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Look, I know I phrased the question rhetorically, and I hate doing that to you, dear reader, because I know you’re smart enough to already know the answer. Still, with the history of this particular project – even though Pixar is handling everything – I refuse to count my chickens before they get in the bush.

Our friends over at /film – with whom Neil is spooning up at Sundance right now and planning on not calling in the morning – have a great write-up on some recent news regarding the long-awaited project.

According to Andrew Stanton:

I’m on the next draft of it. We’re in pre-production art-wise, and we’re starting to talk to actors.”

Stanton also claimed that the film would definitely be PG-13 at a minimum and possibly (read: most likely) be live-action.

I admit to not knowing what “starting to talk to actors” really means. Either they are hitting the ground with auditions, sending around specs to gather interest from possible big names, or trying to pin down specific people to work up a schedule. It’s unclear how far along these talks are, but we might be hearing some definite casting news in the near future.

I’m hoping this project continues to soar through the production phase, because it’s truly an incredible story that has needed to hit the big screen for far too long, and it’s exciting to see it in the hands of such capable story-tellers. Plus, I have no doubt that Stanton’s and Pixar’s names can draw a fair share of acting talent to give this sci-fi epic the film treatment it deserves.

So now that the film is casting, it’s time for us officially to start dreamcasting. My choices? Either Nathan Fillion, Joaquin Phoenix (out of retirement FTW!) or The Rock. Yes, I am absolutely serious about these choices, and, if pressed, I can back them up.

What do you think? Are you psyched to finally see John Carter of Mars coming to life on the big screen? Is it weird that he’s actually from Virginia? Who would you dreamcast in the role?