As a long time reader of Joe R. Lansdale's fiction, the one series of novels that shines continuing to blast all constraints, entertaining while confronting the hard or harsh issues such as racism, child abuse, and the enforcement of personal justice is Lansdale's Hap and Leonard string of books begun in Savage Season and currently paired in Vanilla Ride. As with certain other graphically told stories, where the writer does not shy away from presenting harsh or vicious subjects such as child abuse and racism in a direct manner with a generous helping of profanity, there is doubt as to whether this could be successively translated to a visual medium such as film or television.
In reflecting on this I recall when there was an intent to adapt Stephen King’s short story Apt Pupil, (1982), to a filmic form, and there was a doubt on my part on if this could, (or would), be rendered without censoring it for a palatable vision, reducing the graphic import of a vital tale of corruption and degeneration to an acceptable account. While there was a long delay in which I believed this story would never see its filmed treatment, eventually, (1998), Bryan Singer brought it to life on the big screen without shirking from the graphic whole of King’s original story, however the violence was significantly reduced and the ending strained of its stark severity. Since that time the advent of cable television has produced an advancing adult awareness, depicting harsher actions, (sexuality and violence), and liberal profanity with shows such as The Sopranos (1999) and Six Feet Under (2001) presenting a serial possibility outside the conventional expectations and coded limitations of a movie format.
Such is the present state in which to imagine, (or ponder), that Lansdale’s unusual mix concocted in his Hap and Leonard series could be fleshed out in all its outrageous comedy and shocking drama through the vehicle of a cable series or a string of films. Imagining a perfect director for a film series one could longingly look no further than Quentin Tarantino as his penchant for driving dialogue would fuel the fervor of the principle characters. Or the other dream team would be the quirky Cohen Brothers. Since the possibility of Tarantino or the Cohen’s taking the helm is a pure pipe dream, the other director, (more plausible), is Scott Teems that has received acclaim with his film That Evening Sun.
While either format could be produced in an effective manner, the extended reach and weekly continuity of a cable program, would allow not only a more in-depth exploration of the characters, the exchanging transition as both central protagonists experience change would be more immediately conveyed.
Given this consideration the broad contemplation of director would be critical to forming a consistent vision and envisioning the quirky framing of Lansdale’s duo. David Simon of The Wire would bring a gritty complexity to compound issues presented, however I believe Adam Bernstein, (who has directed several episodes of Breaking Bad), would be a good fit for Lansdale’s ‘Destructive duo’ as well as the wacky and weird ensemble, while envisioning the grittier outlines. Screenplay adaptation would ideally be done by Lansdale his ‘ownself’, yet the writers for Breaking Bad could or would bring a right writ, (and wit), to the accompaniment.
As the two protagonists Hap and Leonard are central their casting presents the critical components toward a complex chemistry. In the role of Hap, I believe actor Ray McKinnon supplies not only the ranginess required, (from the comic to the intense), yet also has the southern background to support the convictions.
Ray McKinnon
Mckinnon is actually a bit older than Hap, however he does not appear out of date to an advanced degree. Another actor that could bring Hap to life is Chris Cooper however he may be a bit long in the tooth for Hap (would be great as a guest charachter).
Chris Cooper
Leonard is of course a bit more difficult to cast, as his character has to be at once charming and intimidating. Ideally the actor one links is Samuel L. Jackson, yet as he is too old, the other actor that could bring a vast range is Don Cheadle. As Cheadle would probably be far above this commitment another more probable actor would be Edi Gathegi. He brought a solid role in the ‘remake’ of Life on Mars and while physically he may have to bulk up some, (check out his physique in Twilight or New Moon), I believe he could present a solid take on Leonard’s complex nature.
Edi Gathegi
As far as supporting actors Wendell Pierce who played Detective Bunk Moreland on The Wire would be perfect for Marvin Hanson.
Wendell Pierce
Woody Harrelson
Bill Paxton
Hanson’s police partner, Charlie, could be played to cameo perfection by either Woody Harrelson or Bill Paxton’s southern droll. For the private investigator Jim Bob Luke, I’d like to see James Norman Jim “Beaver” Jr. filling out those pointy cowboy boots.
James Norman "Jim" Beaver
As to the femme fatales, Hap’s ex Trudy could be the drop dead Texan Abby Brammell or Renee O’ Conner, and current flame Brett Sawyer would be well filled by Alex Mcleod.
Abby Brammell
Alex Mcleod
Peter Dinklage would properly fill the boots of Red Ames, and could there be a more perfect actor to play Red’s brother Herman than Randall “Tex” Cobb?
Peter Dinklage
Randall "Tex" Cobb
Other ‘fitting’ appearances could be rounded out by Barry Corbin (Chili King, Bad Chili), Gary Busey (Big Jim Clemente, Rumble Tumble). and Stone Cold Steve Austin (Big Man Mountain, Bad Chili).
Barry Corbin
Texas or Southern Fried cameos could be a model feature of the series with other notables such as Fred Thompson, Tommy Lee Jones, Randy Quaid, Sam Elliot and Powers Booth popping up. One additional sidewinder could be the appearance of the great M. Emmet Walsh. These connections would give the spicy visual zing that would add a vital pop.
Sam Elliot
M. Emmet Walsh
Oh, and let's not forget...Bob, the armadillo.
