Neal Stephenson’s original and imaginative steam punk novel, Snow Crash, has the potential of becoming a box office success were someone to undertake adapting it into a screenplay, but much of the movie’s success would be in the hands of the casting director.
Each of Stephenson’s characters call for dedicated, inventive actors who are able to step out of their comfort zone and immerse themselves in the novel’s chaotic universe. Here are a few prospective choices to fill the roles of Snow Crash‘s main characters.
Christopher Lee as the Librarian
Crucial to the story, the Librarian is a software application designed by Dr. Emanuel Lagos, the researcher who discovered the Snow Crash virus. In the novel, the Librarian is non-sentient, but I believe in a film adaptation he would become an all-knowing being. Who better to voice the Librarian than Christopher Lee with his deep, melodic voice?
Jackie Earle Haley as Uncle Enzo
Jackie Earle Haley is not your typical mob boss but add a few well-placed pounds and clever use of makeup and you have an excellent Uncle Enzo. Earle Haley has the chops to make Uncle Enzo come alive.
Rosario Dawson as Juanita Marquez
Hiro’s ex-girlfriend Juanita is a computer hacker with a few secrets. Dawson has always retained an air of mystery, and she could definitely pull off being a geeky hacker.
Vin Diesel as Raven
Described by Stephenson as “the baddest motherf***er in the world”, Raven is a violent mercenary with the ultimate goal of nuking America. Recalling the days of Pitch Black and xXx, Vin Diesel seems like a viable option for the role of Raven. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is an alternate pick for Raven, however his choice of roles has become increasing family-oriented over the years.
Josh Brolin as L. Bob Rife
Snow Crash‘s villainous L. Bob Rife requires a big personality. Considering his role in Robert Rodriguez’s Planet Terror, there is no doubt Brolin would be able to play an over-the-top bad guy like L. Bob Rife.
Chloe Moretz as Y.T.
While she may seem a little young to play 15 year old Y.T., Miss Moretz proved she has the chops to take on an edgy action role by her portrayal of Hit Girl in this year’s Kick-Ass. Moretz has both the range and ability to offer a rendition of Y.T. Stephenson could be proud of.
??? as Hiro Protagonist
Stephenson’s protagonist is of Afro-Asian decent, but maintaining that aspect of Hiro poses a problem as Afro-Asian actors are few and far between. Giving Filipino-American actor Michael Copon or more seasoned actor John Cho a shot at the role could have promising results though it is more likely that an unknown, like Xeno Alejandro, would be the best bet to play Hiro.
