The Fancasting Room | Casting the Expedition to Atlantis: The Lost Empire

As Disney continues to mine its vault of classics for live-action adaptations, fans have been clamoring for them to adapt a few classics in particular — one being their 2001 animated hit, Atlantis: The Lost Empire.

Well, it looks like fans are getting their wish as Disney appears to be developing a live-action remake of the film. Set in 1914, the story follows Milo Thatcher who obtains a sacred book, which he believes will guide him and his crew of misfits and mercenaries to the fabled lost city of Atlantis.

So, who will Disney cast to bring these characters to life? Luckily for them, our Fancaster-in-Chief some ideas.

milo thatch (andrew garfield)

Where has Andrew Garfield been? It’s been awhile since the British Actor he appeared in a major blockbuster — his last major leading role was The Amazing Spider-Man 2 in 2014.

Maybe the divisive reaction to that film spoiled major roles for him. Nonetheless, there is no denying the man’s talent and ability to headline a major film. He’s charismatic with leading-man looks, and can clearly hold his own in action sequences. Garfield would easily bring Milo to life and send us on a great adventure to Atlantis.

princess kida (nathalie emmanuel)

Nathalie Emmanuel, best known for her role as Missandei in HBO’s worldwide phenomenon, Game of Thrones, is definitely an actress on the rise. Her star power is on the rise by locking down a recurring role in the Fast and Furious franchise as Ramsey.

She’s a talented and gorgeous actress who could easily take on the role of Princess Kida. As mentioned, with her roles in Game of Thrones, Fast and Furious and The Maze Runner series, she’s no stranger to taking on roles in major films. A role in Atlantis: The Lost Empire could solidify her as a superstar.

commander rourke (josh brolin)

I mean, do I really need to explain this one? Josh Brolin already turned in two very different but equally amazing performances as Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Many people would put Thanos in the top three cinematic villains of all time, largely in part to Mr. Brolin’s supreme ability and characterization.

We know the man can play the big bad, but can steal the entire show while doing it. Obviously, he will have to lighten it up a bit since this a Disney movie, but given his skill, that probably won’t be an issue for him. His name certainly wouldn’t hurt the live-action remake of Atlantis: The Lost Empire.

vincenzo santorini (sacha baron cohen)

Vincenzo Santorini is the comic relief in Atlantis: The Lost Empire, who is always making any situation the group finds themselves in more humorous and lighthearted. He also has an extremely thick accent that will need to be convincingly replicated by the actor that takes on this role.

Enter Sacha Baron Cohen. The man is as versatile as can be who has taken on such a variety of roles in his career. His roles in films like Talladega Nights, Borat, and Alice Through the Looking Glass, all required him to adopt a different accent, which he did convincingly. Comedy is something that comes natural to Cohen. This role would be a match made in heaven.

joshua sweet (henry simmons)

Joshua “Strongbear” Sweet is the team’s medical officer. He’s a character of huge stature, despite being the medic. Physically, he is the most intimidating of Milo’s crew. Therefore, an actor with a similar stature is required to bring this character to life.

That is where Henry Simmons would prove himself in this live-action adaptation. Many recognize Simmons from his starring role on Marvel and ABC’s Agents of Shield, where he plays the team’s most physically intimidating member and as the moral compass of the crew. That character makeup is almost identical to the role of Sweet. With an already existing relationship with Disney through AoS, Simmons has to be on their radar.

helga katrina sinclair (katheryn winnick)

Those of you that follow our fancastings have noticed Katheryn Winnick in several suggested possibilities. She is amazing and, for some reason, she hasn’t received nearly the recognition she deserves. The fact that she hasn’t been in any blockbuster or franchise films blows my mind.

Winnick absolutely stole the show in her role as Lagertha on Vikings. Not an easy thing to do acting opposite Travis Fimmel’s iconic Ragnar. She turned one of the few female leads into one of the most badass characters in the entire series. Taking on the role of Helga Sinclair would be a breeze for her. Helga is Commander Rourke’s deadly and lethal second-in-command. A role perfectly suited for Winnick’s talents.

gaetan “mole” moliere (nick frost)

Mole is the team’s French geologist, who has a nose for gemstones and treasures buried within the earth. He is one of the first members of the team Milo encounters prior to starting his journey to find Atlantis.

Much like Vincenzo, Mole is also a source of comedic relief in the film. That’s why Nick Frost would be perfect in this role. Comedy is second nature to Frost, who is proven with his roles in films like Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead, and The World’s End. This would be a role where Frost could really have some fun.

rocio ramirez (isabela moner)

Last but not least, we have Audrey Rocio Ramirez, the Puerto Rican teenage mechanic and youngest member of Milo’s crew. She’s energetic, sassy, and fearless, which means this role requires an actress who can bring all of that.

Isabela Moner is 18 years old and possesses all of those youthful qualities found in Rocio. In fact, Moner has already played a role almost identical to this one when she starred opposite Mark Wahlberg in Transformers: The Last Knight. She played an orphaned girl who learned how to repair broken Transformers and also let Wahlberg have it in a battle of verbal wits. She’s perfect for this role and would shine bright on the way to Atlantis.