News broke at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con that DC is planning a Stargirl series for their independent streaming service, and while we don’t know much about the project at this time, we do know that the hero S.T.R.I.P.E. will appear. S.T.R.I.P.E., also known as Pat Dugan, is not only a retired crime fighter, but he’s actually Stargirl’s father, so chances are he will be heavily featured in the show. While he’ll likely be in his signature suit of armor for most of his action scenes, you still need the right actor to bring his alter ego to life, and I think I have a few choices that could work.
1. David Wenham
You may recognize David Wenham from The Lord of the Rings franchise or 300, but the one role of his that stands out to me is Harold Meachum in Iron Fist. While he was the villain of the first season, I feel like his experience of playing a dad who isn’t what he seems could translate over well to a lighter character. On top of being a seasoned actor, Wenham also has the signature red hair sported by Pat Dugan, and I’m positive that he could nail the character with ease.
2. Eric Stoltz
Eric Stoltz really hasn’t been in the public eye since starring in Pulp Fiction, but he has still kept a strong presence in Hollywood. Stoltz is still acting and making movies to this day, but he hasn’t starred in a blockbuster movie or promising TV show in years, and I think that could change now. I feel that Stoltz would be wonderful as a more grizzled rendition of the retired hero, and his resemblance to the character should be enough to get him cast.
3. Michael Cudlitz
Michael Cudlitz gained fame through his role as Abraham Ford on The Walking Dead, but he has been acting long before that. Besides playing the gruff badass that was Sergeant Ford, Cudlitz has played every kind of character imaginable, so taking his first superhero role should come easy for him. I feel like he could put a more serious spin on the character, and he could effortlessly be made up to look just like Pat Dugan.
4. Michael C. Hall
Michael C. Hall is the gold standard for playing Pat Dugan, but it’s unlikely that this would happen. If Hall were to be cast in a DC role, chances are it would be in a movie, and it would likely be as a more popular character. However, I feel like he is certainly gruff enough to play a retired hero, and he looks just like the comic book counterpart of S.T.R.I.P.E. Whether or not he would take the role is debatable, but I know for a fact that he would be the perfect choice.
5. Scott Grimes
Scott Grimes is known primarily as a comedic actor, having starring roles in both The Orville and American Dad!, but he has truly done it all. Grimes has played a doctor on ER and the legendary archer Will Scarlett in 2010’s Robin Hood, so taking on the role of a retired superhero should be just another day at the office for such a ranged performer. It’s a lot more realistic to suggest Grimes for the role as opposed to some of the other actors on this list, and I think that his look combined with his acting range should be enough to get him the part.
