seen how his dad performed in all those movies and even appeared in his films FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS, GRAN TORINO, INVICTUS, and TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE. Having his own starring vehicle could do a lot of good for his career; there is just the nepotism that a lot of people would have to put aside for it to work too.

One of my favorite actors to cast in just about anything is Tom Hardy. This guy has had a few great years recently so I don’t understand how he’s not on people’s minds all the time when it comes to casting awesome roles. He’s played a ruthless prisoner in BRONSON, he broke Batman’s back in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, and stole scene after scene in work like INCEPTION, WARRIOR and most recently THE REVENANT. He didn’t have much to say in MAD MAX: FURY ROAD so that’s clearly a testament to what he could bring to this role. His looks, range, and brooding presence could do wonders for a Callahan.

Then there’s the actor who can sing, dance, and bring out retractable claws when he has to. I’m talking of course about Hugh Jackman. THE WOLVERINE actor has had no problems with balancing superhero success with other memorable roles like THE PRESTIGE, PRISONERS, and REAL STEEL. He doesn’t have a lot to prove in terms of talent, so taking on a role that demands confidence and attitude wouldn’t be that much of a stretch for Jackman.

What do you think? Would you like to see maybe Daniel Craig step into the streets with a magnum after he’s done with Bond’s Walther PPK? He looks like he's lived Dirty Harry’s life already, so we might have to go younger. Some people have mentioned Chris Hemsworth to take on the part; the THOR actor can certainly wield a weapon and I would have no problem believing he enjoys taking out the punk trash like Eastwood did. What about Charlie Hunnam (PACIFIC RIM, Sons of Anarchy) or Jamie Dornan (The Fall)? The options are near endless; I had a hard time narrowing down my choices so I can't wait to see what you guys come up with.

Who would you like to see in the role?

RESULTS BELOW FROM CAST THIS: Freddy Krueger – 1. Paul Dano 2. Walton Goggins 3. Robert Knepper