The Perfect Actor To Play Rico Rodriguez In The Just Cause Movie (Is Unfortunately Too Old)

Summary Cast for movie adaptation of Just Cause must be younger than Antonio Banderas, who is too old for role of Rico Rodriguez.

Character of Rico Rodriguez inspired by Antonio Banderas' El Mariachi, known for cool, fearless vibe and action heroics.

Casting is crucial in video game adaptations, with the iconic Rico Rodriguez needing a young, energetic actor for future movie series.

The popular video game Just Cause is being adapted into a movie, but unfortunately, the perfect actor for the role of Rico Rodriguez is too old. Produced by Square Enix and Avalanche Studios, the video game Just Cause is an action-packed adventure reminiscent of James Bond crossed with a 21st-century Zorro. Thanks to Universal Pictures, the movie adaption will hit the screen in the not-so-distant future. Blue Beetle director Ángel Manuel Soto is set to helm the adaptation, backed up by the producers of Fall Guy and Nobody, making it an exciting prospect.

For any great video game adaptation, casting is crucial. Audience expectations play a huge role in the initial buzz around adaptations, and casting is even more critical with games with iconic characters. Just Cause has an unforgettable protagonist in Rico Rodriguez. He’s a fearless operative for an organization known only as the agency. He’s memorable for several reasons, yet death-defying stunts and incredible feats of bravery top the list. The character's inspiration and personality seemingly make him a perfect fit for one actor in particular – with there being one unavoidable caveat.

Related Action Video Game Just Cause Getting Movie Adaptation From DC Director & John Wick Producer Action-adventure video game Just Cause is getting a movie adaptation from a DC movie director and John Wick production company for Universal.

Rico Rodriguez Has Connections To Antonio Banderas' El Mariachi Character

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Had Just Cause been made several decades ago, Antonio Banderas would have been the obvious choice. Aside from his aptitude for action, experience in similar projects, and physical similarities to Rico Rodriguez, there are even more direct reasons why Banderas would have been a great choice. Rico Rodriguez seems to have been partly inspired by the actor's portrayal of El Mariachi in Desperado and Once Upon A Time In Mexico. The films themselves are characterized by over-the-top action sequences, wild stunts, and a seemingly invincible hero in Antonio Banderas. The video game Just Cause is strikingly similar, suggesting a clear parallel between the projects.

Antonio Banderas’ El Mariachi character is similar to Rico Rodriguez in several ways. There’s a cool and fearless vibe to El Mariachi that is symbolic of Rico Rodriguez, who spends lots of time jumping from helicopters and surfing on the roofs of cars. Beyond the action heroics, the personalities behind the heroes are also very similar. There’s a charm and confidence to El Mariachi that Banderas easily pulls off. The same can be seen in all of Antonio Banderas' films, from Zorro to Puss in Boots. Rico Rodriguez is no different; calm under pressure, and cool in heated moments.

The Just Cause Movie Will Need To Cast Someone Younger Than Banderas

As exciting as it would be to see Antonio Banderas play Rico Rodriguez, he's in his 60s now, which makes him a bit old for such a physically demanding role. However, other young actors could fill Rodriguez’s shoes. Xolo Maridueña from Cobra Kai, for example, could do a fantastic job at bringing Rodriguez’s character to life on the big screen. He’s charismatic and energetic and is one of many options Universal is likely to consider. Even if Banderas pulled off the role in the first adaptation, Just Cause may be a burgeoning franchise and the question of longevity will likely be on the producer’s minds.

The most likely outcome is that Universal Studios will look for a younger actor who can handle the intense action scenes and stick around for multiple movies. A fresh face can bring Rico the same energy and charm while ensuring the character can evolve and grow in future films. This way, the Just Cause movie series can capture the spirit of the games and keep fans excited for years to come.