In these days of deep discord and division, when the country seems set on tearing itself apart, it can feel like we have nothing in common with our fellow Americans. But in the midst of all this turmoil, there is a singular guiding light that promises to unite the country. A figure whose charisma and joy transcends party and cultural divides. That man is Danny DeVito.
Forget your Pitts and your Clooneys, your Bullocks and your “The Rock” Johnsons. America’s one true sweetheart is a 74 year old Italian-American who has been an indelible part of popular culture for over 50 years. When DeVito shows up onscreen, there is an immediate sense of excitement and familiarity, like seeing an old friend.
It’s no surprise then, that DeVito has been the subject of two recent fan campaigns. The first is a petition to have DeVito take over the role of Wolverine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The petition already has over 32,000 signatures, and it makes a compelling argument for DeVito in the role, with the description reading “Danny DeVito’s height is a lot closer to the comic books portrayal of Wolverine. With Danny being 4’10” and Wolverine 5’3″. Secondly, we all saw Danny’s portrayal of the Trashman. So, we know he is fully capable of fighting, and that he is not afraid when things get dirty.”
This wouldn’t be DeVito’s first foray into comic book movies. He famously portrayed the Penguin in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns. Fans are already on board with a DeVito Wolverine, and the fan art is, shall we say, compelling:
People have been getting mad as of late because my works have too much humour, so I thought id make a serious piece @DannyDeVito for Logan II #Wolverine pic.twitter.com/qMAMJAMlQN
— BossLogic (@Bosslogic) May 23, 2019
Danny Devito as Wolverine is the single greatest thing I’ve ever seen. pic.twitter.com/vdpqWemGHK
— Reverend Matty (@reverendmatty) May 22, 2019
But this isn’t the only role folks want to see DeVito take on. As far back as 2016, fans have been petitioning for the actor to voice Detective Pikachu. Before it closed, the petition had over 50,000 signatures. Here’s a YouTube video with Detective Pikachu voiced by DeVito using dialogue from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia:
Even the concept artists for the film supported DeVito. Artist RJ Palmer posted some of his Pikachu designs that were inspired by the actor:
This was a very early pass at showing different emotions Pikachu would have. I was very into the idea of Pikachu having bald cheeks to conduct the lightning but admittedly I don't think it would have worked nearly as well as the final design. pic.twitter.com/TnPpDBxUuX
— RJ Palmer@Fanime 1407 (@arvalis) May 23, 2019
Look, the Detective Pikachu ship may have sailed and folks seem to love Ryan Reynolds in the role. But maybe DeVito can cameo in the sequel as Pikachu’s dad? Or drunk uncle? Come on Hollywood, give the people what they want: Danny DeVito in everything all the time. America demands it.
(via IndieWire, image: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)
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