Post by Kizuna on Jun 16, 2009 17:21:33 GMT -5
So, with Iron Man 2 on the way and featuring cameos of Black Widow and possibly also Hawkeye, Thor getting the movie treatment, and several new X-Men characters (Deadpool, Gambit and Emma Frost) entering the picture, it's pretty obvious that Marvel is working towards giving Captain America the big screen treatment and work up to the heroes teaming up to form The Avengers. In light of this, I decided to check out the comics to get a better idea of the characters and the universe.
First off, there's Captain America.
It has been confirmed to be a period piece of sorts, an origin story that details Steve Rogers' transformation from a simple soldier to a superhero in World War 2 before he's frozen in ice and then defrosted into modern times. His sidekick, James Barnes/Bucky is sure to appear as well. The villain is likely to be Red Skull, or maybe even Baron Zemo.
As for who should be cast, I really firmly believe that Cap absolutely has to be played by an American actor. Sure, Batman has been played by Christian Bale, who's Welsh, and Australian Hugh Jackman plays Wolverine, who is Canadian, but Captain America is so deeply ingrained as an American icon and hero, that it would feel weird, for lack of a better term, to have someone from a different nationality play him.
Among the possible candidates, I am leaning most towards Jensen Ackles, Jason Lewis, Josh Duhamel and maybe even Michael Trucco. Matthew McConaughey is too old, frankly and he looks way too comedic and too laid back to really pull off the Captain's deep gravitas. Brad Pitt is also too old, and his age looks like it's catching up to him. Channing Tatum (who's reportedly been interested) is also hard for me to see - his acting feels too wooden. And defnitely DO NOT CAST WRESTLERS!!! Let's face it - they can't act their way out of a paper bag, and I'm certain anyone who calls himself a true fan of the comics would be heartbroken if a wrestler were chosen. And if Thor's chosen actor, Chris Hemsworth (aka, George Kirk) is of any indication, I'm certain the studios are aware of the problems with wrestlers as well.
And as for The Avengers...
If you stuck around after the credits of Iron man, you would have seen Samuel L Jackson playing the character Nick Fury (his Ultimate Universe incarnation to be precise) discussing The Avengers Initiative with Tony Stark. Also, there was a little visual "Easter Egg" of sorts where it looked like Captain America's shield was in Iron Man. And there was also Tony Stark's brief appearance in The Incredible Hulk. With all of these crossovers, it's pretty obvious that Marvel's wasting no time in building up to the big event - the day the heroes join together and form The Avengers.
The Norse God superhero, Thor, and his evil step-brother, Loki play a huge role in forming the group, specifically that Loki's manipulations have lead to the formation of the group. It's not unrealistic to expect Loki to make appearances in several other movies. And if you don't already know, Samuel L. Jackson has signed a large picture deal to have some small cameo roles as Nick Fury in Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America and others.
As far as casting the other Avengers go, I'm still in the process of it. Eva Longoria was reported to be a possibility as Janet Van Dyne/The Wasp, but she later refuted it; moreover, I have a hard time seeing her as a superhero, and I personally don't like her much. I would like to see Summer Glau or Grace Park as Wasp. For Dr. Hank Pym, I'd like to see either Nathan Fillion (although he is a tad old), Adrien Brody or Guy Pierce. Still no word on Clint Barton/Hawkeye yet.
*********************
So, even if you're not really sure who exactly the characters are, you can still post your own possible theories and casting wishlists. I'd best recommend giving the comics a try; you'll enjoy them.
First off, there's Captain America.
It has been confirmed to be a period piece of sorts, an origin story that details Steve Rogers' transformation from a simple soldier to a superhero in World War 2 before he's frozen in ice and then defrosted into modern times. His sidekick, James Barnes/Bucky is sure to appear as well. The villain is likely to be Red Skull, or maybe even Baron Zemo.
As for who should be cast, I really firmly believe that Cap absolutely has to be played by an American actor. Sure, Batman has been played by Christian Bale, who's Welsh, and Australian Hugh Jackman plays Wolverine, who is Canadian, but Captain America is so deeply ingrained as an American icon and hero, that it would feel weird, for lack of a better term, to have someone from a different nationality play him.
Among the possible candidates, I am leaning most towards Jensen Ackles, Jason Lewis, Josh Duhamel and maybe even Michael Trucco. Matthew McConaughey is too old, frankly and he looks way too comedic and too laid back to really pull off the Captain's deep gravitas. Brad Pitt is also too old, and his age looks like it's catching up to him. Channing Tatum (who's reportedly been interested) is also hard for me to see - his acting feels too wooden. And defnitely DO NOT CAST WRESTLERS!!! Let's face it - they can't act their way out of a paper bag, and I'm certain anyone who calls himself a true fan of the comics would be heartbroken if a wrestler were chosen. And if Thor's chosen actor, Chris Hemsworth (aka, George Kirk) is of any indication, I'm certain the studios are aware of the problems with wrestlers as well.
And as for The Avengers...
If you stuck around after the credits of Iron man, you would have seen Samuel L Jackson playing the character Nick Fury (his Ultimate Universe incarnation to be precise) discussing The Avengers Initiative with Tony Stark. Also, there was a little visual "Easter Egg" of sorts where it looked like Captain America's shield was in Iron Man. And there was also Tony Stark's brief appearance in The Incredible Hulk. With all of these crossovers, it's pretty obvious that Marvel's wasting no time in building up to the big event - the day the heroes join together and form The Avengers.
The Norse God superhero, Thor, and his evil step-brother, Loki play a huge role in forming the group, specifically that Loki's manipulations have lead to the formation of the group. It's not unrealistic to expect Loki to make appearances in several other movies. And if you don't already know, Samuel L. Jackson has signed a large picture deal to have some small cameo roles as Nick Fury in Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America and others.
As far as casting the other Avengers go, I'm still in the process of it. Eva Longoria was reported to be a possibility as Janet Van Dyne/The Wasp, but she later refuted it; moreover, I have a hard time seeing her as a superhero, and I personally don't like her much. I would like to see Summer Glau or Grace Park as Wasp. For Dr. Hank Pym, I'd like to see either Nathan Fillion (although he is a tad old), Adrien Brody or Guy Pierce. Still no word on Clint Barton/Hawkeye yet.
*********************
So, even if you're not really sure who exactly the characters are, you can still post your own possible theories and casting wishlists. I'd best recommend giving the comics a try; you'll enjoy them.
