District 9 star Sharlto Copley as Murdock in A-TEAM Movie?

Director Joe Carnahan(Smokin' Aces) has reportedly already begun shooting the new A-Team Movie in Vancouver, Canada which is set for release next year. So it's no surprise that they are scrambling to lock in the last few members of the cast.

Already in place are Liam Neeson as Col. John 'Hannibal' Smith and Bradley Cooper as Lt. Templeton 'Faceman' Peck.

Over the weekend, UFC fighter Quinton "Rampage" Jackson officially won the role of the A-Team's strong man and mechanic, Sgt. B.A. "Bad Attitude" Baracus. Jackson had been rumored for almost a year now, so it was no surprise when he was cast in the role made famous by Mr. T.

But as for the role of the team's pilot, Capt. H.M. "Howling Mad" Murdock, the reports coming in are a big surprise! BlackFilm reports that "through a reliable source", they have learned exclusively that an offer has been made to 'District 9' star Sharlto Copley.

There is no confirmation that Copley has accepted the role as of yet.



If this is true, and that's a big "if", Copley's name has come out of nowhere! This would only be the second acting role for the South African native. Copley was cast by long time friend Neil Blomkamp in this year's low-budget sci-fi hit District 9, after improvising a scene for the original short.

Copley's name comes as a surprise because some of the names that had been thrown around for the role include Jim Carrey, Steve Buscemi, Timothy Olyphant, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Chris Pine and Robert Downey Jr.. While some of those names are a little too high profile for the supporting role, all of them are very well established.

It would be a refreshing take if Copley is cast. Even though he lacks experience, he's fully capable of handling the role of Murdock, who was originated by Dwight Shultz, who lately has been lending his voice talents to video games and cartoons.



The character of Murdock had been declared insane and resided in a mental institution for the original show's first four seasons. If you've seen Copley's performance in District 9, you know the guy could easily play crazy. And he had some pilot experience in that as well, even if it was an alien aircraft. It think Copley could even add some more emotional layers in there... if the film calls for it, which it probably won't.

My only concern is if he can pull of an American accent, if they're keeping the character American. It wouldn't be too hard to look past though, as Liam Neeson, as amazing an actor as he is, has never quite been able to pull off the accent.

So what do you think of Sharlto Copley being offered the role of Capt. H.M. Murdock?