Halle Berry to be cast as Ruth Younger

          Ruth Younger and Halle Berry are in their thirties and were once beautiful but are now simply pretty. Ruth Younger is an emotionally drained wife and mother who lives in poor housing conditons in a very cramped apartment. Halle Berry also played a poor woman in a white world and the strain of dealing with this white world was wearing her down in "A Monster's Ball". Ruth is usually the peacmaker in the family and even when she is being badgered by her husband, she still usually remains kind.
       Walter says to Ruth, "Who even cares about you?", Ruth replies, "Well, I guess I mght as well go to bed- I don't know where we lost it... but we have, I'm sorry about this new baby Walter. I guess I better go on and do what I started- I guess I didn't realize how bad things were between us- I guess I just didn't realize it. You want some hot milk?"  I am amazed at her calmness and sorrow. Most women would never put up with this abuse and happily, most women don't deal with this type of relationship however Halle Berry could definitely pull it off just as she did in "A Monster's Ball".

Viola Davis to be cast as Lena Younger

        Lena Younger is in her sixties and is full figured, she hads whitish hair and a dark brown face. Lena Younger is an honorable woman and is the glue that holds the family together. She is a dignified woman and tries to teach her children and grandchild to be the same. Viola Davis, with a little white dye added, would be perfect for this part. She plays in the movie "Doubt" and is also living in a difficult position in a white neighborhood however she has to deal with many more obstacles to deal wih than Lena Younger. Viola, just as Lena, will sacrifice everything for her children and only wants them to have a bright future. Lena Younger is a wise older woman and it shows at the greatest times such as when Walter loses the money and Beneatha says that Walter is "no brother of mine". Lena says, "There is always something left to love, If you ain't learned that than you ain't learned nothing. Have you cried for that boy today? I don't mean for yourself or for the family 'cause we lost the money. I mean for him; what he been through and what it done to him. Child, when do you think is the time to love somebody the most? When they done good and made things easy for everybody? Well then, you ain't through learning- cause that ain't the time at all. It's when he's at the lowest and can't beieve in himself 'cause the world done whipped him so! When you start measuring someone, measure him right child, measure him right. Make sure you done taken into account what hills and valleys he come through before he got to wherever he is". That was a long quote but needed to be included because it was so powerful.
      Lena Younger is a character for all of us to follow; not her lack of education or her temper that shows occasionally. Lena Younger should be an inspiration to all people. She is a loving, loyal and grounded woman who can see through the glamour and knows what's important in life- family. Nothing and no-one can shake this woman's loyalty to her family and the true meaning of family. Viola Davis would be honored to play Lena Younger in "Raisin in the Sun".
      

Denzel Washington to be cast as Walter Younger

       Walter Younger reminds me of Denzel Washington in "Remember the Titans". Walter and Denzel are both strong characters in their thirties who are always complaining and agitated about something. Although they seem miserable most of the time, when it comes to their child, a smile comes to their face. They are both tall and slender and are a powerful force to deal with when they become angry. When things don't go well, they both lash out on the people around them. Of course when things finally go well or seem to go well, we see their glowing smile on Denzel when they won the game and Walter when he thought he made a good investment.
        Typically, Walter is instigating someone, particularly Beneatha, such as the time when he said "You a horrible looking chick at this time of the hour". Beneatha is not Walter's only target, Ruth receives jabs from Walter as well such as when he says, " Just for a second-when stirring them eggs. Just for a second it was- you looked real young again..... it's gone now, you look yourself again". Walter is one miserable character and Denzel can easily play miserable just as he did in "Remember the Titans". Yes, Denzel is a perfect choice to play Walter Younger.

Tyra Banks to be cast as Beneatha Younger

        Beneatha Younger is a twenty something year old medical student who is slim and attractive but not quite acctractive as Ruth once was. Beneatha reminds me of Tyra Banks character in "Higher Learning". They are both attractive, slim, in their twenties and intelligent. Tyra Banks plays a character who received a full scholarship and is also very intelligent. Beneatha is quick witted and loves to show her college educated vocabulary, "Because I hate assimilationists!" she quips as George is acting like an "Uncle Tom". Beneatha wants to learn about everything and anything and remains very independent when it comes to men. She is very confident in who she is and who she will become. Tyra is also a very independent, confident woman and would be perfect for the part of Beneatha Younger.

Jaden Smith to be cast as Travis Younger

      
          Travis Younger is a seemingly shy ten year old who adores his mother. Jaden Smith played in "The Karate Kid 2" in which he also played a shy ten year old kid who adores his mother. They are both well behaved and corrected quickly by their mothers when they fall out of line. Both charaters live in less fortunate conditions and are hoping their situation changes sometime in the future. Regardless of their difficult situation, they are both well mannered boys who are kept in line by their mothers.
       Travis seems to be such a cute, loving kid that when he tries to stay mad at his mom, he quickly gives in and says, "Awe, gaaleee ma"... that's after his mom scolded him and asked for a kiss. Travis is just a good, all around kid just like Jaden Smith. Jaden Smith is definitely my choice to play Travis Younger.

Djimon Hounsou to be cast as Joseph Asagi

      Djimon Housou was born and raised in Africa and became a Hollywood actor. He has played roles in "Blood Diamond", "Amistad" and "The Gladiator". In all of these particular roles, he has played a character who was sincere, loyal, honest and clearly a good hearted person. Because of his heavy African accent, I suspect he has been cast in the roles which were in need of his accent. Joseph Asagi boasts that he is from Africa and wants to go back to his country to help the people left behind.
       Djimou is an excellent actoe and paired with his intelligence, he could easily play the part of Joseph Asagi. When Asagi speaks, he speaks with great thought and care and we are drawn to him and his ability to express such love and genuine care for people. One such example is when Joseph Asagi calls Beneatha, "Alaiyo" and explains, "One for who bread-food is not enough. Is that Alright?" Asagi is gentle and concerned his words come across as the care he intended. Djimon reminds of of Joseph Asagi and is talented enough to play any role.

Idris Elba to be cast as George Murchinson

    
       Idris Elber played in the movie "Obsessed" in which he also played a well to do black man with a strong business sense. With Idris Elber's slight British accent he gives the appearance of a really snobby black man in which George certainly played in "Raisin in the Sun". George is really arrogant and always corrects people, especially Beneatha such as when he said to Ruth about Beneatha, "Oh, it's just a college girls way of calling someone an Uncle Tom- but that isn't what it means at all".
     This is one of the first times for George to be meeting Beneatha's family and if he's putting his best face on, he has alot to be desired. He'srude and looks down upon everyone around him, including Beneatha. He was also very rude when he first met Walter and refused to shake his hand, saying "Black brother, hell!" as he walked away. Yes, Idris Elber is a srong actor and would definitely play George well.