Frank Zappa in The Big Lebowski? James Dean in Rushmore? Charlton Heston in Pulp Fiction? The Rat Pack in The Hangover?

In another universe, perhaps, where Hollywood was 50 years ahead of the curve, but we have to make do with what we've got. Or do we?

What if... is New York graphic designer Peter Stults's attempt to envisage what would have happened had the films we all take for granted been made in a time before most of us were born. With a terrific eye for the colour, style and fonts of the age, it's an enduringly cool reflection on the changing modes of design and even the essential sameness of cinema across the years. The faces may be different, the sex more graphic and the swearing more profuse, but just try and tell us you couldn't see John Wayne as Superman.

Full collection here. Based on the genius work of Sean Hartter here.