Watch Your Step

With the film version of Watchmen finally set to go before cameras in a few months time, official casting announcements are going to happen shortly...(During an official presentation at this month's Comic-Con?).

Speculation over casting for the project has reached a fever pitch, especially with regards to the role of Dr. Manhattan-- now comes word that an actor has finally been cast in the part.

After Keanu Reeves reportedly passed on the part ...Jason Patric was also in line...Che for it, Billy Crudup (pictured) has emerged as the front runner to play scientist Dr. Jon Osterman, who is transformed into the blue-skinned, all-powerful Dr. Manhattan.

CHUD.com is saying that "a "very reliable source" has told the site that Crudup will play the pivotal role.

Crudup has made quite the name for himself as a dramatic actor...But has had a taste of what it's like to be in a "blockbuster" having appeared in Mission: Impossible III last year...Watchmen would catapult his career...

And then there's this:

A casting breakdown for four more roles in the film has found its way online...

The four characters looking to be cast are Sally Juspeczyk (a.k.a. Silk Spectre I), Edgar "Moloch" Jacobi, Big Figure and an unnamed "Body Builder."

The casting breakdown posted by Moviehole.net says the role of Sally, the mother of Laurie Juspeczyk (Silk Spectre II), requires the actress to play age 25-65. It also "requires some nudity and intense physicality."

IGN posted that Oscar winner Jeremy Irons was at one time linked to the role of Moloch, a terminally ill former supervillain, but that seems more doubtful as things move ahead.

The cigar-chomping Big Figure is the stature-challenged, incarcerated crime boss who takes on his old foe Rorschach when the unmasked vigilante is sent to prison.

The most curious breakdown, however, is for the "Body Builder."

The role reportedly requires a "male, 5'10"-6'0" tall, natural or professional bodybuilder, really vascular and lean, in their physical prime. Performer used only for visual effects purposes."

The graphic novel is an awesome read! I can't wait for the "official" casting announcement....So that director Zack Snyder can start filmming the sucker!