The dearth of strong, capable roles for women, especially in the action genre, is an open secret in Hollywood. One of the potential roles that has endured over time, however, is that of the trio of female characters who make up the core of Charlie’s Angels. The 70s tv series has seen revivals on both the big and small screen in the past 15 years, and is now set to return once again, this time with actress-turned-director Elizabeth Banks in charge. With the roles now open once again, here are five performers we’d like to see get cast in the new film.
As the first incarnation of Black Canary on the CW series Arrow, Caity Lotz has proven her capabilities in action scenes time and time again, and the fact that the character’s death hasn’t meant a departure from the show’s universe for the actress is a testament to her success. In the 2014 science fiction film The Machine, however, Lotz was able to display different sides to herself, playing two different characters and carrying the movie with her performance, while also displaying her fighting skills when called upon. The combination of her talents makes her a great fit for a movie like Charlie’s Angels, where she is sure to be able to deliver on all facets of any given character, especially in the action sequences.
While Maggie Q’s fight skills and stunt expertise is no secret to anyone who has seen her in movies such as Live Free or Die Hard and Mission: Impossible III, both of those films saw her in supporting roles. As the titular character on the now-ended CW series Nikita, however, Maggie Q displayed exactly the kinds of skills that would make her a great addition to the Charlie’s Angels team, not only in her fight sequences, but also in storylines involving female friendships and emotional moments both heavy and light. With her Nikita follow-up Stalker having been cancelled earlier this year, the time is ripe for Maggie Q to take a key role in a major motion picture, and hopefully Banks and her team seize the opportunity.
Johansson’s inclusion in this list is no surprise, given the actress’s numerous successful turns in action films to date, particularly in the Marvel films as Black Widow. With Marvel yet to formally commit to the Black Widow solo feature that would put Johansson front and centre, having her play one of the three leads of Charlie’s Angels would make for an excellent alternative. Not only would Johansson once again be able to display her action skills, the presence of a capable director like Banks behind the camera all but ensures that she will not be limited solely to action beats. With a performer of Johansson’s talents, that is a real boon.
Frequently providing the action part of the NBC cult hit Chuck, Strahovski showed herself capable of getting just as involved in the comedic moments when called upon. Her role in 24: Live Another Day firmly established that she was capable of delivering in action roles no matter what capacity she was placed in, which makes her a great selection as a member of Charlie’s Angels. The benefit of giving Strahovski a sizeable leading role in a movie, and one that’s worthy of her talents to boot, is just icing on the cake, and it’s certainly just a matter of time before she gets such a role. Hopefully it’ll come in the new version of Charlie’s Angels, as Banks would certainly be able to draw on Strahovski’s talents as needed.
Since her acting debut in the 2007 film No Reservations, Zoë Kravitz has built up a filmography filled with supporting roles in action films of all varieties, whether it’s X-Men: First Class, the Divergent series, or Mad Max: Fury Road. Having stood out in nearly all her supporting roles, Kravitz has shown herself more than capable of a lead role, and a member of the Charlie’s Angels trio is the perfect vehicle for someone of her talents. As a high profile action film that will both feature her prominently and let her be part of an ensemble, a well-written lead role in this film may just be the breakout Kravitz has earned.
There are, of course, numerous other performers who have proven themselves equally capable of carrying a role of the ilk that Charlie’s Angels is likely to provide. Strahovski’s The Astronaut Wives Club co-star Odette Annable has made her own mark in the action genre with her role in Banshee, while Gina Carano’s turn in Haywire also proves she’d be a good fit for the role. Whoever ends up in the leads, however, the potential involvement of Banks is a promising development, and hopefully results in a solid cast that gets the benefit of good writing. If the latter two elements fall in place, this could end up as a very enjoyable film.