On the back side of theFunky Bunch, we never imagined thatMarky Markwould emerge asMark Wahlberg, top marquee draw and an Oscar nominee. WhileDJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Princewas a fun and popular pop act of the 80s, no one living through 1988 ever thought, “ThatWill Smithsure has box office gold written all over him!” Cut to thirty years later, and he too is a multiple Oscar nominee and one of today’s top leading men. WhileJustin Timberlakehasn’t exactly set the big screen ablaze, he’s become a beloved institution amongst the hipster marketplace, as well as a sought out persona amongst all other demographics who love his comedy onSaturday Night Live, bathe in his music, or applaud his various turns at dramatic acting. He’s the closet thing we have toFrank Sinatratoday.
What I’m trying to say is, there’s hope forJustin Bieber. Just the mention of his name sends shots of electrified hate through some people. But that’s been true of most popular young musical acts aimed at teen girls throughout the decades. And with the various ups and downs that his career has had, it’s easy to assume the kid has reached his zenith. Now, it’s time for him to choose a career path that won’t lead to his absolute destruction. Like it or not, he does possess the ability to be an entertainer that is around for the next twenty years. Or, he could do aLeif Garrettface plant, with all the kids born today saying, “Justin who?” less than a fortnight from now. It’s his choice to make, right?
For a while now, we’ve known thatJustin Bieberhas wanted to break into acting full time. LikeJustin Timberlakebefore him, he’s been able to win audiences over onSaturday Night Live, proving that he is quite funny and able to land a well-written joke. Spit spite at him all you want, the guy has timing. For a while, it was known that he was actively pursuing a lead in a movie likeFear, a dark thriller that launchedMark Wahlberg’s career. There was even talk that he might star in a remake. That never came to fruition, with some folks being quite vocal about his inability to play someone like David McCall, a psychopath prone to terrorizing his girlfriend. Some even called for a gender reverse, withJustin Biebertaking on the role of a young man abused by his girlfriend. Or, he could simply play theAlyssa Milanoparty girl role.
We believe that bit of noise was thrown into the ether to see how fans and non-fans both would react to this news. We can also confirm through multiple sources thatJustin Bieberhas actively pursued a role in a Marvel movie. After watching his once and future girlfriend swing for the fences inSpring Breakersa few years back, the guy certainly has felt the heat to get himself in front of audiences at the multiplex. And Marvel, with its golden touch at the box office, is an almost full-proof way to go. At the very least it would do more for his acting aspirations thanZoolander 2. Look what those films did forRobert Downey Jr.’s career. We’d say at least 50% of audiences paying to see Tony Stark have forgotten, or refuse to acknowledge, some of the hijinks that guy involved himself in over the years.Downeydid a lot worse then write a funny joke inAnne Frank’s guest book, and when he was onAlly McBeal, people couldn’t yell ‘douche’ loud enough.Marvel moviesmakes sense for ANYONE trying to kick-start an acting career. Their movies are seen by everyone, old and young. And it’s the perfect fit forJustin Bieber, where he can attract a fan base that isn’t entirely made up of screaming tweens.
Now, don’t read this the wrong way. Marvel, as far as we know, are not actively seekingBieberout. And there is no particular character calling his name. So we’ve come up with a few characters we think he’d be perfect for. You might hate on TheBiebsnow, but you can’t look at this list and deny that you might enjoy watching him play at least one of thesesuperheroesor mutants. And oddly enough, it’s a DC Comics character that we feel fitsJustin Bieberbest. So characters from both theMarvel and DCCinematic Universe have been included here, in our list of 13 superheroes perfect for The Biebs.
13Robin in Ben Affleck’sBatman
There is going to be a lot of conjecture, but based on the comics the Joker killed Robin at some point earlier in Batman’s life. By earlier we mean earlier than the events portrayed inBatman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice. However, there are also rumors that the character of Jason Todd, akaThe Red Hoodis going to show up in the newstandalone Batman movie. The idea, it seems, is that this new film will take place in the past. Thus, we will see how Robin’s suit came to be in Batman’s possession later inBatman v. Superman. First of all, the character of Robin likens itself to Dexter or the Punisher and even Batman in that he takes out villains of all stars and stripes. Would it be so hard to imagineJustin Bieberplaying this role? He’s pulled off the ring walk withFloyd Mayweatherwho, with his Money Team, is considered a brilliant ring tactician and businessman. Realistically, how much farther away would that be from playing sidekick to a big screen version of the Caped Crusader? Lastly, if the lore is correct, it also seems likeBieber-haters could get to see him die on on screen; provided this movie gets that far.
12Captain Marvel
As far as roles go, this one would be the most interesting. First off, this movie is going to hit theaters in 2019. It stands to reason that if Disney and Marvel hopes to make that release date, they’re going to have to get cracking. Secondly, lets not let the fact thatCaptain Marvelis a woman get in anybody’s way.Justin Bieberhas shown himself to be quite versatile. If he wasn’t, he never would have made it past his original, mop topped hit “Baby,” right? The reality also is that there are only so many ways to skin a cat. These superhero movies are good but their stories and characters can only go so far. We’re not talking about films that reach the level of say anInceptionorBoyhood, right? In order to make a splash, why not haveJustin Bieberplay a woman who is suddenly imbued with superpowers from the Kree Empire? Lets see what he has right from the jump. Either he nails it and suddenly is broken free from tween idol status, or the film goes the way ofShowgirls,Biebermakes another album and licks his wounds in the process.
IfJustin Bieberwants to take a slower path to stardom, then this is the perfect role to get his feet wet in the superhero realm. LikeBatmanand other superheroes, this one features a similar story of family trauma. After seeing a man attack his parents (and killing them with a kitchen knife), Ben Turner learns martial arts and heads to the far east. After battling his demons, Turner eventually is recruited by theSuicide Squadwhere he is second-in-command under Rick Flag. Like Batman, he doesn’t havemetahuman powersbut is a skilled martial artist. Doesn’t this sound taylor-made forJustin? It will allow him to show off his dance skills (hey think of all the money the studio could save inBieber’s training) and play to the more mature roles he is seeking. Again, this is probably a safer choice thanCaptain Marvelbut it’s also one that could pay many dividends. IfBieberpulls it off the way it seems like he can, the prospect of a standalone film could be his (or hers) for the taking.
10Northstar inAlpha Flight
Justin Bieberis Canadian. So is Jean-Paul Beaubier. They have similar sounding names. And they both court a flashy, flamboyant look and lifestyle. As of now, there are no plans for anAlpha Flightmovie, though some thoughtX-Men: Days of Future Pastmight be bringing inPeter Dinklageto play Puck. That turned out to be false, and the fact thatAlpha Flightis a superhero team with a Canadian background has kept it from really entering into the Marvel movie zeitgeist. Despite that, the comics have a rich and detailed story arc that is quite profound and relevant in today’s socio-economic climate. If done right,Alpha Flightcould be another one of those superhero movies that fanboys love to shout, “changes what our ideas of a superhero movie can be.” Northstar has a great backstory, and makes for an interesting character no matter where he lands, be it in anAlpha Flightstandalone movie, or as a member ofX-Menin a future installment of that franchise. Northstar is one of the first openly gay Marvel characters, and married his partner Kyle Jinadu a few years ago in the comics. He has superhuman powers, and is an expert skier. He’s fought the AIDS crisis and super villains, and has a tumultuous relationship with Wolverine. There seems to be plenty of confusion as to where, exactly, the rights toAlpha Flightand Northstar rest. They are believed to be with 20th Century Fox, though since they seem in no hurry to utilize those rights, it would be easy for Marvel Studios to get them back. AnAlpha Flightmovie might sound strange and improbable, but so did Guardians of the Galaxy just a few years ago…And look where we are with that now. Alpha Flight has a good story, and if done right, it will certainly be one of the more unique super hero movies ever made. Justin Bieber seems like a natural fit.
9Marvel ZombiesVictim #1
Straight up, not going to lie. This one is strictly for the haters. Anyone old enough to remember the theatrical run ofReturn of the Living Dead Part IIwill remember the howls of joyMichael Jackson’s cameo as an electrified zombie evoked from the audience.Justin Bieber’s presence would most certainly do the same here. Marvel head honchoKevin Feigesays he loves the idea ofMarvel Zombies, but doesn’t know how to do it. In the same breath, he talks about bringing certain Marvel characters back home but not really knowing how to utilize them just yet. Let me pitch this idea. Make a low budgetMarvel Zombiesutilizing all the characters that have come home to roost but don’t have a solo movie lined-up. Throw a bunch of the cult characters that will never see the light of day in along with them. AHoward the Duckzombie sounds pretty cool. Then find someone who knows how to make an awesome movie on the cheap, likeTodd RohalorJason Eisener, and let them go to town, no holds barred. Marvel could make their notorious penny pinching work in their favor, and make a really neat, really cool horror adventure for adult genre fans. Maybe they throw in a little extra scratch to getJustin Bieberas a young Flash Thompson, who so far isn’t appearing inSpider-Man: Homecoming. Or have him star as A. Guy, a human without powers who tries to bring the apocalypse to an end before meeting his own, grisly zombified death. This could work. Some of us would really, really love it.
8Longshot inDoctor Strange 2,Guardians 3OrX-Men 7
In terms of looks and that flamboyant pop-rocker lifestyle, Long Shot is probably the best overall fit forJustin Bieberin the entirety of the Marvel Universe. Despite being a member of theX-Men, his inaugural introduction in his own six-issue miniseries includedDoctor Strange, which makes him sharable, like Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch. He could very easily show up for a minor bit in aDoctor Strangesequel. The guy is also from outer space, the Mojoverse, to be exact. Which means he could very easily slide right intoGuardians of the Galaxy 3alongside Howard the Duck, if they move forward on a sequel. Lets also not forget that Long Shot had Dazzler as a girlfriend there, for a short minute. They even had a baby together. Of course, we could then squeezeSelena Gomezin as Dazzler. God, what a weird, wonderfully trashy Marvel movie that would be. A true dumpster diamond masterpiece. But that aside, Long Shot is a pretty cool character, with a neat backstory involving bio-genetics and one of the creepiest villains ever drawn for the pages of Marvel. Even YOU have to admitJustin Bieberwould look pretty damn good in that black leather jumpsuit…And, OH! That mullet! It’s got his name written all over it.
7Chase Stein inRunaways
This is where it gets scary. And ugly. And you call us an asshole. While they toyed withJustin Bieberpossibly playingQuicksilverinThe Avengers 2, you can forget all of that nonsense. Marvel has been trying to get aRunaways moviemade for years now. It could be a Marvel Phase 4 movie, and it has a character that IS…Justin Bieber! Meet Chase Stein, one of several super-villain offspring who’ve become emancipated from their parents to form a group of do-gooders. Chase comes from a long line of Mad Scientists, and is the wild card of the group, one that serves many functions. He’s funny, smarmy, and all-around pretty Bieberish. Because of Justin’s babyface, he’ll be able to get away with playing Chase well into his thirties. Stein is a rule breaker and a loose canon, and plays at being unlikable on occasion. He is the oldest of theRunawaysat 18. And he rides a dinosaur that he shares a telepathic link with. Sorry, gang, your fears of seeingJustin Bieberin a Marvel movie are probably coming true in a boardroom somewhere, right now. Chase isBieber,Bieberis Chase. Case closed!
6Billy Batson inShazam!
In terms of roles, this one is interesting as it deals with transformation.Justin Bieberis actually in flux as we speak. He’s transitioning from a boy to a man. Bieber is also trying to go from being a teen idol to a respected performer who can dominate all mediums. The character ofBilly Batsonis a tough cookie who is shuffled around from one foster home to the next. Eventually, he is transported to the Rock of Eternity where he meets the Wizard. It is here that Billy is given the power to command “living lightning” and transform (after Billy shouts the name Shazam!) into his muscular alter ego. There is a lot going on with Billy Batson. There is equally a lot happening withJustin Bieber. If the right script and director were put together, we could have a bonafide, superhero coming-of-age saga. In fact, if they could share the universes a bit, we might very well see a superheroStand By Me. Talk about pushing the genre!
5Hal Jordan inGreen Lantern Corps
Ryan Reynoldsinhabited this role in 2011. Sure, he did credible work but it is apparent that his personality and temperament is better suited toDeadpool. As a result, this creates a character inHal Jordanthat is essentially a sitting duck for a performer likeBieber. This is a superhero who gets his mojo from a power ring. If he can think up a power, the ring can essentially provide it. Again, this will play right into Bieber’s strengths of dance and movement. Heck, if the scene calls for it, the actor could potentially sing his way out of a tight spot with Highfather, Indigo-1 or whoever else happens to be the bad guy.Reynoldsbrought an All American quality to this role, and it stands to reason thatBiebercould bring that but also add a bit of an edge. Lets face it, he’s growing up, he’s sleeved and as a result these are things that should be used to bolster certain roles he could play.
4Deadman inJustice League Dark
Of all the roles being bandied about on this list, the role ofDeadmanis easily one of the coolest. The character’s real name is Boston Brand, but he goes by the name Deadman, a trapeze artist in the circus. He is murdered while performing. Deadman is then given the ability to inhabit any living entity as he searches for his murderer. Infused with East Indian-like culture (the Hindu God that gives Deadman his power is named Rama Kushna), Deadman has the ability to cross over in more ways than one. First of all, the backstory alone is somethingBiebercould sink his teeth into. Sure, it would probably have to be in a stand alone film, butDeadmancan certainly have one heck of an introduction in theJustice League Darkmovie. Secondly,Bieberas a trapeze artist would probably have the suits behind the studio salivating at the prospect of him playing this role. Lastly, as our culture evolves, as we look for alternatives to the norm, a superhero of East Indian ilk might just be what the doctor ordered.
