“Dallas,” one of the most popular TV programs of all time is on its way to the big screen.
So as one of the show’s devoted and lifelong fans, I feel it is my duty to submit ideas about which actors should take on the roles of the infamous Texas clan, the Ewings.
The J.R. Ewing’s character is without a doubt the cornerstone of the “Dallas” franchise, and the movie’s success hinges on the casting of its most important personality. Only one actor could embody the role of J.R. as well as Larry Hagman did on the TV series and that actor is none other than two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks.
Names such as Tommy Lee Jones, Kevin Costner and Billy Bob Thornton have been thrown around as possible actors set to don JR’s patented cowboy hat, but none have that J.R.-like quality about them.
J.R. is a charmingly ruthless character everyone loves to hate and Hanks is the only actor in Hollywood talented enough to take on J.R.’s good ol’ boy persona while simultaneously plunging to the diabolical depths no one except J.R. is capable of reaching.
Perhaps the next most crucial role belongs to the Ewing family matriarch, Mrs. Ellie Ewing. As the backbone of Texas’ most powerful family, Ellie’s character, originally played by Barbara Bel Geddes, is kind, compassionate and wise.
Casting Mrs. Ellie might be tougher than casting JR because today’s Hollywood is short on 60-year-old actresses.
A short list, however, does not mean no solid choices exist.
Lauren Bacall, one of Hollywood’s most legendary leading ladies, has the ability to bring the motherly persona of Mrs. Ellie to life without over-glamorizing the role.
Next on the list is Jock Ewing. The late Jim Davis’ take on the gruff, tough-loving head of the Ewing family was done to perfection.
Therefore, this role needs a charismatic, older leading man, and Gene Hackman personifies those qualities.
Despite his age and wealth, Jock was a tough guy who was not afraid to get dirty and a little physical in certain situations. Much like Jock Ewing, Hackman is old but not too old to take care of business, and he brings a requisite man’s man charisma necessary for this role.
Bobby, the Ewing’s youngest son and an all-around good guy, needs to be played by a heartthrob actor who also possesses an inherent nice guy quality.
For my money, I could see either Brendan Fraser or Matthew McConaughey stepping into the youngest Ewing’s cowboy boots. Both actors have a wholesome, “aww shucks” kind of demeanor, and a ruggedly handsome quality, but McConaughey being a native Texan may have a slight edge.
Rounding out the cast are J.R. and Bobby’s wives, Sue Ellen and Pam.
Move over Linda Gray because Annette Benning has what it takes to slide easily into the role of Mrs. J.R. Ewing. After her performance in “American Beauty,” Benning showed she has a knack for playing a vindictive, angry wife looking to screw over her husband, and that mindset summarizes Sue Ellen’s character completely.
Pam is Bobby’s young, trophy wife, and the glamorous Ashley Judd has just the right amount of looks, sweetness and attitude to fill Victoria Principal’s old role.
I know this is a dream cast and most likely none of these actors will be involved with “Dallas” the movie version. But a boy can dream, and I dream Hollywood takes all the “Dallas” fans’ needs into account when it gets this movie going.