Today's topic:
Who Should Play Captain America in Marvel's upcoming film?
In a recent interview with Fangoria magazine, Joe Johnston (Director of the upcoming Universal remake of The Wolfman, The Rocketeer), was quoted that Marvel’s next big superhero film, The First Avenger: Captain America, is set to begin lensing this June for a July 22, 2011 release. If Johnston’s statement is true about the shooting date, then Marvel most likely may have already selected their man and we are just in the dark about it.
The question remains however, who is going to be the star spangled hero?
For several months, rumors persist that Marvel wants an international star to play the shield slingers much-vaunted role. The one name that has been bandied about creating a lot of Internet buzz, and simply won't go away is…. Will Smith. Now don’t get me wrong, Smith is a great actor, and more importantly, the most bankable international star on the planet today. However, Smith is just completely wrong for the role.
If Marvel is to stay true to the source material, which sources have confirmed the script would include Cap’s origin in World War II, then the reality is an African American man wouldn’t be leading the troops into battle. Now before I get castrated by everyone, let me explain: I'm not saying there weren’t African American men fighting back in WWII, of course there were! They were saving and defending our country and are every bit the heroes that others were, but they were segregated into their own units at the time, and unfortunately treated like second class citizens to say the least. If the film was set in modern times, say for the current war in Iraq, I would have no problem with Smith taking the role. However, since we know that the opening of the film will take place in World War II, then having Smith in the role is not only incredibly risky, but stretches the realm of believability.
In what's considered a smart move by Marvel, given the perception of U.S. relations abroad, the words “Captain America” will be dropped from the title overseas with Marvel simply calling it: "The First Avenger" I really want this film to succeed. I realize that Marvel needs someone who can carry this film internationally, but I would offer this up to them: go with a big name for the villain(s) to attract the overseas audience. You need look no further than the controversial casting back in 1989 for Michael Keaton as Batman. Did the audience go to see Keaton as Batman? hardly likely! The reality is they went to see Jack Nicholson’s performance as the Joker. I’d rather Marvel cast an unknown for the role or at least someone up and coming. Chris Pine for example, could easily pull this off. Anyone who thinks he can’t be a captain clearly hasn’t seen his portrayal as James T. Kirk in the reboot of “Star Trek” out last year.
Thomas Jane who played another Marvel character (Albeit unsuccessfully) as The Punisher would be a fantastic choice! Although rumors of Sam Worthington (AVATAR) should play the role, Marvel as gone on record that they want an American actor in the role.
I just want to ask you the fans: who do you think should put on the red white and blue spandex and carry Cap’s shield? Let the debate begin!
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