The thought of remaking an iconic film like Pulp Fiction could be considered blasphemous. The award-winning 1994 movie launched director Quentin Tarantino into superstardom and gave the career of John Travolta a much-needed jolt. It also elevated actors Samuel L. Jackson and Uma Thurman to A-list status.
If words like “remake” and “reboot” make you nervous, that’s understandable. Messing with a beloved film that has such a loyal following could only end in disaster. Instead, imagine an alternate universe where Pulp Fiction is initially released in 2020 with current actors.
KRISTEN WIIG AS HONEY BUNNY
It is Honey Bunny (Amanda Plummer) who introduces the audience to the world of Pulp Fiction as she howls the film’s first quotable line during a diner robbery with her lover, Pumpkin.
After Pumpkin tells the patrons to be cool, it is Honey Bunny that lets customers know she means business, warning them if they move she will execute every last one of them. After years of stealing scenes on Saturday Night Live, there is no reason to think Kristen Wiig couldn’t do the same here.
CHARLIE DAY AS PUMPKIN
While Honey Bunny memorably opens the film it is her flame, Pumpkin (Tim Roth) who is tasked with closing the festivities in a tense one on one showdown with Jules Winnfield, a hitman having an identity crisis.
Charlie Day may not have the eerie calm that Tim Roth possesses but the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia vet certainly has the talent to be in the film and could hold his own in the finale with Jules. He may bring something a little different to the role but that doesn’t mean it won’t work.
SYLVESTER STALLONE AS CAPTAIN KOONS
Christopher Walken is in one brief scene but it’s a memorable one. He delivers a gold watch to a young child during a colorful monologue at Pulp Fiction’s midway point, almost functioning as the film’s not to be missed intermission.
The spot is perfect for an iconic actor to come in, deliver the goods and leave before their presence can overshadow the film. In reality, Stallone has turned down Tarantino on various occasions. But for the sake of ‘Pulp Fiction 2020’ let’s assume he’s willing to get in the ring.
ASHTON KUTCHER AS LANCE THE DRUG DEALER
Quentin Tarantino almost took the role of the film’s bathrobe wearing, laid back drug dealer but decided he’d rather be behind the camera during Lance’s scenes. Tarantino instead cast himself as Jimmie the house husband while Eric Stoltz portrayed Lance.
Ashton Kutcher is the kind of “out of the box” casting Tarantino is known for. He also made a career out of playing the mellow stoner type but showed he can be serious when needed in films like The Butterfly Effect and Jobs.
BRYAN CRANSTON AS WINSTON WOLFE
In another of the film’s brief yet memorable roles, Winston Wolfe shows up on screen to solve a time-sensitive problem. Harvey Keitel brings a level of gravitas needed for the role since Winston must remain calm under pressure yet menacing enough to keep people on task.
Bryan Cranston is perfect for this part, which he proved time and again on Breaking Bad. Is there anyone that can pull off calm yet menacing better than Walter White?
JOHN CENA AS BUTCH COOLIDGE
Bruce Willis was an action star when he was cast as the down on his luck boxer Butch Coolidge and John Cena’s star is shining brighter by the moment. The thing that worked best about Pulp Fiction is an actor’s past successes and failures are irrelevant.
Quentin Tarantino has a gift for visualizing the perfect actor for a part and bringing out their best performance once the cameras start rolling. John Cena has made a career out of pretend fighting and it should be no problem for Tarantino to get what he needs out of the former WWE Champion.
DWAYNE JOHNSON AS MARSELLUS WALLACE
Dwayne Johnson is full of charisma and is blessed with a million-dollar smile. But make no mistake “The Rock” can be menacing when he needs to be and stepping into the shoes of crime boss Marsellus Wallace should be right in the action star’s wheelhouse.
Marsellus Wallace and Butch have quite the adventure in Pulp Fiction which should benefit because of Johnson and Cena’s shared WWE history. The journey from enemies to partners in crime shouldn’t be a stretch for the duo.
MARGOT ROBBIE AS MIA WALLACE
Before anyone knew what Pulp Fiction was, they knew about Uma Thurman’s Mia Wallace. She was featured in the iconic movie poster, laying on a bed, smoking a cigarette and flashing a somewhat seductive smile. The image alone was enough to create buzz.
As hard as it may be to picture anyone else dancing to “You Never Can Tell,” Margot Robbie proved in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood that she can thrive in Quentin Tarantino’s playground.
JAMIE FOXX AS JULES WINNFIELD
Before Pulp Fiction Samuel L. Jackson’s biggest claim to fame was the smoking guy from Jurassic Park. It’s no stretch to say the role of conflicted hitman Jules Winnfield changed the actor’s life. It was the case of a talented actor meets a talented script and the rest is history. It’s no secret that Jamie Foxx is talented. Not to mention the Oscar winner has shown he is capable of carrying a Tarantino movie.
LEONARDO DICAPRIO AS VINCENT VEGA
When Quentin Tarantino was putting together Pulp Fiction the studio heads wanted an A-list actor as the film’s male lead - in the 2020 version they get Leonardo DiCaprio, considered by many to be the best of his generation.
In casting John Travolta the director went with his instincts in 1994 and caught lightning in a bottle. While Travolta was certainly a big star he was in desperate need of a hit before Pulp Fiction revitalized his career. Conversely, Leonardo DiCaprio’s current star power should not be held against him here. The various successes many of the actors found post Pulp Fiction is not the main story, it’s just the cherry on top of Tarantino’s masterpiece sundae.
