‘Game Change’ Casting Predictions

Political junkies are anxiously awaiting HBO’s upcoming film, Game Change. Based on the bestselling book, the film will chronicle the 2008 presidential election between then Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. Thus far, only two major casting announcements have been made: Ed Harris as McCain and Julianne Moore as former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Rather than wait for the network to announce the rest of the ensemble, I thought I’d try my hand at guessing the cast. So, without further ado, here are my Game Change casting predictions.

Cast – Sen. John McCain as played by Ed Harris

Ed Harris as John McCain? Sure, why not. Harris definitely has the chops for the role, and with a little makeup, I’m sure he’ll look the part, as well.

Cast – Gov. Sarah Palin as played by Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore is a great actress, but I have a hard time seeing her as Palin. I’m sure she’ll do a great job, but when it comes to Palin impersonations, I only have eyes for Tina Fey.

Prediction – Sen. Barack Obama as played by Will Smith

Yeah, yeah, yeah; I wasn’t crazy about picking Smith. But damn it, he’s got the ears. And while an HBO film would surely be a pay cut for him, Smith has previously expressed interest in playing Obama. Even so, hopefully the network can find a lesser known actor capable of nailing the part.

Prediction – Sen. Joe Biden as played by Christopher Plummer

Granted, Plummer is too old to be playing Joe Biden. But with a little movie magic, he can pull it off. Besides, look at their foreheads! They’re practically twins!

Prediction – Michelle Obama as played by Regina King

When it came time to cast Michelle Obama, I wanted to go with Michael Dorn, the guy who played Worf on “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” But my editor said, “quit being an idiot,” so I went with the much more attractive (although, much less bad ass) Regina King.

Prediction – Cindy McCain as played by Michelle Pfeiffer

Cindy McCain is an aged blonde hottie. Michelle Pfeiffer is an aged blonde hottie. Do the math.

Prediction – Sen. Hillary Clinton as played by Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver is a bit too tall to play Hillary Clinton. But she’s got those crazy eyes, and that’s what’s really going to sell the part. A nice, fat pair of cankles won’t hurt, either.

Prediction – Gov. Mike Huckabee as played by Kevin Spacey

Aside from the fact that the two look alike, I’m sure Hollywood would get a perverse satisfaction from casting a guy who goes “walking his dog” through strange parks in the middle of the night as a “family values” candidate.

Prediction – Sen. John Edwards as played by Jerry O’Connell

I can’t believe I never noticed how much Jerry O’Connell looks like former Senator John Edwards. And as his character in Piranha 3D showed us, he’s perfectly capable of playing a sleaze-bag piece of shit, which makes him perfect for this part.

Prediction – Elizabeth Edwards as played by Cherry Jones

In the book, Elizabeth Edwards isn’t exactly portrayed in the kindest light. But due to her husbands philandering and her recent death, I doubt the producers will want to speak ill of the dead. That said, Cherry Jones is a very likable actress, and would make a great choice no matter how the character is portrayed.

Prediction – Meghan McCain as played by Elisha Cuthbert

I’m not going to lie; I think Meghan McCain is kind of hot. Sure, she’s a little thick, but it’s not like I’m Daniel Craig. That said, casting the ridiculously hot Elisha Cuthbert in her role is a stretch. But it’s a stretch I wouldn’t mind watching for two hours.

Prediction – Rep. Ron Paul as played by Ian Mckellen

I always wondered why Ro Paul was so interested in precious metals. Obviously, it’s because he’s friggen Magneto!

Prediction – Rep. Fred Thompson as played by Fred Thompson

This one was a no brainer. After all, why reinvent the wheel.

Prediction – Gov. Bill Richardson as played by Joe Mantegna

Then Governor Bill Richardson actually made it farther along in the primary than Joe Biden. He might have ended up with a cabinet position, if allegations of corruption in his home state of New Mexico wouldn’t have sank his chances. Speaking of corruption, how about we cast the guy who plays Fat Tony on”The Simpsons.”

Prediction – Sen. Chris Dodd as played by Peter Gallagher

No one probably remembers that former Senator Chris Dodd ran a long shot campaign in the Democratic primary. He was crushed, so why should they? That being said, he’s briefly in the book, and Peter Gallagher is his spitting image. And the fact that Dodd was recently hired my the MPAA might make him an attractive target for the filmmakers.