DWTS13 Casting Rumors – The Typecasting of Season 13, Part I
It’s that time of year, again – time to take all the wacky rumors and all the wacky casting patterns we see from season to season and hypothesize who we might actually get to see 🙂 This year is interesting, in that we already definitely know one of the celebs, are fairly certain about two others, and have got definite suspicions about another two – almost takes a bit of fun out of the guessing, no? 🙂 But I’m sure there will be at least one celeb who’s name we haven’t heard – and at least one we’ve never heard of, too…thankfully, even unpredictability becomes predictable after awhile! But let’s get it on with it, shall we? Oh, and if you’re feeling nostalgic (and want to see how effective using these cast types as a template can be), check out the typecasting of season 10, season 11, and season 12 🙂
The Olympian
Previous examples: Kristi Yamaguchi, Shawn Johnson, Apolo Ohno, Natalie Coughlin, Misty May-Treanor, Maurice Greene, Louie Vito, Evan Lysacek
Advantages: The winningest of the 12 types, their obvious advantage is their athleticism – you won’t see these guys struggling with strength or endurance moves. In addition, the same tireless work ethic that helped them medal in the Olympics will likely carry them through the toils of the competition. They also seem to be adored by the masses, as many are seen as “hero” figures – which translates into a formidable voting fanbase.
Disadvantages: For those specializing in sports that are less “artistic” (i.e. swimming, running, volleyball), it might be a bit hard to really get into the character of the dance and truly perform to the crowd. Previously incurred injuries (or the fear of incurring an injury that might hinder their participation in subsequent competitions in their sport, a la Misty May-Treanor) may also slow them down & limit their mobility.
Possible candidates this season: After 2 surprisingly Olympian-less seasons, it looks like we’re getting soccer player Hope Solo this year. Since TPTB seem to be trying to set this season apart from others with a new set and “A-list celebrities” (notice that last term in quotes), what’s to say we might not get more than one Olympian to make up for the lack of one in seasons 11 & 12? Nastia Liukin, Greg Louganis, and Johnny Weir are all names we’ve heard tossed around for a few seasons now. Could this be their year?
The Athlete
Previous examples: Chuck Liddell, Warren Sapp, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, Helio Castroneves, Laila Ali, Floyd Mayweather, Ty Murray, Evander Holyfield, Jerry Rice, Clyde Drexler, Monica Seles, Jason Taylor, Lawrence Taylor, Chad Ochocinco, Kurt Warner, Rick Fox, Sugar Ray Leonard, Chris Jericho, Hines Ward
Advantages: As with the Olympians, their athleticism & work ethic make them well-suited to the competition. An edge they might have over their Olympic counterparts: sports like football, auto racing, & mixed martial arts tend to have a larger, more mainstream following than some of the Olympic sports.
Disadvantages: Again, a lack of “artistic” experience & previous injury (especially with the football players, who have really taken a beating over the years). Some of the more muscular athletes in hard-hitting sports may also have difficulty with the refined, precise moves of some of the dances.
Possible candidates this season: This category has been peculiarly silent in terms of rumors, and those names that did pop up (Hulk Hogan, Ron Artest, Shawn Marion) all turned down the opportunity to do the show. Or did they? 🙂 Anywho, if I was purely speculating, I would not be at all surprised if Terrell Owens popped up this season – especially since he’s currently unsigned by the NFL and is bff with Chad Ochocinco. He’s turned it down in the past, but now that he’s got a bum knee and no clear prospects…he might change his tune. I also find it interesting that Karina was in Toronto today to meet her partner – maybe we’ll get our first hockey player on the show? Evaine, any ideas? 😉
The Model/Playmate/Beauty Queen
Previous examples: Kelly Monaco, Rachel Hunter, Tia Carrere, Shanna Moakler, Paulina Porizkova, Shandi Finnessey, Josie Maran, Albert Reed, Shannon Elizabeth, Brooke Burke, Holly Madison, Kathy Ireland, Joanna Krupa, Pam Anderson, Petra Nemcova, Kendra Wilkinson
Advantages: All the costumes seem to look fantastic on them (and they can get away with wearing the really skimpy ones) and so do their pro partners – easy to imagine a “showmance”, which always seems to grab votes. Also seems to have cornered the votes of the small population of male viewers, for obvious reasons
Disadvantages: Despite making a career out of looking great posing & strutting down the runway, many of them have proven to be rather awkward movers outside of that context, and some seem to have a hard time carrying around their taller than average stature. They also run the risk of getting lost in the shuffle among attractive male competitors, who seem to draw in more votes from the predominantly-female viewing population.
Possible candidates this season: I’m still highly skeptical about this Elisabetta Canalis rumor, and the Leila Arcieri one seems flimsy. Who would you guys like to see?
The Legend
Previous examples: Cloris Leachman, Wayne Newton, Donny Osmond, Tatum O’Neal, Marie Osmond, Jane Seymour, Marlee Matlin, Susan Lucci, Florence Henderson
Advantages: These individuals are extremely well-known & respected in the entertainment business, with many years of experience (and fans) under their belts, as well as an award or two. Also masters of the stage & screen – perhaps the best at emulating the emotions of the dances.
Disadvantages: With many years of experience comes an older age than many of their competitors – which comes with an increased risk of injury & fatigue that could limit the difficulty of their routines.
Possible candidates this season: Ryan O’Neal’s name has cropped up again suddenly, & Lee Meriwether is always in the mix.
The Soap Star
Previous examples: Kelly Monaco, Cameron Mathison, Lisa Rinna, Susan Lucci, Aiden Turner
Advantages: The demographic of soap opera viewers overlaps heavily with the demographic of viewers of DWTS, and most soap opera viewers have been watching those shows for years (I started watching General Hospital when I was 6!), so they often have a fierce loyalty to their favorite characters (and the actors/actresses who portray them).
Disadvantages: This group likely has the most grueling schedule to contend with, as most soaps tape year-round, and some of them are taped in New York, forcing the stars (and sometimes their partners) to fly coast-to-coast several times a week to practice. Many also have absolutely no background in any kind of sport, making them a real “project” for the pros to take on.
Possible candidates this season: Rumors abound in this category, after the pseudo-quasi cancellation of both All My Children & One Life to Live, and the ending of As the World Turns last year – there are a lot of soap actors & actresses suddenly without anything to do! Colleen Zenk & Michael E. Knight are also big fan faves with lots of campaigning going on for them.
The Comedian
Previous examples: Penn Jillette, Jeff Ross, Adam Carolla, David Allen Grier, Ashley Hamilton, Niecy Nash, Margaret Cho
Advantages: Let’s face it, they’re fun to watch, and they definitely inject some much- needed hilarity into the show.
Disadvantages: They often come across like they don’t take the competition seriously, instead favoring their usual schtick over actual dancing. Some of their on-show humor (Jeff Ross’ in particular) can also be rather polarizing – hilarious to some, offensive to others. And again – often no background in any sort of sport, let alone dancing.
Possible candidates this season: We would have loved to have seen Roseanne Barr, but she’s in need of some new hips first 😉
So who do you guys think will end up fulfilling these categories? Be sure to stay tuned for part 2, coming soon! Who’s getting excited for Monday??? 😀
I seriously would LOVE to see Val Buré competing and he’d be terrific with Karina, but I don’t think that Val and Candace are based out of Toronto. There are a lot of TV shows and movies that film out of Toronto though…
Could this be a clue posted on Colleen Zenks twitter???
So glad the fans are happy to know that I am returning to the stage! Wait till they hear what I have up my sleeve!! The reveal is soon…
16 Aug via web
I had just posted this earlier today…. Could it be Colleen and Val on the dance stage? … East Coasters
Also, i agree, a hockey player would be great this season…
Val and Candace live near LA. I’m still hoping for Candace this season, bur Val would certainly be a contender if he’s in it.
Courtney, I love these posts every season. Good job and you have me more curious than ever on Karina’s new partner if they met up in Toronto. hmmm….
Sandy, I’m not sure on Colleen anymore? She’s got several Broadway things on tap in her schedule that interfear with DWTS. But, you never know. She may be able to fit both in somehow?
@Vogue – The only broadway dates that I could find for Colleen was September 11, October 30, and November 6. BUT, that does not mean that is ALL of her upcoming events….
My mothers friend just endured a bout of facial cancer, and Barbara has such an important cancer awareness message to conveigh… that could be lifechanging for someone…
The only other mature female rumor that I recall was Lee who is quite tall. I dont recall any other updates on her, as well. And if Tony is supposedly partnered with Chynna.. I doubt if Lee would be on this season.
Sandy, I would think if she’s in a Broadway play that would include pretty rigurous rehearsel schelduels just for that, wouldn’t you think?
She always tweets about it but would love to see Heather McDonald on the show. Seems to be on her bucket list:)
Also, I guess you could technically say Sugar Ray was the Olympian last season since he has a Gold Medal. I know he is perceived as a more mainstream athlete though. I’d love to see another skater. Since she is skipping Battle of the Blades this season maybe Jamie Sale?
I would love to see both Candace and Val too!
I wish the producers would change something else in regard to the stars they picked like Chelsie suggested and bring in a soldier. That would be a different kind of star for sure and a worthwhile one if that makes sense.
I think Hope Solo plays the “Olympian” role this season. She was an Olympian in 2004 and 2008, plus the women’s World Cup this summer. Hope Solo, right now, is as A-List is a women’s soccer player can be. She’d be a huge get for them and obvs her Twitter feed indicates she may be on. Also, I am convinced that she and Maksim are dying to f*** one another.
Lol Everytime Maks name comes up Hope actually seems to get a little red.
Okay, not to kill the shipping rumours, but doesn’t Hope have a long time boyfriend with who she lives? Of course a lot may say it doesn’t matter, but….
No, she doesn’t live with anyone and she dodges pretty much all questions about her personal life.
Shipping before we even know for sure she is on the show is amusing though.
Would love to see Jamie Sale or Michael Weiss or Brian Boitano or Nancy Kerrigan or Todd Eldredge or any other figure skater on DWTS. A soldier is a great idea too!