Ask a Celeb: Jose Bautista, Ian McKellen, BNL on who would play them in a movie

TORONTO – In one way, it’s the ultimate dream for a public figure to see his or her story recreated onscreen.

It’s an honour, that is, if the casting is done just right.

Why leave it to chance? The Canadian Press asked a diverse set of celebrities: Who would play you in a movie?

Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays outfielder

The all-star slugger is a big fan of the “Fast and the Furious” franchise, having watched all of the films with the exception of the most recent instalment.

So it’s hardly a surprise that Bautista would want one of the leading men in the action-packed series to portray him on the big screen.

“I pick Vin Diesel,” he said.

“It would have to be a badass, so definitely somebody like him that’s very badass-like, superhero type of guy.”

———

Ian McKellen, two-time Oscar-nominated star of “The Lord of the Rings” series

An acting veteran of 50-plus years, McKellen’s vote of confidence would surely mean a lot for a young actor — though the one he chose doesn’t hurt for acclaim.

“Probably Benedict Cumberbatch, because I looked rather like him when I was his age,” McKellen, 76, said from London.

“But I would hope that the latter years of my life I could play myself, perhaps.”

———

Joannie Rochette, Olympic bronze medal-winning figure skater

The decorated athlete chose an Oscar nominee known for tough and mysterious characters.

“I think I’d love Uma Thurman to play me because I think she’s so interesting. She’s strong,” said Rochette, 29, the six-time Canadian champion who won her bronze at the 2010 Vancouver Games.

“There’s something different about her and it looks like she doesn’t really care what people think. I loved her in ‘Kill Bill,’ but also in ‘Gattaca.’ It’s an older movie but one of my favourite movies. I love her. She’s my girl crush.”

———

Barenaked Ladies, eight-time Juno winners

Singer Ed Robertson and drummer Tyler Stewart took their time casting the entire band.

“I’ve always wanted John Cusack to play me,” Robertson began. “He’s a great character actor. He’s an intelligent, funny guy. He’s my choice.”

“How about Paul Giamatti to play me?” Stewart questioned. “Or Danny DeVito? Danny DeVito! Let’s go Danny DeVito.”

The rest of the band didn’t have the luxury of selecting their own stand-ins. For bassist Jim Creeggan, Stewart and Robertson picked Ron Howard. And multi-instrumentalist Kevin Hearn was assigned Jared Leto.

“Only the finest, most talented musical actor could play Kevin,” Robertson laughed.

———

Ben Heppner, Juno-winning opera singer

Heppner met his match when he went to see a production of “Death of a Salesman” in London a few years ago.

“Oh, Brian Dennehy,” he replied when asked who would play him.” It’s the first person that came to my mind. He’s very statuesque.”

Compiled by Canadian Press reporters Victoria Ahearn, Lauren La Rose, Nick Patch and Cassandra Szklarski in Toronto.