So, De Niro is in...but what about the rest of the

Outside of an impending extension for Nick Collins (fingers crossed), there really isn’t much going on with the Green Bay Packers at the moment.

(Yes, I know they signed a receiver who spent most of last season in the Arena League, but I refuse to talk about it, okay?)

That being the case, I’ve decided to have a little fun with the other big Packers-related news of the day: the casting of Robert De Niro as Vince Lombardi in the biopic of Lombardi’s life, “Lombardi.”

First, let’s talk about De Niro – excuse me, Robert F’in De Niro. Seriously, this is a brilliant bit of casting. Don’t focus so much on the fact that De Niro doesn’t really resemble Lombardi. Instead, focus on the fact that he’s a brilliant character actor who is a master at crawling inside the skin of the people he’s playing (’cause, you know, he’s Robert F’in De Niro and all). Plus, last time I checked, the hair and makeup people in Hollywood are pretty good at what they do, so I’m sure Bobby will look a lot like St. Vincent in the movie. And he is going to crush this role, make no mistake.

Close your eyes. Now, imagine the man who played Jake Freakin’ LaMotta saying the following line: “I have never been on a losing team, gentlemen, and I do not intend to start now.” Yeah – pretty sweet, right?

Also, I’ve heard some griping about the fact that ESPN Films is behind the project. Yes, that wing of the company has had its share of misses, but it’s also done well lately with its “30 for 30″ series. If you don’t believe me, check out the documentary on the University of Miami football program in the 1980s. That was insane.

The film – set to be released on the weekend between the conference title games and the Super Bowl in 2012 – does not have a director yet (some have suggested Martin Scorsese, but if you look at his schedule of upcoming films, I’m pretty sure he’s booked until five years after his death). But it does have a writer: Eric Roth, the man behind such great films as “Forrest Gump”, “The Insider”, “Munich” and “Ali”. And, as Frank Constanza once said, it’s all about the writing. With Roth and De Niro already in the fold, this thing is off to a great start. 

Once the news of this broke Tuesday afternoon, Packers fans were abuzz with casting ideas for the flick. Some were hilarious – the Brett Favre as Bart Starr idea killed me – while others made good, good sense. 

I have my own ideas, of course, and I’m going to offer them to the film’s producers right now, free of charge (big-time movie producers read Green Bay Packers blogs, right?). Remember, the film will chronicle Lombardi’s role in taking the Packers from losers to five-time World Champions, with an added focus on his rivalry with Tom Landry, so there are a handful of key roles to be cast.

Paul Hornung: “The Golden Boy,” known as much for his taste for the nightlife (women, booze and gambling, all parts of a balanced diet) as he was for his elite football skills. The actor playing this role has to be likeable and charming – Lombardi looked at Hornung like a son, remember, despite his flaws - but also has to be kind of a jerk, too. Doesn’t Bradley Cooper (”The Hangover”, “Wedding Crashers”) knock this role out of the park?

Bart Starr: Quiet, calm and steady – with a great heart - Starr was the unquestioned on-field leader of those great Packers teams. While he was the antithesis of Hornung, Starr was equally beloved by his head coach. The actor charged with playing Starr will have his hands full. He has to command every scene he’s in without saying much – a tough task, indeed. Some people will likely kill me for this one, but Matt Damon would be a near-perfect pick. He’s great in roles where he doesn’t have to say much (”The Bourne Identity” films, for example) and would be believable as a leader of men.

Tom Landry: While Lombardi was loud and boisterous, Landry was the exact opposite – reserved and quiet. Similar to Starr, the actor playing this role has to do a lot without saying much. He also has to be an actor of great notoriety, as an unknown actor going up against Robert F’in De Niro just will not cut it. Adam suggested Ed Harris and I have to agree. Think of how he was in “The Rock” – absolutely in charge and powerful, yet not overbearing at all. Great fit.

Ray Nitschke: The toughest S.O.B. to ever walk the Earth, Nitschke was feared by pretty much everyone (he’s been dead all these years and he STILL scares me). The actor who draws this assignment will have to be convincingly terrifying and tough – in other words, most actors need not apply. Despite being 48 years old, Woody Harrelson has a grit and toughness to his acting that would fit the role nicely (”Natural Born Killers,” anyone?). Again, the hair and makeup people can work some magic on making Harrelson look younger. Okay, so I might have borrowed this one from Adam, too, but when he’s right, he’s right.

Marie Lombardi: Come on now, you didn’t think we’d forget about the woman behind St. Vincent, did you? This actress has to be able to hold her own with Robert F’in De Niro, yet never overshadow him, so there should be a quiet nature there. How ’bout Jessica Lange? Not bad, right?

Max McGee: While this film is sure to be heavily dramatic, it will need some comic relief. That will come in the form of whoever gets to play the ever-lovable McGee (still can’t believe he’s gone). Skipping out on curfew the night before the biggest game of his life to go on a bender? What actor WOULDN’T want this role? He’ll have to lose weight and work on the hair, but there’s just something about Danny McBride that makes me think he’d do well here. And, for the love of God, if you haven’t seen “Eastbound and Down” yet, do it now.

Jerry Kramer: Finally, if the film indeed culminates with “The Ice Bowl”, as it has been suggested, they’ll have to get someone to play Kramer (plus, you know, he was a pretty key member of those teams). Shame Chris Farley is gone – he’d have been perfect casting. If you’ve seen “The Full Monty” (or the television show “Still Standing”), you’ll know who Mark Addy is. He’s a big guy and, like Kramer himself, he’s a funny dude. He’s British, but has done American accents well in the past.

And if they need someone to play a Packers blogger, I’ll toss my hat into the ring (they had blogs in the 60s, right?)

So, that rounds out my cast for “Lombardi.” What say you, Packers fans? Who would YOU put in the movie? Comment, baby, comment!

-Chris Lempesis