Actress Allison Williams attends the Variety Studio powered by Samsung Galaxy on May 28, 2014 in West Hollywood, California. William was just cast as Peter Pan in NBC’s Peter Pan Live.; Credit: Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Variety
This week, NBC announced its upcoming "Peter Pan" production will continue the tradition of casting an actress in the lead, this time it's Allison Williams of HBO's "Girls." The gender-bending role is akin to the recent decision by Marvel Comics to turn the new Thor into a female superhero.
Few modern-day productions experiment with crossing gender lines. It was a bold move when Ridley Scott gave Sigourney Weaver the iconic role of Ripley in the "Alien" franchise, a strong, persevering character that the studio and script envisioned originally as a man.
What are some famous roles that could go either way? Who would you cast as a Luka Skywalker? Or a Ms. Tibbs to rival Sidney Poitier?
Imagine these iconic roles played by actors of the opposite sex. Who would you cast? Tell us more in the comments!
Guests:
Kerry Barden, Casting Director of "Boys Don’t Cry," "Dallas Buyers Club," this week’s "Get On Up" and so many more; Board member of the Casting Society of America
Rich Delia, Casting Director of "Dallas Buyers Club," "Short Term 12," and more.