Real Game Changers: Casting the GOP primary

By Leslie Hart / current.com

Tina Fey's Sarah Palin impression may have generated headlines during the 2008 election, but Julianne Moore takes on the big hair and big ambitions of the former governor of Alaska in the HBO Films adaptation of "Game Change," which premieres Saturday on HBO. Are we going to watch? You betcha!

With a mix of verisimilitude and satire, we suggest the ideal cast for the key characters who have played a part in the battle for the 2012 GOP nomination for president.

Bruce Campbell as Mitt Romney

To some, the 2012 GOP primary contest is more horror movie plot than reality, in which case we think frontrunner Mitt Romney (left) should be played by “The Evil Dead” star Bruce Campbell (right). To Romney, his primary challengers must seem like deadites hell-bent on taking him down with them. Some trip into the woods!

Will Arnett as Rick Santorum

Given his eccentricities, Rick Santorum (right) could fit right into the cast of cult favorite sitcom "Arrested Development," perhaps as a long lost sweater vest-wearing Bluth half-sibling. As seen next to Will Arnett (left), the family resemblance would be uncanny. Snagging a guest spot on "Arrested Development" when the series is resurrected on Netflix could be a good post-primary career move for Rick.

Kathy Kinney as Newt Gingrich

Whether Newt Gingrich is being a drag on the 2012 GOP nominating contest is debatable, but if he were to dress in drag he might bear a striking resemblance to the character of Mimi Bobeck, as played by actress Kathy Kinney (right) on "The Drew Carey Show." Perhaps he picked up some sartorial suggestions when his campaign tour bus broke down in West Hollywood last month.

John Mahoney as Ron Paul

Although Ron Paul did not prove to be "Hot in Cleveland" once the Ohio primary votes were tallied, actor John Mahoney, best known for his role as Martin Crane on "Frasier," would be an ideal choice to play the Libertarian crusader. In addition to his physical resemblance, his background as a member of the ensemble at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company gives him all the experience he needs to nail one of Paul's signature soliloquies.

Christopher McDonald as Jon Huntsman

Requiem for a Dream: 2012 also-ran Jon Huntsman (right) must come to terms with his inability to generate excitement for his candidacy, as even his father's "Mad Money" failed to help him resonate with voters. But we wonder if "Boardwalk Empire" actor Christopher McDonald (left) might secretly be hoping that Huntsman will return to prove his mettle as a 2016 contender so he can add the role of the Mormon politician to his resume.

Mel Gibson as Rick Perry

Given his efforts to appeal to evangelical voters while on the campaign trail, Texas Gov. Rick Perry (left) might applaud Mel Gibson's 2004 film treatment of "The Passion of the Christ." Although some may think they share rugged good looks, they also share conservative beliefs, and they have both faced accusations of racism and anti-gay commentary.

Samuel L. Jackson as Herman Cain

In an exclusive interview with Ebony magazine, Samuel L. Jackson (right) revealed, “I voted for Barack because he was black. ’Cuz that’s why other folks vote for other people — because they look like them.” If Jackson is motivated by appearance over political agenda, then he might have considered casting a vote for Republican contender Herman Cain (left). With a hint of a mustache and some clear-framed glasses, Jackson could convincingly portray the pizza baron.

Michelle Monaghan as Michele Bachmann

Although Michele Bachmann's bid for the presidency turned out to be "Mission: Impossible," we think Michelle Monaghan (right), star of the third installment of the film franchise, could arm herself with a bit of age makeup and a string of pearls for ammunition to take on the role of the congresswoman from Minnesota with great success.

Bob Saget as Tim Pawlenty

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty found that the 2012 GOP race was a "Full House," dropping his bid in August 2011. Perhaps his star will fade like look-alike Bob Saget, patriarch of the Tanner family. We assume he’ll follow Saget's strategy for staying relevant by taking guest starring roles and making cameo appearances while plotting a comeback.

Steve Schirripa as Chris Christie

Actor Steve Schirripa (right) may be best known for his role as Bobby 'Bacala' Baccalieri on "The Sopranos," but he could embody another larger-than-life Jersey character by taking on the role of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (left). Essex County, NJ, where Christie was born and raised, includes the town of North Caldwell, where the house used as a model for the fictional Soprano family homestead is located.

What do you think? Did we miss any? Do you have other suggestions? Let us know.

(Photos: Getty Images)