If it happened at all, it happened like that

So, with this Pros movie rumour going about, the flatmate and I have been discussing casting. I’ve heard the rumours about: Gary Oldman or Liam Neeson (even Russell Crowe) for Cowley, Jason Statham and Gerard Butler for Bodie & Doyle.

I just can’t accept that, sorry. So here (as if anyone cares) I’m putting forward an arguement for Cowley.

So here he is, played to perfection by the wonderful Gordon Jackson. Cowley is a hard nosed, aggressive Scot with a penchant for pure malt scotch and a soft spot for the boys. Flatmate and I agree that part of what makes him so awesome is that he manages to be really threatening (mainly towards suspects) without raising his voice or looking terribly angry. He’s quietly scary.

Now, I adore Gary Oldman, and he’s a fantastic actor, but there’s just something about him that’s not right for the part. The same goes for Mr Neeson and Crowe.

I would like to propose James Cosmo.

He was the first actor that Flatmate and I agreed on for any of the cast. Now, there are obvious similarities here. Both are Scottish and ginger and somewhat craggy. Granted, Cosmo is about 10 years older than Jackson was when he played Cowley, but I don’t think that’s necessarily a disadvantage. His character in Game of Thrones, Jeor Mormont, is quite similar to Cowley, and if you’re unsure about him then I suggest you watch it.

Cosmo also appeared in an episode of The Professionals (the s2e14 “The Runner”) which would add a nice little link to the past to the movie.

So, that’s my two cents. Bodie and Doyle to follow at some point.