March 19, 2010

The Never-Ending Casting For Captain America


The blunder of this film at this point isn't script development or even production. It's the mishandling of casting. Marvel isn't doing it's part by low-balling actors which seems to be scaring off real talent. It doesn't help that many big event films like The Hobbit are shooting this summer. In recent casting news Channing Tatum (G.I. Joe) has been offered to test. While Tatum seems to have the "look" he's one of the worst working actors and could actually kill the film with his performance. Wilson Bethel (Generation Kill) who was in the running has now confirmed he's missed out on the role. Sebastian Stan (Kings, Gossip Girl) has also joined the running but it could be just a supporting role.


It's no secret that Marvel isn't happy with the choices for their big tent-pole role. While big wigs over there haven't made their thoughts public we've heard some others. Marvel cover artist Alex Ross has recently said he'd love to see Jon Hamm (Mad Men, The Town, Sucker Punch) take the role. One of LatinoReview's Marvel sources believes Matt Damon would be the best man for the job. While I think most people at Marvel aren't sold on these young actors. They really need to make their voices heard before they miscast the part. The most important aspect of this role is leadership and being able to somewhat overshadow Robert Downey Jr./Samuel L. Jackson as the leader of The Avengers. I know this sounds like a quick fix but I believe to allow older actors just change the story slightly. Instead of not being able to serve because of being sickly. Have him older/sickly maybe in his mid-late 30s and with major health problems. It's been pointed out many times that they're casting for two franchises not just one.


A new synopsis for the film has been circling online.

" Born during the Great Depression, Steve Rogers grew up a frail youth in a poor family. Horrified by the newsreel footage of the Nazis in Europe, Rogers was inspired to enlist in the army. However, because of his frailty and sickness, he was rejected.

Overhearing the boy’s earnest plea, General Chester Phillips offered Rogers the opportunity to take part in a special experiment… Operation: Rebirth. After weeks of tests, Rogers was at last administered the Super-Solider Serum and bombarded by ‘vita-rays.’

Steve Rogers emerged from the treatment with a body as perfect as a body can be and still be human. Rogers was then put through an intensive physical and tactical training program.

Three months later, he was given his first assignment as Captain America. Armed with his indestructible shield and battle savvy, Captain America has continued his war against evil both as a sentinel of liberty and as leader of the Avengers."

* Even if they're not in the running who would you like to see play Cap?

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