The famous Blaxploitation films from the 70’s & 80’s are getting a second chance in Hollywood. Warner Bros. is bringing back the character of Cleopatra Jones, the undercover government agent who uses her supermodel day job as a cover. WB has entrusted the revival to Misha Green (Underground), who will write and produce the film.

This fancast contains some characters found in the first Cleopatra Jones film. It is unclear if the revival will be a straight reboot or remake. Whether some of these characters will return is still in question. However, these are characters I hope will return and the actors I would Lovett to play them.

Let’s get started.

Tamara Dobson was spectacular as Cleo, she made the role iconic and will forever be associated with the character. The actress who takes up the mantle has a lot to live up to. So, I’ve picked the hottest Black actress today, DeWanda Wise. Wise has been making waves ever since she starred in the TV adaptation of She’s Gotta Have It, which was renewed for a second season. She also just landed a huge role in the upcoming Captain Marvel film. I chose her because I love her personality and attitude. Her performance as Nola proves she is a promising choice to play Cleo. Fierce, smart, compassionate and badass.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is an amazing actor and if you watch The Get Down you know that this man can rock that 70’s look. I would love to see him paired up with DeWanda Wise, because they be so beautiful together on-screen. Reuben Masters is Cleo’s lover and a hero in his own way. He runs the B&S House, a community home for recovering addicts. This fancast is also selfish, because I want  Mateen in everything. He is a great actor.

This is the trickiest fancast. Mommy is a lesbian drug kingpin. She is Jones’ archenemy since Jones is hellbent on ending the illegal drug underworld. The character of Mommy just cannot exist now, she is highly offensive. If the character is to return I think she should be race-bent and played by a lesbian woman. My top pick is actress and comedian Wanda Sykes, who I believe would make the character her own. And I believe that Misha Green will probably create a new villain, one that doesn’t insult the LGBT community. If the character is to return in any manner there should be care taken to create a character that won’t make the film DOA. Sykes is a wonderful actress and a great comedian, she can make any role work for her.

Doodlebug Simpkins is one of Mommy’s suppliers who is opportunistic and a snake. This is a comedic relief role, no matter which way this revival goes. André Holland is quickly becoming one of my favourite actors, and I would love to see him take on a role set in that time period – he looks like he can rock that 70’s attire. I put him in this role because it would be cool to see him in a slightly antagonistic role, but still fun. If you know what happens to Doodlebug, you know that his part is more of a cameo.

Tiffany is Doodlebug’s girlfriend, and she is a lounge singer. I think the character is a great opportunity to get a hot talented singer to cameo for the inevitable scene that takes place at a club. My pick is SZA. The singer has been killin’ it and would slay in a small, but significant role in a film like this.

This fancast is purely for my own enjoyment. Melvin & Matthew Johnson are Cleo’s childhood friends and are government agents. They could be redefined in the revival. Whatever ends up happening to these characters I just want to see two fine gentlemen take on the roles, and who better than Trevante Rhodes and Kofi Siriboe.

That’s it! I hope you enjoyed.

Graphics courtesy of Saron Penrose / @IsARealGirl