Hulk television specials being among the high water marks. Nowhere near that level were the two 1970s Captain America TV movies, and the 80s "theatrical" film stunk so bad it never even played in its native country. However, the previous decade raised the bar in a major way, with highly respected actors and directors assuming the roles of Marvel's greatest heroes in blockbuster (and not so much) features. Among their most iconic remains my personal favorite, the Sentinel of Liberty himself, so of course only the most respected actor could fill his cavalier boots on the silver screen. You know, like goddamned Matthew McConaughey.
Can I get a "what the fuck?" After a decade in which Robert Downey Jr., Ed Norton, Wesley Snipes, Ben Affleck, Christian Bale, and other luminaries have taken up super-heroic guises, why does Captain America persistently get the shitty end of the stick? How can a filmmaker have been found who gets a barely-A-list character like Iron Man so right he becomes an international sensation after nearly fifty middling years, but we can't scrounge up someone who understands Cap at the most basic level?
Director Joe Johnston still doesn't impress, and he appears to be looking to the worst possible candidates to cast as the Living Legend of World War II. Let me offer up some pointers:
- Steve Rogers was born in 1920s New York, where he grew up during the Great Depression a sickly child with an unemployed alcoholic father. His mother died young after devoting her life to supporting the entire family, and her husband had already passed of consumption before her. Rogers was 6'2", but he weighed about 98lbs. He carried on through his intellect and force of will. Rogers was so determined to fight the Nazis, even before the U.S. entered WWII, that he took suicidal risks to prove himself in the Super Soldier program.
- After becoming Captain America, Steve played a goofball ne'r do well in the Army while secretly going AWOL to battle the forces of tyranny.
- Cap would have to have a commanding voice and inspire the utmost respect to lead both the Invaders and, when sequel time comes, the Avengers.
Taking all that into account, why are the auditions for the role of Captain America populated by pretty young California surfer dudes and nigh-middle aged sitcom stars?
Yahoo News and Comic Book Resources have both recently commented on Jackson's short list for the role. It's pretty much shit. Let's take a look:
- Chase Crawford
Associated Words: Boring. Dandy. Forced. Emo.
- Mike Vogel
Associated Words: Dude.
- Michael Cassidy
Associated Words: Deep nasal voice. Skinny. Stiff. Slightly effete. CW.
- Patrick Flueger
Associated Words: Dumb. Skinny. Gnarly.
- John Krasinski
Associated Words: Average. Round. Oldish. Lame. GTFO.
- Wilson Bethel
Associated Words: Soft. Skinny. Blank.
- Garrett Hedlund
Associated Words: Attitudinal. Emo. Skinny. Unfortunate hair.
Thankfully, there are a few not embarrassing options. Longshots, of course, but here are the best of the lot...
- Jensen Ackles
Associated Words: Ruggedish. Fake accent. Committed. Jared isn't an option, why?
- Ryan McPartlin
Associated Words: Captain Awesome. Good body. Really tall. Funny. Oldish. Voice that could command a Norse god?
- Scott Porter
Associated Words: Genuine fan. Enthusiastic. Good voice and body. Young. Range.
1 comment:
I think Captain Awesome should win it, from this list. He's the only one with the ease of presence with out being a douche bag. Also, like you said, the voice is pretty key.
Post a Comment