Young actors usually dream about being cast as a big time superhero.
It did wonders for Tobey Maguire, made Michael Keaton a major movie star (temporarily) and, well, consider Brandon Routh an exception to the rule.
But I’m not sure the man destined to play Captain America in the upcoming feature film will know what he’s in for.
The movie, to be directed by Joe Johnston (“The Wolfman”), is still searching for its star. Among the names being discussed for the part including “The Office’s” John Krasinski, Channing Tatum and Ryan Phillipe, although Marvel isn’t confirming any of it.
That Wrap story also hints at the burdens the new Captain is likely to face.
Keaton was able to pull of playing Bruce Wayne and his conflicted alter ego, but remember the firestorm that followed his casting announcement? Such blowback will be intense in our Internet age, so if the choice angers the Fanboy Nation all heck will break loose.
More importantly, Captain America is a symbol as much as a super soldier. He’s meant to convey this country’s strengths and ideals.
That means both sides of the ideological aisle will claim him as one of their own – assuming he’s worthy of such a fight.
The young actor playing Captain America will have to say all the right things during the promotional gauntlet or face a backlash.
And what if the film goes with a non-traditional casting decision? Could Captain America be black, or Asian or Latino?
Then, the burdens placed on him will be severe. He’ll become a symbol for not just the country but for a minority population, and every on-screen move will be X-rayed for hidden meanings.
So congratulations to the actor eventually cast as Steve Rogers, the man who becomes Captain America. Your battles may just be beginning.
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
“The young actor playing Captain America will have to say all the right things during the promotional gauntlet or face a backlash.”
I can imagine the actor getting his responses for interview questions via earpiece, a la Robert Redford in Sneakers. (“So why did you want to play Captain America?” “I’ll give you a reason….I’ll give you a real good reason….”)
I’m not sure this is something to look forward to. The entire “Captain America” concept is problematic. Even the name implies super-patriotism and over the top nationalism. No wonder that in the modern comics re-think, the Captain America character was conflicted and anti-war.
Unless this movie is in WW2 context, it’s likely going to be loaded with sucker punches.
I like John Krasinski but I don’t see him as Captain America. He’s too tall and lanky. I know they could have him bulk up but I think that would make him look more ridiculous.
Krasinski is curveball casting, all right. I’m more concerned with the man behind the camera. His track record is spotty … and I still haven’t forgiven him for The Wolfman.
There is not one aspect of Captain America as done by Hollywood that doesn’t disturb me.
Sean Penn. Definitely Sean Penn.
Krasinki’s look IS non-traditional, but so is that of Keaton.
Both actors have the advantage of their respective characters being masked, de-emphasizing the actual appearance. As Keaton did with the Bruce Wayne characterization, Krasinki may be able to parlay his comic timing into a distinctive Steve Rogers personality that other actors without this capability might play flatly.
Still, as “Superman Returns” demonstrated, the buzz over the actor ultimately will pale before the strength (or weakness, in this case) of the story itself.
I’m with Mr. WWTW with regard to my skepticism about the director, but I still will check out the story.
D.
I think the first film will be good – even Hollywood is up for a patriotic World War II movie. The inevitable problem starts when Captain America finds himself in modern America and he starts fighting tea-partiers and taking out loggers.
“…all heck will break loose.”
This reminds me of an old episode of the classic TV cop comedy, “Sledgehammer.” Sledge is chasing the bad guy, played by the great Peter Marshall. Marshall, who played a corrupt game show host, turns on Sledge and says, “Go to heck, cop!”
“Go to heck?” Sledge replies, bewildered.
“You can’t say ‘hell’ on television!”
This was the mid ’80s, people!
http://www.tvrage.com/shows/id-5220/episodes/157176/01×11
Read that the guy who played jonny storm in the “Fantastic Four” movies is under consideration.
When I first read that Cappy was a guarantee to be made I said there were Four requirements, one of which made some people angry.
1.) American.
2.) Tall
3.) Fit
4.) and white.
The “white” made people unhappy, but it’s just a fact, cappy is white (though there was a sidekick, or modified superhero serum guy IIRC who was black. In that case no problem, but Cappy is white. It’s like casting a waifish blonde as Wonder Woman.
There were some additions, “midwestern” accent, which means “no discernable accent.” and definately not a northeastern or southern, though I guess west coast tone is fine.
I said “10 years ago, borreanaz would have been great.” but he’s too old and too established now. I liked when I saw “Sean” from “the 4400″ on the supposed list. I liked him and I think he can pull it off, but his voice isn’t deap enough, and I hate the fake voice voice, (I’m looking at you christian bale.)
I really don’t know who I would prefer, but you are right. I’m gonna be one of those people eyeballing whoever is cappy.
Ah, ol’ Sledge. Great memories …
I hope Marvel is keeping an eye on the political climate or they could have another “Green Zone” on their hands. What could make it even worse is the fact that Captain America will be the building block for the Avengers. A poor Cap movie could bring down the “house” that Marvel is trying to build as a fledgling movie studio. Loved Iron Man and Incredible Hulk. Both give me reason to believe Marvel can pull it off, but they have let me down before. Also, Captain America in the comic is a complete shell of a hero. Bogged down by political correct themes and being the sentinel of social justice as opposed to the sentinel of liberty. Anyhow, hoping for the best.