LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 07: Actor Henry Cavill arrives at Relativity Media’s “Immortals” premiere presented in RealD 3 at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on November 7, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Henry Cavill as Commander William T. Riker
The resident ladies man of The Next Generation, Commander Riker has is a tough guy who’s never afraid to strap on a phaser and lead an away team into an extremely dangerous situation. However he’s also a budding diplomat, who only improves in that area over his years with Captain Picard. He also has a subtle confidence about him which some may mistake for arrogance, but overall he’s actually down to earth. A musician interested in jazz who’s driven in his career, yet happy to stay where he’s comfortable to improve himself as a leader.
He also has the distinction of being the only character to singlehandedly turn a Star Trek series from a little rough around the edges (season 1) to excellent through the simple act of growing a beard. In casting Commander Riker we need to take all of this into account.
Henry Cavill is our pick for Commander Riker, he is certainly no stranger to the ladies, and dangerous situations, after all he literally was Superman. His credits also include the Man from Uncle which is essentially a movie about an away mission during the Cold War.
With the range needed to a take on this character we feel that Henry Cavill would make a great Commander Riker.
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – OCTOBER 19: Actor Matt Bomer arrives at the GLSEN Respect Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on October 19, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images)
Honourable mention: Matt Bomer
You were expecting Armie Hammer right? Sure he’d make a good Riker, but Matt Bomer in many ways is a far stronger fit.
Best known as con artist turned FBI Civilian Informant Neil Caffrey in White Collar, CIA Super Agent Bryce Larkin in Chuck, and of course Ken in Magic Mike. He’s got the ladies man routine down, he’s played the guy jumping into difficult situations, both physically and in terms of dialogue, he’s also played Superman, by the way, and have you seen him grow a beard?
Matt Bomer would make an excellent Commander Riker, and be much easier on the budget than Armie Hammer or Henry Cavill.