Nowadays, it isn't uncommon for actors to voice their interest in joining the superhero film genre, be it for Marvel or DC. After all, who among us has never dreamt of wielding superpowers, or giving a gang of ruthless thugs what for? Thankfully, movie magic can make those wildest of dreams come true, and recently Marlon Wayans revealed that he'd like to suit up as one of DC's more unique heroes, Plastic Man.
Recently while speaking with Screen Rant about his upcoming Netflix comedy, SEXTUPLETS – in which Wayans plays six family members who embark on a madcap road trip as part of the ultimate family reunion – the IN LIVING COLOR alum was asked about which superhero he'd like to play, if given the chance. Surprisingly, Wayans expressed interest in playing Plastic Man, a quirky character who once served as a member of the Justice League.
"I would love to play Plastic Man," Wayans said. "I think he works with the comedic skill set that I have, in terms of how I'm physical, I'm bendy. And I think it'd be cool to just do it without… You know, what's great about Black Panther is he's a black superhero, right? But sometimes [it's fun] to just do something. Like, you wouldn't think Plastic Man was a black guy, but it's not black – it's just, he's plastic. I think it'd be fun for me, because I know I got to add my humor to it. The only two superheroes I ever really wanted to play was Plastic Man and The Mask. Those are the two superhero films I would love to play."
Created by Jack Cole, Plastic Man's alter ego is Patrick "Eel" O' Brien. Embued with the powers of super elasticity/plasticity, a regenerative healing factor, shape-shifting, invulnerability, and immortality, the character made his first appearance in the pages of Police Comics #1 circa 1941. Recently, the character has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks in-part to a limited series penned by Gail Simone with art by Adriana Melo for DC Comics. Shortly after the series had started hitting comic store shelves, rumors of a Plastic Man movie came about.
For the moment, there are very few details available with regard to the rumored PLASTIC MAN film project, though that hasn't stopped Wayans from placing his hat in the ring.
Meanwhile, another actor who's voiced their interest in playing Plastic Man for DC is SONIC THE HEDGEHOG and PARKS AND RECREATION actor Ben Schwartz. Arguably, both Wayans and Schwartz are known for having a knack for physical comedy, which would certainly lend well to Plastic Man's stretch-tastic abilities. However, with so little information being known about the film, it's a bit of a stretch to think that either actor will assume the role. That being said, plans for a PLASTIC MAN feature could be happening behind the scenes, and with both Wayans and Schwartz having voiced their interest in starring as the character, we could be heaing more from this supposed project sooner rather than later.
For now, if you'd like to see Marlon Wayans stretching his comedic talents, be sure to check out SEXTUPLETS when it arrives on Netflix on August 16.