After their big announcement Monday, we now know that Marvel Studios is planning to resurrect Captain America. His first movie isn’t slated for release until May 6th of 2011, but according to our sources they’re already looking for a potential leading man.
One of our long time scoopers dropped us a message tonight to let me know that Matthew McConaughey may be one of Marvel’s leading candidates to slip into Cap’s red white and blue underpants. Our source is a reliable one, but at this point it’s still very early and he’s only one of the actors they are considering for the role.
Physically I can understand why they’d want him. McConaughey has the build of an all-American beefcake type, which is exactly what Captain America is. Aside from his appearance though, he’d be a strange choice. Though he’s made a lot of movies, there’s still been no real evidence that Matthew can really act. Aside from his questionable acting ability, there’s also his public persona as a rarely bathed, pot smoking slacker. The McConaughey we’ve all come to know embodies just about everything that Captain America isn’t.
Though maybe that’s not a bad thing. In the early days Captain America was basically government propaganda. A rah rah, flag waver meant to get everyone excited about killing Nazis. Maybe moving a little bit away from that straight-laced, uber-patriot persona wouldn’t be a bad thing, since as he’s traditionally thought of Captain America is kind of a bore.
A French actor of Spanish-Moroccan descent, Jean Reno (pronounced Ruh-No) broke through into the American market with a heralded performance as an illiterate mob executioner who finds his soul saving the life of a teen-age girl (Natalie Portman) being pursued by rogue DEA agents in "The Professional" (1994). The film also marked the English-language debut of screenwriter-director Luc Besson, with whom Reno has frequently collaborated.
The son of Andalusian parents, the actor was born in 1948 in Casablanca, Morocco, which was then under French territorial control, and remained there with his family until 1960 when they relocated to France.
But I'll defer to your innate knowledge of European colonism and nationalism, given your own status as Euro-trash.
A French actor of Spanish-Moroccan descent, Jean Reno (pronounced Ruh-No) broke through into the American market with a heralded performance as an illiterate mob executioner who finds his soul saving the life of a teen-age girl (Natalie Portman) being pursued by rogue DEA agents in "The Professional" (1994). The film also marked the English-language debut of screenwriter-director Luc Besson, with whom Reno has frequently collaborated.
The son of Andalusian parents, the actor was born in 1948 in Casablanca, Morocco, which was then under French territorial control, and remained there with his family until 1960 when they relocated to France.
But I'll defer to your innate knowledge of European colonism and nationalism, given your own status as Euro-trash.
So anyone who was born in America when it was under British control is British then? And by definition, all of their descendents must be British!
Captain America May Be Matthew McConaughey [list] After their big announcement Monday, we now know that Marvel Studios is planning to resurrect Captain America. His first movie isn’t slated for release until May 6th of 2011, but according to our sources they’re already looking for a potential leading man.
After their big announcement Monday, we now know that Marvel Studios is planning to resurrect Captain America. His first movie isn’t slated for release until May 6th of 2011, but according to our sources they’re already looking for a potential leading man.
One of our long time scoopers dropped us a message tonight to let me know that Matthew McConaughey may be one of Marvel’s leading candidates to slip into Cap’s red white and blue underpants. Our source is a reliable one, but at this point it’s still very early and he’s only one of the actors they are considering for the role.
Physically I can understand why they’d want him. McConaughey has the build of an all-American beefcake type, which is exactly what Captain America is. Aside from his appearance though, he’d be a strange choice. Though he’s made a lot of movies, there’s still been no real evidence that Matthew can really act. Aside from his questionable acting ability, there’s also his public persona as a rarely bathed, pot smoking slacker. The McConaughey we’ve all come to know embodies just about everything that Captain America isn’t.
Though maybe that’s not a bad thing. In the early days Captain America was basically government propaganda. A rah rah, flag waver meant to get everyone excited about killing Nazis. Maybe moving a little bit away from that straight-laced, uber-patriot persona wouldn’t be a bad thing, since as he’s traditionally thought of Captain America is kind of a bore.
There doesn't seem to be anything that gets Internet fandom riled up quite like a good casting rumor, particularly when focused on genre movies based on iconic comic books and beloved literary properties. And this week saw the introduction of a doozy of a big screen comic book casting rumor - MTV's Splash Page reported earlier in the week that actor Derek Luke has heard (and subsequently said out loud) that Marvel Studios has offered the part of Captain America in their planned 2011 adventure The First Avenger: Captain America to superstar Will Smith.
Now there are a thousand and one ways to interpret the validity of what Luke reportedly heard. Will Smith - arguably the surest box office bet in movies today - probably gets serious consideration for just about every leading action/adventure/sci-fi role in pre-production, and if he doesn't, well ... he should. Already at the top of the box office food chain domestically and probably even a stronger draw in the international market, in the last year alone Smith just turned hardly household-known properties "I Am Legend" and "Hancock" into well over a billion dollars combined worldwide.
Another simple explanation for the rumor is that Derek Luke might have just heard wrong, or he heard speculation or plain unreliable info. It happens. In fact, Harry Knowles of the infamous Ain't-it-Cool-News is reporting Wednesday that multiple sources at Marvel are telling him that Marvel never "offered the part, nor did they approach or entertain a conversation about Will Smith for Captain America ".
But this is a rare case in which the potential accuracy of the rumor is beside the point. Whether or not Will Smith has actually yet been offered and/or has even been considered for the role is less important than the notion that Will Smith should be offered the role of Captain America ... and let's be perfectly clear, he should be offered the role of the Captain America.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves...
First and foremost, the case for Will Smith as Captain America has already been stated clearly - he's a box office golden god, and since Tom Cruise left the "sure-thing" element of his career on Oprah's couch a couple of years back, that sort of status is becoming more and more rare. And lately his knack for "opening" films has overcome even mediocre material.
Say what you want about this summer's original superhero entry Hancock, but a critical hit it was not. Buzz amongst the Internet faithful wasn't even that strong. So unless co-stars Jason Bateman and Charlize Theron have suddenly developed crazy box office mojo, Smith carried that vehicle on his super-powered shoulders alone.
And let's be frank for a second, Captain America is likely in need of a lead with very broad, and strong shoulders. Though arguably having one of the most iconic names and costumes in genre literature - graphic or otherwise - Captain America's simply isn't in the same league with Batman, Superman, or even Spider-Man in terms of the Joe Q. Public factor. Ask a garden variety moviegoer for the alter-ego and basic back-story of those A-list superhero characters and they'll probably hit close to the target.
"Steve Rogers" and "Super-Soldier Serum"?? Probably not so much.
Captain America also has another potential box office stumbling block in its way. If Marvel's current plans stay the course, the comic-book-publisher-now-movie-studio is planning on the film being at least partially (if not completely) a period piece, circa World War II of course. The A-lister Harrison Ford-driven Indiana Jones films notably excepted, period action/adventure is sometimes a tough sell with movie audiences.
Now of course in terms of built-in awareness, Marvel's Iron Man probably even had a lower profile than Captain America, and studio struck gold anyway despite the fact star Robert Downey Jr. had no box office track record to speak of. But despite its now "blue print" comic book movie status, the script-star chemistry that drove the surprise box office success of Iron Man is never easy to manufacture, and more importantly, probably even more difficult to reverse engineer.
The other thing that makes a Will Smith Captain America a fairly sure box office bet is the reason the rumor became such a sensation so quickly. As depicted in the comics for the last 60+ years, Captain America's physical description might be described in another era as "the all-American boy" - i.e. a blond, blue-eyed, square-jawed Caucasian. To take a moment to state the perfectly obvious, Will Smith doesn't match that description. He's about as close to the comic book Captain America in the looks department as Barack Obama is to (as he puts it), "the guys on the dollar bills."
Which is what makes the proposition all the more intriguing. In other, shorter words - in this case, black & white equals green.
Listen, we're not going to make the sociological or political argument that an African-American should be given the role of an iconic American symbol traditionally depicted as a white man based on that fact alone. That would be patronizing and condescending in of itself and so-called political correctness isn't the issue here.
But on the other hand, we'd equally argue there is nothing essential about the Steve Rogers character that requires him to be white, other than historical precedent. And that's not to say that's not important, but essential to success in the broad, international box office market?
Now, this argument will probably be a tough sell in realm of fandom, where fans - somewhat understandably - want big and small screen versions of their long-time heroes to closely match the images they're accustomed to. Look at how much consternation the choice of Daniel Craig stirred up in James Bond circles, simply because he didn't closely physically resemble the actors that came before him (though at this point you'll find little to no resistance left to Craig as 007). But there just isn't anything significant about the character of Steve Rogers - a patriot who wanted to serve his country but couldn't because of a physical disability - that requires him to be of one certain race.
The counter-argument that is already being made, however, is that in the 1940's it's unlikely that an African-American would be chosen by the United States military establishment to become a symbolic poster boy for its war efforts. And that's a legitimate argument. As much as we'd like to think such issues have been put to bed by 2008 (and we may get a partial answer to that question the evening of November 3rd), it would be intellectually disingenuous to turn a blind eye to our own history.
However, is textbook historical accuracy really the point of a comic book movie adaptation? For over 40 years Captain America's historical World War II roots has been at best an occasional and modest influence on the character's comic book adventures. Despite his ongoing status as a living anachronism, Steve Rogers has been depicted as a thoroughly contemporary character (for the uninitiated, he's a member of the "Greatest Generation" living in the modern world - he was thought to have died at the tail-end of WWII and re-emerged in the modern world perhaps 10-15 years ago in "comic book time").
His World War II origins provide fictional "flavor" to the mythos - the exact time period is no more essential to his essence than what year Uncle Ben or Bruce Wayne's parents were killed, or what year an infant from Krypton crash-landed in a Kansas cornfield.
Moreover, Marvel has already provided something of answer to the historically accurate argument. In 2003 the company published the controversial comic book limited series Truth: Red, White & Black, a stark "in-continuity" story that revealed that a secret government program began in the early days of World War II tried to recreate the "super-soldier" serum that gave Steve Rogers his Captain America abilities, using African-American soldiers as test subjects. The story depicts how 300 black servicemen were subjected to potentially lethal genetic experiments in the attempt to recreate the process, mirroring at least one ugly chapter in our nation's history.
Some comic book fans are already arguing that Will Smith could star in an adaptation of this story. Now as much credit as Marvel Comics should get for having the guts to publish this story and placing it their mainstream continuity, no one expects to see a big or small screen adaptation of the story anytime soon. So the for pro-historically-accurate camp, perhaps a subtle combination of elements from that story and Captain America's original origin would be appropriate and in order.
All the story minutia aside, however, the ideal would be for the role to be played by the actor who would bring the most positive qualities to the project, and it would be very hard to argue against Will Smith - from a pure talent or clout standpoint - if those are the terms the decision is based upon.
And while trying not to be cynical or suggest Marvel exploit the infamous "race card" for no other reason than to stir the so-called mixing pot, the dialogue that has in fact already begun would almost certainly intensify where the choice to be made official and would very likely be an ancillary benefit in the marketing of the film.
From comic shops to water coolers to the Op/Ed pages of venerable publications around the country (and perhaps the world), the choice of Smith would put the name and concept of a "Captain America" in the minds and on the lips of millions of people, all potential moviegoers, and we'd all be asking not only ourselves, but each other, what - if anything - the concept means. And while this sort of attention would likely be a tremendous boon to Marvel in the selling of the film, the question is at what cost would this fringe benefit come?
If it's at the cost of having Americans discuss, debate, and even argue questions that may or may not even have right or wrong answers, isn't that discussion alone worthy in of itself?
Would certain factions of fans be upset? Even irate? Almost certainly. But make no mistake; they'd still be first in line opening night. The more relevant question is would the anti-buzz they generate hinder the film's profile with the broader public?
Or to put it more succinctly, who has more formidable box office muscle - Will Smith or the Internet tastemakers?
Jeremy happy Moderator Hangin' out like double D's 10000+ posts Thu Sep 11 2008 10:15 PM Reading a post Forum: Media Thread: Captain America Movie Rumours
AICN reports that Joe Johnston, director of such films as "the Rocketeer," "Jumanji" and "October Sky," has been named director of the Captain America film:
Mark it down on your calendar: Joe Johnston's FIRST AVENGER: CAPTAIN AMERICA will storm into theaters on May 6th, 2011. It will be set during World War II, and will help set up the forthcoming AVENGERS film (along with THOR and IRON MAN 2). Here's Marvel honcho Kevin Feige on Johnston via The Hollywood Reporter:
"This is a guy who designed the vehicles for 'Star Wars,' who storyboarded the convoy action sequence for 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,' " Feige said. "From 'Rocketeer' to 'October Sky' to 'The Wolfman,' you can look at pieces of his movies and see how they lead to this one."
According to the Reporter story, Johnston has been hugging the inside track for the CAPTAIN AMERICA gig for two years.
Not a bad choice, IMO. The guy's a protege of Spielberg and Lucas and "the Rocketeer," while a bit dated now, did a good job of capturing that whole "Nazi Smasher" vibe that you want in WWII Cap movie.
I've never seen it. But I liked Rocketeer and October Sky. There's also the fact that he worked with Spielberg several times: as an assistant on "Raiders," directing "JP3" and some of the "Young Indiana Jones" movies. A Spielberg vibe is more or less what you want for a WWII era Cap movie and, if you can't get the real thing, a reasonable facsimile is probably better than nothing.
None of it "proves" he has what it takes to make the film, of course. However, it's a resume of fantasy and action closer to what Sam Raimi had before he made Spiderman than it is to, say, the resume of the guy who made the Fantastic Four movies or Daredevil.
What does that have to do with anything? They are both boyscouts with little or no personality, and both refuse to take lives unless absolutely necessary.
Just because one was a soldier and one is an alien, doesnt make them different personality wise.
Are you saying that two people from different backgrounds cant have similar personality traits?
Oh, and as Cap was a soldier, then that makes a guy who plays "Captain Jack" even more likely person to play him, surely!
What does that have to do with anything? They are both boyscouts with little or no personality, and both refuse to take lives unless absolutely necessary.
Just because one was a soldier and one is an alien, doesnt make them different personality wise.
Are you saying that two people from different backgrounds cant have similar personality traits?
Oh, and as Cap was a soldier, then that makes a guy who plays "Captain Jack" even more likely person to play him, surely!
Unless Pro is talking "Ultimate" Cap there isn't really much difference between either character's personality. So, basically, it seems to be coming down to a question of hair color, which is a pretty silly distinction, given that Barrowman could easily bleach his hair if he got the part of Cap.
If we were going purely on what a guy looks like, then you'd have to go for someone like this I have no idea what his acting chops would be like, but he looks like Steve Rogers, so he must be perfect!
Argue, argue, argue. Don't either of you have any other speed?
Listen, I'm not going to go into a lecture a five-year-old would have already figured out. If I have to sit here and explain the difference in personality between DC Comic's SUPERMAN and Marvel Comic's CAPTAIN AMERICA, then you have no business being in this kind of conversation in the first place.
John Barrowman would not work for Captain America. He's too effeminate. He's not that deep of an actor. And, he's about as American as Cunty McPoofsterman, here. That's obvious, and it's waste of my time and finger energy in having to type that out.
Superman is an alien. He's a bit more "gentle" than Captain America (i.e. omnisexual Snarf feelings), and Barrowman naturally conveys that attribute in what little acting I've seen of him. Just so happens he has Superman's look, as well.
Anytime I even think about casting Captain America, I'll always lean more towards the realistic, soldier aspect of the Ultimate version, as I'm pretty certain that's the type of Cap they'll be bringing to the Big Screen (I hear it's a doozy). Bringing just another spandex character to the mix would be a waste of translation.
Now, piss-off you fucking marys, and stop trolling for an argument that's beneath both of us...
I don't think Barrowman is effeminate at all. Granted he's no Clint Eastwood but I bet he could pull it off. Since this is a matter of the actor just saying he would like the part I think the topic is sort of a moot point.
Listen, I'm not going to go into a lecture a five-year-old would have already figured out. If I have to sit here and explain the difference in personality between DC Comic's SUPERMAN and Marvel Comic's CAPTAIN AMERICA, then you have no business being in this kind of conversation in the first place.
Funny...I remember being at a convention where Roger Stern (who's written both characters) was asked about what he thought of Superman-Cap crossover and he said it would be kind of boring because they both had such similar personalities.
Argue, argue, argue. Don't either of you have any other speed?
Listen, I'm not going to go into a lecture a five-year-old would have already figured out. If I have to sit here and explain the difference in personality between DC Comic's SUPERMAN and Marvel Comic's CAPTAIN AMERICA, then you have no business being in this kind of conversation in the first place.
John Barrowman would not work for Captain America. He's too effeminate. He's not that deep of an actor. And, he's about as American as Cunty McPoofsterman, here. That's obvious, and it's waste of my time and finger energy in having to type that out.
Superman is an alien. He's a bit more "gentle" than Captain America (i.e. omnisexual Snarf feelings), and Barrowman naturally conveys that attribute in what little acting I've seen of him. Just so happens he has Superman's look, as well.
Anytime I even think about casting Captain America, I'll always lean more towards the realistic, soldier aspect of the Ultimate version, as I'm pretty certain that's the type of Cap they'll be bringing to the Big Screen (I hear it's a doozy). Bringing just another spandex character to the mix would be a waste of translation.
Now, piss-off you fucking marys, and stop trolling for an argument that's beneath both of us...
Wow, someones a little pissy. Your argument is bullshit and you know it. Firstly, you have no fucking idea of what Barrowman is capable of an actor because you only know him for one fucking part. As for him not being American. He is as American as the rest of you in that fucking country. He may have been born in Scotland, but has spent most of his life living in America, and since when does it matter what nationality an actor is? Didnt realise Batman was Welsh or Xavier was Scottish etc. And before you give me a speech about "He is called Captain AMERICA!" I'll explain to you "its called ACTING!"
Not trolling for an argument, just trying to point out the fucking pissy idiocy of your points, and that no matter what you think, you opinion is not the be all and fucking end all of a conversation, you stupid fucking retard!
Superman and Captain America ARE essentially the same "Mom and dad, Apple pie Americana" character, just with different powers and back story.
Listen, I'm not going to go into a lecture a five-year-old would have already figured out. If I have to sit here and explain the difference in personality between DC Comic's SUPERMAN and Marvel Comic's CAPTAIN AMERICA, then you have no business being in this kind of conversation in the first place.
Funny...I remember being at a convention where Roger Stern (who's written both characters) was asked about what he thought of Superman-Cap crossover and he said it would be kind of boring because they both had such similar personalities.
As TDK proved if you have a good script and director even a marginal actor like Heath Ledger can have a good performance.
Think about the Ang Lee Hulk, the dude that played Banner sucked balls, but in that flick where he was in the Israeli assassination group he was damn good.
Thanks for proving my point. That guy and you are like twins and you see him as a "tranny."
Sorry he looks like a tranny to me but maybe whatever gay bar you sneak off to for a cocktail has a bigger tranny population and you have a better eye for them. Not really interested in how you fantasize about me being like his twin.
Argue, argue, argue. Don't either of you have any other speed?
Listen, I'm not going to go into a lecture a five-year-old would have already figured out. If I have to sit here and explain the difference in personality between DC Comic's SUPERMAN and Marvel Comic's CAPTAIN AMERICA, then you have no business being in this kind of conversation in the first place.
John Barrowman would not work for Captain America. He's too effeminate. He's not that deep of an actor. And, he's about as American as Cunty McPoofsterman, here. That's obvious, and it's waste of my time and finger energy in having to type that out.
Superman is an alien. He's a bit more "gentle" than Captain America (i.e. omnisexual Snarf feelings), and Barrowman naturally conveys that attribute in what little acting I've seen of him. Just so happens he has Superman's look, as well.
Anytime I even think about casting Captain America, I'll always lean more towards the realistic, soldier aspect of the Ultimate version, as I'm pretty certain that's the type of Cap they'll be bringing to the Big Screen (I hear it's a doozy). Bringing just another spandex character to the mix would be a waste of translation.
Now, piss-off you fucking marys, and stop trolling for an argument that's beneath both of us...
Wow, someones a little pissy. Your argument is bullshit and you know it. Firstly, you have no fucking idea of what Barrowman is capable of an actor because you only know him for one fucking part. As for him not being American. He is as American as the rest of you in that fucking country. He may have been born in Scotland, but has spent most of his life living in America, and since when does it matter what nationality an actor is? Didnt realise Batman was Welsh or Xavier was Scottish etc. And before you give me a speech about "He is called Captain AMERICA!" I'll explain to you "its called ACTING!"
Not trolling for an argument, just trying to point out the fucking pissy idiocy of your points, and that no matter what you think, you opinion is not the be all and fucking end all of a conversation, you stupid fucking retard!
Superman and Captain America ARE essentially the same "Mom and dad, Apple pie Americana" character, just with different powers and back story.
Routh is now on Chuck and I think he would make a great Captain America. hasn't everyone forgotten Superman Returns by now? Would it really be bad if he was in another comic book movie?
John Krasinski is hoping to don tights and suit up as Captain America after reportedly signing up to audition for the superhero role.
The actor, who stars in the U.S. version of The Office, has reportedly joined Brothers star Patrick Flueger, Cloverfield's Mike Vogel, Smallville actor Michael Cassidy, Friday Night Lights star Scott Porter and others in the testing stage for the upcoming action film.
Gossip Girl hunk Chace Crawford has also been linked to the role, although he's yet to confirm his commitment to the audition process, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Hopefuls will try to win over casting directors within the next two weeks, when they will meet in Manhattan Beach, California. It's also reported the role could go to an unknown.
The First Avenger: Captain America is expected to be released in July 2011.
I'm betting no. Krasinski strikes me as a guy who wants to be an "indy" actor.
He's an...okay...actor on the Office. Nothing special.
If they pick him my assumption would be that they wanted a skinny guy they could then bulk up for the post "super serum" sequences. Which sort of make sense.
Still, my gut tells me that he wants to be a 'serious' actor and won't take the part. We'll see.
Marvel Studios has zeroed in on Hugo Weaving to play the villainous Red Skull in “Captain America.”
Joe Johnston is directing the movie, which remains in search of the actor to play Steve Rogers, Captain America’s alter ego.
In the Marvel comics, Red Skull has been Captain America’s archenemy since 1941, when he engaged in espionage and sabotage as Hitler’s right-hand man. In his final battle with the superhero, he was buried under the rubble of a bombed building but — as would occur later with Captain America — fell into a state of suspended animation. Both were revived in modern times.
The character was the villain in the low-budget 1990 “Captain America” movie.
The dealmaking with Weaving is in a delicate stage that will play out in the next day or so. Agencies grouse that Marvel plays hardball in the negotiating process and also demands multi-movie commitments, though the latter usually applies to actors playing its heroes.
If a deal happens, it would reunite the actor with Johnston, with whom he worked in the recent horror thriller “The Wolfman.” The CAA-repped Weaving already is known to genre fans as bad guy Agent Smith of the “Matrix” movies and elf ruler Elrond of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
Thesp to star in three Marvel films, in addition to 'Avengers' By MARC GRASER Chris Evans will don the star-spangled superhero suit to play Captain America for Marvel Entertainment.
Evans, who was made the offer late last week, beat out a number of thesps including John Krasinksi, Chace Crawford, Ryan Phillippe, Garrett Hedlund, Michael Cassidy, Patrick Flueger, Scott Porter and Wilson Blethel to land the role of Steve Rogers.
Deal calls for Evans to star in at least three "Captain America" movies, as well as "The Avengers," which will assemble Iron Man, Thor and the Incredible Hulk in one pic.
First introduced in the 1940s, the character is a sickly young man who is turned into the perfect human weapon to aid the United States' war effort during World War II when injected with a super soldier serum. His costume resembles the American flag and he flings an indestructible shield as his primary weapon.
Joe Johnston will direct "The First Avenger: Captain America" this summer. Hugo Weaving will play the villain, Red Skull. Film is slated to unspool July 22, 2011. Paramount will distribute.
Evans had already signed on to star in New Regency's comedy "What's Your Number," with Anna Faris, that is skedded to shoot this summer.
Marvel already had a relatinship with Evans, with the thesp having previously played the role of Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch, in Fox's two "Fantastic Four" movies.
He will also appear in the adaptation of DC Comics' "The Losers" in April, and "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World," based on the Oni Press graphic novels
God damn it. I liked him in the Fantastic Four movies and in Not Another Teen Movie but why did they have to pick him? Why couldn't they go for someone who hasn't already played a Marvel character? Why do comic book movies have to be so incestuous?
LA's high taxes has pushed the Cap movie over to London. If you see any filming going on, Ginger Poof, take some pictures. And yell out 'CUNT!' every time sound rolls.
There wouldn't be a Super Soldier without the scientist who invented it, now we have one!
Today, Marvel Studios announced that Oscar® nominated actor Stanley Tucci has been cast to star as Dr. Abraham Erskine in "Captain America: The First Avenger" opposite Chris Evans, Sebastian Stan, Hugo Weaving, and Hayley Atwell.
In the early comics, Dr. Erskine was a German scientist behind Project Rebirth, the secret experiment that created the Super Soldier known as Captain America. Joe Johnston will direct the film penned by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely.
Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige will produce "Captain America: The First Avenger." Alan Fine, Stan Lee, David Maisel and Louis D’Esposito will executive produce. The film will be released in the US on July 22, 2011 and distributed by Paramount Pictures.
"Captain America: The First Avenger" will focus on the early days of the Marvel Universe when Steve Rogers volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the Super Soldier known as Captain America.
Tucci’s credits include "Julie & Julia," Peter Jackson’s "The Lovely Bones," for which he was nominated for an Academy Award, and "The Devil Wears Prada." He can next be seen in the upcoming comedy "Easy A" as well as the upcoming movie musical "Burlesque."
In addition to "Captain America: The First Avenger," Marvel Studios most recently released the highly anticipated sequel, "Iron Man 2," starring Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow on May 7, 2010, and will release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including, "Thor" on May 6, 2011, and "Marvel Studios' The Avengers" on May 4, 2012.
Stay tuned to Marvel.com for the official word on all things to do with "Captain America: The First Avenger" and all Marvel movies!
Because most people have never heard of the Avengers (superhero version), so they obviously feel people will relate to the team name more when the movie comes out.
You might be more right than you think, Rex. Wondy would very much say that. BUT, it's also possible that it's a move by Marvelwood to make certain they can market it outside the US. I know I wouldn't go see a "Major France" movie, unless it was "Doctor Who: Major France is a Faggot". Then I would see it. Wouldn't you?
Because most people have never heard of the Avengers (superhero version), so they obviously feel people will relate to the team name more when the movie comes out.
I agree with this, as well. But, it's far too rational, so I have to ask: Who are you, and what have you done with Captain Howdy?
You might be more right than you think, Rex. Wondy would very much say that. BUT, it's also possible that it's a move by Marvelwood to make certain they can market it outside the US. I know I wouldn't go see a "Major France" movie, unless it was "Doctor Who: Major France is a Faggot". Then I would see it. Wouldn't you?
I think we all know that the words "major" and "faggot" in a movie title would be enough to get rex into the theater.
You might be more right than you think, Rex. Wondy would very much say that. BUT, it's also possible that it's a move by Marvelwood to make certain they can market it outside the US. I know I wouldn't go see a "Major France" movie, unless it was "Doctor Who: Major France is a Faggot". Then I would see it. Wouldn't you?
The movie will also be set during world war 2 so it makes sense to film it in a place where that war happened. Its a nontroversy.
He said it! You know he said it! Everyone can see he said it! Now you knock this foolishness off and run along now before I have to swat your bottom and call your momma about you!
The shoulder pads are a bit much. Other than the material looking a little to ultra-modern for WWII era, I can't fault much else in the design. This is also just the concept art and not an actual costume which will look different and have more texture. Let's see if fans bitch about this as much as they did the Thor costume art.
I liked what I saw of the Thor costume so far, and I like this Cap costume too. I'd say that that fan mock up would be good as the WWII costume, with the other ones being the modern take on it after he is thawed out in the modern day.
I know they are silly, especially in a live action setting, but I miss the faggoty wings on his cowl.
The cowl does look somewhat naked without them (and ears for that matter). I'm sure they could adapt the wings into something a little less faggoty...something similar to what the Flash had on his costume in the tv series, maybe).
I know they are silly, especially in a live action setting, but I miss the faggoty wings on his cowl.
The cowl does look somewhat naked without them (and ears for that matter). I'm sure they could adapt the wings into something a little less faggoty...something similar to what the Flash had on his costume in the tv series, maybe).
Maybe painted on the sides like WWII nose art? Dunno. That's a tough thing to transition without looking horrible.
I liked what I saw of the Thor costume so far, and I like this Cap costume too.
Fans threw a bitch fit at the concept art with people who've been on the set saying that the real deal looks awesome because the materials used add depth to the look that the art can't.
Fans tend to throw a bitch fit if a costume doesnt look enough like the comic books, but then throw a bitch fit if it looks exactly like the comics, and basically looks gay.
The shoulder pads are a bit much. Other than the material looking a little to ultra-modern for WWII era, I can't fault much else in the design. This is also just the concept art and not an actual costume which will look different and have more texture. Let's see if fans bitch about this as much as they did the Thor costume art.
this is probably as non-gay-yet-faithful as a captain america suit can get. plus, you have to figure, like the batman begins and x-men movie preview shots, these are shown with lighting and technique we'll not see in the films. throw on the grainy screen, back lighting, noir tones, war damage, etc. and he'll look proper
I liked what I saw of the Thor costume so far, and I like this Cap costume too.
Fans threw a bitch fit at the concept art with people who've been on the set saying that the real deal looks awesome because the materials used add depth to the look that the art can't.
Yeah, for a modern suit it looks good.
But I'm a little surprised at just how modern it looks and I kind of wonder if this isn't going to turn out to be a "near the end of the movie" version of the suit with a more retro-looking costume for earlier in the film.
If anything, I would have predicted something a little more like the Affleck DD costume, with a leather tunic.
I think it looks good, and they even have a reasonable explanation for why a grown man would wear something like that: he dresses like that for a USO show to boost morale, but then they're attacked or something and he has to go into combat like that.
Also: yes, I can't see many people here going to a movie called Captain America. It's not just that we hate Freedom (although we do), it's also that the character isn't that well known here and "Captain" anything sounds like a silly name. If I saw a movie called Major New Zealand I'd assume it's an animation film or a Rob Schneider parody.
Also: yes, I can't see many people here going to a movie called Captain America. It's not just that we hate Freedom (although we do), it's also that the character isn't that well known here and "Captain" anything sounds like a silly name. If I saw a movie called Major New Zealand I'd assume it's an animation film or a Rob Schneider parody.
I dont think a film called Captain America would do too badly here as I do think the character is well enough known to at least do reasonably well, but as you say, those that havent heard of him, may very well think its some kind of comedy, much the same as the Team America movie. I'd say out of all the superheroes out there, Cap has gotta be one of the toughest sells outside his native country.
Also: yes, I can't see many people here going to a movie called Captain America. It's not just that we hate Freedom (although we do), it's also that the character isn't that well known here and "Captain" anything sounds like a silly name. If I saw a movie called Major New Zealand I'd assume it's an animation film or a Rob Schneider parody.
I dont think a film called Captain America would do too badly here as I do think the character is well enough known to at least do reasonably well, but as you say, those that havent heard of him, may very well think its some kind of comedy, much the same as the Team America movie. I'd say out of all the superheroes out there, Cap has gotta be one of the toughest sells outside his native country.
For that reason, I'm a little surprised they didn't just do an "Ultimates" or "Avengers" movie, have them recruit Cap and then spin his own film out of that.
As I said to Pro earlier, I think the Avengers is also gonna be a tougher to sell name, mainly because a lot of people will relate it to the other version of The Avengers with Steed and Emma Peel etc, which is probably why they are doing a bunch of solo films initially, and have tagged the Cap movie with the First Avenger tag. Iron Man was probably lesser known than Cap, but obviously the name Iron Man is a whole lot cooler and Superheroish than Captain America, plus it had all the special effects hype.
The one thing Cap has going for it by releasing it as a solo movie, is that there is a lot of hype for superhero movies at the moment, so a solo movie is less risky right now.
If nothing else, we have seen that launching characters out of team movies, doesnt necessarily work. Other than Wolverine, who in the X-Men movies did people want in a solo film? Probably nobody.
The problem with team movies is theres too much of a chance of one or two characters getting all the screen time, and everyone else ends up looking like Lois Lane or Alfred.
Oh, and you could also look at it another way. Remember the days before Wolverine and Spiderman had been members of every team ever, what did you find more of a thrill: A team book of new characters ending up with spin off books or A bunch of well known heroes all teaming up for the first time
As I said to Pro earlier, I think the Avengers is also gonna be a tougher to sell name, mainly because a lot of people will relate it to the other version of The Avengers
Good point. In fact, I had suspected that was part of the reason we got "the Ultimates" in the first place, to wit, that it was more sellable name. I wonder why Marvel went back to "the Avengers."
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If nothing else, we have seen that launching characters out of team movies, doesnt necessarily work. Other than Wolverine, who in the X-Men movies did people want in a solo film?
Yeah, but other than Wolverine, who in the X-men comics has even had a successful solo book either. And if it worked for Wolvie, why not Cap?
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The problem with team movies is there's too much of a chance of one or two characters getting all the screen time, and everyone else ends up looking like Lois Lane or Alfred.
Yeah, but that's a problem no matter what. In fact, I suspect that any Avengers movie will probably (if Downey wants it to be) turn into "Iron Man and his sidekicks."
If nothing else, we have seen that launching characters out of team movies, doesnt necessarily work. Other than Wolverine, who in the X-Men movies did people want in a solo film?
Yeah, but other than Wolverine, who in the X-men comics has even had a successful solo book either. And if it worked for Wolvie, why not Cap?
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The problem with team movies is there's too much of a chance of one or two characters getting all the screen time, and everyone else ends up looking like Lois Lane or Alfred.
Yeah, but that's a problem no matter what. In fact, I suspect that any Avengers movie will probably (if Downey wants it to be) turn into "Iron Man and his sidekicks."
Thats pretty much my point though. One of the key reasons to do the solo films first is that at least they then have established characters in the movie, and that they dont risk ruining a characters chance of a spin off by having them seem weakened by Downey.
It really depends on how they portray Cap in the movie as to whether he could spin off. If he has any of the character traits that Evans showed in his Torch portrayal, then it could work, but if we end up with a moralistic Cyclops style dullard, then nobody is gonna wanna see it. Who is to say whether we wouldnt have gotten more spin offs from X-Men if the other characters were made more likeable and interesting, and Wolverine was given less screen time (and yes, I know that means the franchise might have died earlier, but is that a bad thing if it meant saving us from X3?).
That said, going on the dialogue between Stark and Fury in IM2, its looking likely that Downey and Iron Man will only have a small role in the Avengers movie. I'd hazard a guess that War Machine will be a member though.
Understood. I think we agree more than disagree in fact.
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Who is to say whether we wouldnt have gotten more spin offs from X-Men if the other characters were made more likeable and interesting, and Wolverine was given less screen time
I think the problem was less Wolverine and more when Halle Berry won that Oscar and suddenly became the "big name" in the cast. As a result, I think some of the better characters were shunted aside for more useless Storm scenes (sorry, Pro).
That said, going on the dialogue between Stark and Fury in IM2, its looking likely that Downey and Iron Man will only have a small role in the Avengers movie. I'd hazard a guess that War Machine will be a member though.
You could be right. I think a lot depends on behind the scenes maneuvering and how much Downey wants to do (and how much the studio wants to pay him).
Storm was probably the least engaging of the characters (hell, I always hated her in the comics as well), but I really dont think they invested anything in what was essentially a bunch of supporting characters.
They should have spent more time on fleshing everyone out, but they didnt.
The big actors characters like Prof, Magneto and Storm obviously made sure they got their share of the limelight, but the films certainly revolved around Wolverine, and credit to the then unknown Jackman, for out doing all of them.
I have to give credit to Anna Paquin for at least having some presence, but who even noticed that the likes of Cyclops and Iceman were even in the movie as heroes?
That said, going on the dialogue between Stark and Fury in IM2, its looking likely that Downey and Iron Man will only have a small role in the Avengers movie. I'd hazard a guess that War Machine will be a member though.
No way they'll fuck us like that. I'm betting it's more that Stark will remain an adviser until The Avengers movie, when he, Cap, and Thor meet and form the Avengers trinity. That's when he'll suit-up and go full swing Iron Man mode.
So, as for the whole "First Avengers" bit, you're thinking the rest of the world thinks of Peel and Steed when they hear "Avengers"? Because I doubt the average American even knows the old show or those characters. But, either way, the rationality for the "FA" tag is to try and sell it to the foreign market? I hope it doesn't tank like G.I. Joe, then....
As for the concept art, I didn't think about it at first, but having read the other comments, I agree that this is (a) probably the modern suit, and (b) the lighting will make all the difference. When Bob mentioned that, I remembered seeing Bale's DK outfit for the first time in that exact same concept lighting and shot. It looked horrible. But, in the movie, it's awesome. So, I guess I'll have to wait and see.
However, they need to go Ultimates and have him with the helmet and half-mask from WWII. Where the mask went up to his forehead, brown leather goggles, and the matching, strapped-in helmet covered his hair? THAT'S the most believable headdress for Cap I've ever seen. Also, for WWII, the outfit needs to be a chainmail layer over specialized WWII-era Army fatigues. That would be the most logical and believable choice in my opinion...
So, as for the whole "First Avengers" bit, you're thinking the rest of the world thinks of Peel and Steed when they hear "Avengers"? Because I doubt the average American even knows the old show or those characters.
Have you forgotten there was a big budget movie more recently? Granted it wasnt a huge success, but its a hell of a lot more well known than a comic book.
And in America, I disagree. I would wager there are more grown-up comic fans who remember The Avengers than a seriously crappy Sean Connery/Uma Thurman movie from 1998...
However, they need to go Ultimates and have him with the helmet and half-mask from WWII. Where the mask went up to his forehead, brown leather goggles, and the matching, strapped-in helmet covered his hair? THAT'S the most believable headdress for Cap I've ever seen. Also, for WWII, the outfit needs to be a chainmail layer over specialized WWII-era Army fatigues. That would be the most logical and believable choice in my opinion...
Just as a random idea, what do people think of the chances that they will have Howard Stark or his father be responsible for creating the Cap shield/costume in WWII?
And in America, I disagree. I would wager there are more grown-up comic fans who remember The Avengers than a seriously crappy Sean Connery/Uma Thurman movie from 1998...
12 years ago is a lot more recent in peoples minds than you think. And once again, selling a movie in todays day and age isnt just about selling it to Americans. I'll wager that the 60s tv show is more well known worldwide than a comic book.
I'll wager that the 60s tv show is more well known worldwide than a comic book.
Oh yeah, I totally agree with that one. But, then, Comic Books is an American artform, so I can totally see the name resonating for Americans in that way, while the Europeans had their "Avengers" in the form of Steed and Peel.
Originally Posted By: Nöwheremän
Just as a random idea, what do people think of the chances that they will have Howard Stark or his father be responsible for creating the Cap shield/costume in WWII?
Again, agreed. I think that was the hint in Iron Man 2, where we see the prototype shield, and the fact that Howard Stark created "S.H.I.E.L.D."
He will most definitely have something to do with Cap. Or, maybe it was Stark's grandfather? Would Howard have been old enough to have been involved in WWII and still be the guy we saw in the 60's films from IM2?
Again, agreed. I think that was the hint in Iron Man 2, where we see the prototype shield, and the fact that Howard Stark created "S.H.I.E.L.D."
He will most definitely have something to do with Cap. Or, maybe it was Stark's grandfather? Would Howard have been old enough to have been involved in WWII and still be the guy we saw in the 60's films from IM2?
I was thinking along the same lines with regards to Howard, which was why I said it may be his father, but I guess we would have to accept some leeway on ages etc if they used Howard.
If you put Stark down as 45 (Downeys real age) and was born in 65, and say that the video of Howard was around 1969 or so, where he was maybe of a similar age, then that would put him in his late teens or early 20s in WWII. Its workable.
I'd love that! Of course, Hollaway works even better...for me...as Oliver Queen/Green Arrow. But, I could easily take him as Hawkeye.
Originally Posted By: Nöwheremän
If you put Stark down as 45 (Downeys real age) and was born in 65, and say that the video of Howard was around 1969 or so, where he was maybe of a similar age, then that would put him in his late teens or early 20s in WWII. Its workable.
The idea is so cool, either way, I'd be willing to give them some serious leeway on the ages, and stuff. Those kind of details I can ignore if the concept is sound and executed in a fresh manner.
Speaking of freshness, I have heard that War Machine will be in the Avengers, as well. Is he being included for quota purposes? If so, that sucks. I love the character....and Cheadle is a superior actor in ways guys like Denzel could never understand....and I have no real problem with him showing up in the Avengers. But, I hope the reasoning for it is story and not based on a PC-kneejerkery...
However, they need to go Ultimates and have him with the helmet and half-mask from WWII. Where the mask went up to his forehead, brown leather goggles, and the matching, strapped-in helmet covered his hair? THAT'S the most believable headdress for Cap I've ever seen. Also, for WWII, the outfit needs to be a chainmail layer over specialized WWII-era Army fatigues. That would be the most logical and believable choice in my opinion...
Just as a random idea, what do people think of the chances that they will have Howard Stark or his father be responsible for creating the Cap shield/costume in WWII?
I just got the impression that Downey was not confirmed as agreeing to the Avengers movie, hence the creation of War Machine. I cant see anyone accepting an Iron Man that wasnt Downey, but we have already seen that Rhodey could be played by anyone (and maybe he will take over the Iron Man armour...another possibility).
I'd also say that War Machine makes more sense from a government/military perspective if SHIELD is putting the team together. With War Machine & Black Widow, you have two military based characters. Add in a warrior like Thor and a soldier like Captain America, and it starts to look more like War Machine is the better fit than Iron Man anyway if they go that route. Antman and Hawkeye would also be characters that could be adapted to be military types.
Because most people have never heard of the Avengers (superhero version), so they obviously feel people will relate to the team name more when the movie comes out.
I agree with this, as well. But, it's far too rational, so I have to ask: Who are you, and what have you done with Captain Howdy?
I just got the impression that Downey was not confirmed as agreeing to the Avengers movie, hence the creation of War Machine. I cant see anyone accepting an Iron Man that wasnt Downey, but we have already seen that Rhodey could be played by anyone (and maybe he will take over the Iron Man armour...another possibility).
I'd also say that War Machine makes more sense from a government/military perspective if SHIELD is putting the team together. With War Machine & Black Widow, you have two military based characters. Add in a warrior like Thor and a soldier like Captain America, and it starts to look more like War Machine is the better fit than Iron Man anyway if they go that route. Antman and Hawkeye would also be characters that could be adapted to be military types.
actually, it wouldn't be much of a stretch for either. ultimate Hawkeye is a shield black ops guy, and I have the impression they're already going that route with him.
as far as Ant Man, the current Ant Man is a rogue shield agent who stole some of Pym's equipment and a prototype battle suit. not too hard to work that into the mix.
last I heard, Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg were supposed to be working on the Ant Man film. love to see Pegg's Ant Man surrounded by all the heavy hitters and what his reaction would be.
What can I say? I saw the trailer so much on TV, I'd pretty much seen the movie. Who doesn't love Steve Martin? But, the other two? Meh. I think I tried to sit through it once and got bored.
What can I say? I saw the trailer so much on TV, I'd pretty much seen the movie. Who doesn't love Steve Martin? But, the other two? Meh. I think I tried to sit through it once and got bored.
They can't all be A Fish Called Wanda...
You're not just dead to me now; but I'm the one who killed you, chopped you up, put you in a garbage bag, and threw your body into an old refrigerator at the county dump.
What can I say? I saw the trailer so much on TV, I'd pretty much seen the movie. Who doesn't love Steve Martin? But, the other two? Meh. I think I tried to sit through it once and got bored.
They can't all be A Fish Called Wanda...
You're not just dead to me now; but I'm the one who killed you, chopped you up, put you in a garbage bag, and threw your body into an old refrigerator at the county dump.
What can I say? I saw the trailer so much on TV, I'd pretty much seen the movie. Who doesn't love Steve Martin? But, the other two? Meh. I think I tried to sit through it once and got bored.
They can't all be A Fish Called Wanda...
You're not just dead to me now; but I'm the one who killed you, chopped you up, put you in a garbage bag, and threw your body into an old refrigerator at the county dump.
Just been looking at the cast list on IMDB. Looks like Bucky will be in it:
Sebastian Stan
Also, I saw that Jackson will be in it as Fury and assumed that it would maybe be in the modern day, but seeing as Dum Dum Duggan is in it, then we may have WWII Fury instead.
we drank at green rock for abotu 2 hours, boucning along to the "halloween" music (which mysteriously sounded no different than the music played every other night at a bar), eatin, munchin, whatever. the girls were talkin about all the funny costumes they were checkin out, and i was doing my best to pretend i was also part of that conversation, and not stalkerishly checking out every slutty girl that walked by in her near-nothingness.
at the very least, almost everyone in the place was dressed up and having a good time. wednesday be damned. there were girls everywhere, and i loved all of them. but alexis and nikki were lookin so friggin sweet themselves, they kept me dizzy flipping my head around all night. this battle for sexual beauty and beer all around me was a far, far cry from how i would have been spending my night any other wednesday, working until the sun rose for thursday.
unfortunately, there were no friendly waitresses at the bar for halloween, so once the beer started to raise in price, which it did around 9 because they didn't consider this a "regular" drinking night for the application of extended happy hour, we made our move across the street to hobsons to check out their crowd. no line at the door, but plenty crowded inside with mostly the same kinda scene.
there were $2 drafts and bottles there, which was better than the post-discount price at green rock, so we were happy with it. the girls even liked the music better, so they started to get into the night a little more and dance around a bit, which was so awesome to watch. i just had my camera and my beer, so i did my best to record all of the happiness to look back upon on some future night (the next night) when i was stuck back inside.
after another 2 hours of drinking and hanging out at this place, the girls wanted to put at end to the night, knowing they had to be up early the next morning for all that teaching fun. i of course offered my apartment for them to crash at, because it was already nearing midnight. i figure dthey could come back and change and maybe we'd order some food or play wii til we all passed out, which is pretty much how it played out. and, of course, i had to part with my cape.
by the time i woke up the next day at around 10, they were already at work for a few hours. i slimed my way down to the computer, and got right back to the fun of the daily grind, doing my best not to acknowledge the fact that it was november already.
"It’s an amazing costume. Given the fact that his costume is red, white and blue, and it’s tight, and it could be kind of flash and over the top – and given the fact that the movie takes place in the ‘40s and ‘50s – they’ve done a really good job of making it look really cool," Evans said. "I think everyone that’s going to see it is going to say, 'Okay, well done. Well done. I think they got the costume right. The casting they completely ruined, but the costume they nailed!'"
No stranger to costumes, the actor wore a skin-tight body suit in the Fantastic Four movies, which he admits was a bit more comfortable than Cap's military-grade armor.
"Any type of World War II uniform would be a little chunky, and I think that’s what kind of gives it its character," Evans said.
Of course, the most important aspect of Cap's costume is the famous shield.
"We’ve been testing a lot of shields. Last time I was in London they had six shields and I had to hold each one, see if I was comfortable with each one, see which one we all thought had the right look," he told Empire. "The thing is pretty heavy, so I’m not sure I can throw it that far! I’ll give it my best shot, but hopefully they’ll have some sort of stunt shield when it comes to actually chucking it!"
"Yeah, and it's also the idea that this is not about America so much as it is about the spirit of doing the right thing," the director said. "It's an international cast and an international story. It's about what makes America great and what make the rest of the world great too."
But seriously, at least for the WWII set origin movie I think a certain amount of flag waving should be de rigueur. I mean, the guy's practically WEARING a flag, after all.
the deal with roman polanski just proves that as long as you have money you can get away with anything. charisma also helps but the money is the real thing.
when are we going to take the molesting of young girls as terrible as it truly is.
Posted by: gsnider | July 12, 2010 at 07:28 PM
That sounds like you, G-Man. Or should I say, G-Snider?
But seriously, at least for the WWII set origin movie I think a certain amount of flag waving should be de rigueur. I mean, the guy's practically WEARING a flag, after all.
I thought they were talking about, mainly, his representation in modern times. I wasn't actually thinking about the WWII stuff.
If he's fighting Nazis, I'll be happy. If he's not necessarily jingoistic with his approach, I'll be okay depending on how it's represented. But, Cap has mainly lead with the ideals of America, rather than just overt patriotism.
It's going to depend on how they present it, honestly. I'm not opposed to a modern take on Cap. BUT, the moment I see any extremely obvious neutralization or anti-American slant, I'm done with it. I don't trust the HollyLeftwood any more than you do...
the deal with roman polanski just proves that as long as you have money you can get away with anything. charisma also helps but the money is the real thing.
when are we going to take the molesting of young girls as terrible as it truly is.
Posted by: gsnider | July 12, 2010 at 07:28 PM
That sounds like you, G-Man. Or should I say, G-Snider?
Director Joe Johnston, Captain America himself Chris Evans and Comic Con favorite Hugo “The Red Skull” Weaving were met with an incredible applause. The downside of Marvel’s panel was that only Weaving has been shooting. Evans has been working five days and done nothing but screen tests. Thankfully Weaving had one scene completed, which was enough to get us through the panel until the film’s release (25 June 2010).
In pre-Red Skull attire Weaving with his troops are in search of “the jewel of Odin’s treasure chest” (Thor connection!). After a crypt is broken into we see what appears to be a Cosmic Cube on a warrior’s skeleton. The scene plays out further and the mystery of what he is looking for only teased us further. What we did notice was that the Nazi troops as well as Weaving had patches and insignias that resembled the Hydra logo. It was very subtle but was visible more than once.
The teaser trailer was a collection of real World War 2 footage projected over Cap’s shield. There was a shadowy silhouette of Captain America revealed at the end. What got the crowd really going was the quick cut of Cap throwing the shield.
"There's a couple stages [of the suit]," Evans told MTV News. "Initially in the script, Steve [Rogers] isn't Captain America right away. He gets the injection and isn't asked to go to war right off the bat, he's used in different areas and different facets. So he has a couple different stages of the suit. I don't think he jumps in the final suit until the third act of the film."
According to Evans, those various stages of the costume will involve some time as a USO performer — a role which inspires the look of the costume. That look involves a few different versions of Cap's shield, too.
"During the USO tour, there's obviously a different shield," said Evans. "He goes on a couple missions, goes AWOL, and takes the USO shield. Once he's allowed to be this soldier and they outfit him with a new uniform, they decide to outfit him with an updated shield."
As for the costume itself, Evans shared some details about why the look and feel of the popular red, white, and blue suit was appropriate for the 1940s setting of the film.
"I've been working on another project, so there hasn't been enough time as I would've liked to be in London and go through trial-by-error to make it the most comfortable thing in the world," said Evans of the suit. "But it's not bad. It's a World War II movie, so a little bit of a cumbersome feel to it and something that's a bit chunkier not only serves the time period, but looks better — it's not this sleek, spandex suit. It looks like something you might wear in the '40s in the middle of a war."
Wow. Still looks gay. I assume the fake feet he's wearing is so Steve Rogers can kick ass bare-foot?
Well, at least I'm looking more forward to this than anything DC is doing with their films ("Flash will be CSI, Matrix, Se7en, Silence of the Lambs, Jay Garrick, visceral, light, murder, blah, blah, blah...")...
Wow. Still looks gay. I assume the fake feet he's wearing is so Steve Rogers can kick ass bare-foot?
He's having to chase down a car barefoot in the scene. The rubber feet are so that he can run across the asphalt and do stunts.
Joe Johnston did The Rocketeer, which was awesome. I have faith in him on this film. If anyone fucks it up, it'll be Marvel. I can't help but feel that the weakness of Iron Man 2 was the need for it to set up the rest of the Marvel films for the Avengers get together.
Agreed! Marvel is getting over-excited about their Big Event, like they do in comics, and are forcing the stand-alone flicks to attach themselves to said Big Event (much like in the comics, as well).
It would be smart of them to just do what they did in Iron Man 1, and simply reference the rest of the building universe in background scenes or mentions. I understand they wanted to rev-up Sam Jackson as Fury and SHIELD and all that. But, I think the major overstep in there was Scarlett as Black Widow. Yes, I thought she did a fine job. Enjoyed her hot ass. But, in the end, what did she lend the movie? Where was she integral? Methinks there was a looot of re-writing to accommodate her presence in the movie. And that is simply to set her up for The Avengers.
Of course, they're now talking about a possible Black Widow spin-off movie. I would like to refer them to "Elektra" and "Catwoman" for proof positive that it would be a terribly awful idea...
It wouldnt necessarily be an awful idea because other than being female characters with no real powers, there are no similarities in their situations.
Elektra span out of a movie that wasnt exactly popular in the first place, and Catwoman wasnt actually a spin off of anything being that it was years after Batman Returns, and the Catwoman of that series and the solo movie have no common ground other than the name. (Different actress, different costume, had super powers, was given an origin that had no connection to the previous one etc etc etc). Saying Catwoman is a spin off of the Batman films is pretty much like saying that Batman begins is a sequel to Batman & Robin.
That's not true. Focusing on the prime properties, and not wasting time, brand, and money on a spinoff all of no one wants? I think that would be a great idea...
Chris Evans As Captain America Hits Web: From photos of a stuntman donning the red, white and blue duds to some shoeless chase photos featuring Steve Rogers, the buildup to official imagery of actor Chris Evans as Marvel's Captain America has been in the offing for months. And today, the first embargo broke open as Entertainment Weekly shared the costumed Avenger on its incoming cover:
Director Joe Johnston told Hero Complex that he's just completed a first cut of Marvel's Captain America: The First Avenger.
"I watched the movie for the first time a few days ago and I just looked at the first cut and there is so much entertainment value — it’s just flat-out fun to watch,” the director enthused about his own work. "Maybe I’m somewhat biased — I was there [when we made it] — but, seriously, it’s funny, it’s exciting and there’s great visual effects. The movie is going to be something more than people are expecting. This movie is going to surprise some people. It is the origin story of Captain America but it is also something rare — it’s a period superhero film but there’s great action in it. You don’t normally think of guys driving around in 1939 sedans in an action film but there are some great action beats in it. It’s just a helluva lot of fun to watch."
The director also said he was surprised by the performance Chris Evans delivers in the lead role.
"I was blown away by the subtlety that he brought to the role. It was really exciting to watch him. He added layers to the character that were not on the page and layers that were not in the comic books. He made Steve Rogers into a real flesh-and-blood character and it was fantastic to watch," Johnston said.
How do you sell a movie called "Captain America" to an overseas market? In South Korea, Russia and the Ukraine, apparently, the answer is you don't even try.
The film "Captain America: The First Avenger" will have its title truncated to, simply, "The First Avenger" in those three overseas markets, according to Marvel Studios insiders. The choice was made by Marvel, Paramount Pictures' international team and distributors in those three countries based on market research results. Those involved in the decision are being careful to frame the move as a matter of brand management and consumer awareness and not as a decision tilted by cultural or political winds.
anybody watch the state of the union last night? the current President of the United States spent an hour talking about how great Russia, China, and India and how we should aspire to be like them(seriously this isn't political hype check out the speech).
is it any wonder the liberal studios are ditching America?
The film "Captain America: The First Avenger" will have its title truncated to, simply, "The First Avenger" in those three overseas markets, according to Marvel Studios insiders. The choice was made by Marvel, Paramount Pictures' international team and distributors in those three countries based on market research results. Those involved in the decision are being careful to frame the move as a matter of brand management and consumer awareness and not as a decision tilted by cultural or political winds.
Wow. I guess the "A" on his head really does stand for France, after all.
Bucky on the right. They've reworked the character for the movie.
Quote:
“We took some liberties with the relationship between the two guys,” Johnston said. “In our story, Bucky is already in the service, he’s already joined up and is being sent overseas while Steve is still struggling to get in the army. That’s different than what you may have read in the comics. It adds a nuance to the relationship that pays off later. They’re closer in age, too — they’re virtually the same age. That’s not the case at all if you go back to the old comics.”
Based on the fact that nearly ever other official pic from this film shows Evans without the mask I predict that the vast bulk of the film will have a Cap who is either unmasked or out of costume. The mask will be used mostly for the USO scenes as a sop to the fans.
Actually, the earlier versions of the costume are without the mask. Check the pic with Cap in the middle of a bunch of soldiers. This is probably what the costume evolves into since it has the more recognizable round shield and not badge shield.
Riding a generally positive wave of buzz following the Super Bowl teaser for the Captain America: The First Avenger movie, Marvel is keeping things flowing by commissioning the screenwriters of that film to start working on a sequel script. The pair are expected at this stage to write something that will be taking place in the modern day since Cap will be in the Avengers film and this one is very likely to take place after the Avengers move in terms of in-movie continuity (though depending on how they deal with the timeline in the Captain America movie, anything is possible). Marvel has an aggressive schedule this year and has two big projects lined up thereafter with the first Avengers movie and work starting on getting things together for Iron Man 3 in 2013, which is also when a likely sequel would appear for Captain America.
Chris Evans currently has a contract similar to other recent actors in that he's tied to a six picture deal, though that includes work in non-Captain America movies such as the already slated Avengers, and he's likely to be pretty game for a sequel with the positives he's hearing about how things look from the teaser trailer.
Paolo Rivera debuts Retro Captain America movie poster By Jordan Blanco on Jun 11th 2011 9:24 PM | 0 comments
Earlier today, comic book painter Paolo Rivera (Spider-Man) unveiled his Retro Captain America poster that will debut tomorrow at the Hero Complex Film Festival in Hollywood. The poster features an iconic shot of Cap punching Hitler that graced the original first issue of Captain America Comics in 1942 (and a rumored scene in the film) along with renderings of the cast. Rivera explained what it was like making the poster on his blog:
I'm taking a break from my blog break today to finally reveal my secret project from the beginning of the year! Late last year, I had asked Marvel if they would consider a painted approach for any of their upcoming movies. To prove I was up to the task, I did a Captain America poster "on spec" (which was later used as the cover to a movie tie-in comic). As it turned out, the job was already taken, but they liked my work well enough to commission a "vintage" poster that would be given as a gift to the entire cast and crew.
The prints, limited to 100 or so, were reproduced at actual size. Even Stan Lee got one! I was given access to a vast collection of production stills—each emblazoned with a watermark pattern of my name—from which I selected my favorites. All of the lettering is hand-drawn, with the exception of the small credits at the top and bottom (I ran out of steam). While I did some post-production work in Photoshop, the original looks more or less like what you see here. You'll have to wait until I finish Daredevil #3 before I share some of the behind-the-scenes material, but the "Hitler getting punched" reference will be well worth the wait.
I couldn't be more excited to finally share this with everyone and I can't wait to see the movie, which comes out next month. And before I get back to drawing Daredevil, I'd also like to thank Stephen Broussard, Kevin Feige, Joe Quesada, and Tom Glinkowski for giving me the opportunity and facilitating the entire process. This was the first time I pursued a project at Marvel of my own volition (as opposed to being offered one) and I was very happy with the results. Makes me want to try out a new other ideas... but that will have to wait for now.
Maybe if you're lucky enough, you'll win one tomorrow if you're attending the festival in Hollywood. They'll be given away during the screening of the brand new Captain America: The First Avenger trailer in the afternoon.
Captain America: The First Avenger opens in theaters on July 22nd, 2011 starring Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Hugo Weaving, Sebastian Stan, Samuel L. Jackson, Dominic Cooper, Tommy Lee Jones, Stanley Tucci, Neal McDonough, Derek Luke and Toby Jones. The Joe Johnston directed film will arrive in both 2D and 3D formats.
Paolo Rivera debuts Retro Captain America movie poster By Jordan Blanco on Jun 11th 2011 9:24 PM | 0 comments
Earlier today, comic book painter Paolo Rivera (Spider-Man) unveiled his Retro Captain America poster that will debut tomorrow at the Hero Complex Film Festival in Hollywood. The poster features an iconic shot of Cap punching Hitler that graced the original first issue of Captain America Comics in 1942 (and a rumored scene in the film) along with renderings of the cast. Rivera explained what it was like making the poster on his blog:
I'm taking a break from my blog break today to finally reveal my secret project from the beginning of the year! Late last year, I had asked Marvel if they would consider a painted approach for any of their upcoming movies. To prove I was up to the task, I did a Captain America poster "on spec" (which was later used as the cover to a movie tie-in comic). As it turned out, the job was already taken, but they liked my work well enough to commission a "vintage" poster that would be given as a gift to the entire cast and crew.
The prints, limited to 100 or so, were reproduced at actual size. Even Stan Lee got one! I was given access to a vast collection of production stills—each emblazoned with a watermark pattern of my name—from which I selected my favorites. All of the lettering is hand-drawn, with the exception of the small credits at the top and bottom (I ran out of steam). While I did some post-production work in Photoshop, the original looks more or less like what you see here. You'll have to wait until I finish Daredevil #3 before I share some of the behind-the-scenes material, but the "Hitler getting punched" reference will be well worth the wait.
I couldn't be more excited to finally share this with everyone and I can't wait to see the movie, which comes out next month. And before I get back to drawing Daredevil, I'd also like to thank Stephen Broussard, Kevin Feige, Joe Quesada, and Tom Glinkowski for giving me the opportunity and facilitating the entire process. This was the first time I pursued a project at Marvel of my own volition (as opposed to being offered one) and I was very happy with the results. Makes me want to try out a new other ideas... but that will have to wait for now.
Maybe if you're lucky enough, you'll win one tomorrow if you're attending the festival in Hollywood. They'll be given away during the screening of the brand new Captain America: The First Avenger trailer in the afternoon.
Captain America: The First Avenger opens in theaters on July 22nd, 2011 starring Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Hugo Weaving, Sebastian Stan, Samuel L. Jackson, Dominic Cooper, Tommy Lee Jones, Stanley Tucci, Neal McDonough, Derek Luke and Toby Jones. The Joe Johnston directed film will arrive in both 2D and 3D formats.
Will that scene be at the end? The Beginning? Will the movie be a flashback told by modern day Captain America? Can I be anymore excited about this movie?
I'm not watching it. Since we're this close, I'm going to avoid any more trailers so I can procrastinate seeing it in the theater until I'm forced to watch it as a rental or download (ala' Thor, First Class, GL, etc.)
Saw it at the midnight showing.The movie was fun & more entertaining than most of the other movies this year.Everything about this met and surpassed my expectations.All the acting was solid.Tommy Lee Jones had some of the best lines in the movie while Chris Evans' portrayal of Steve Rogers/Cap was spot-on.Hugo Weaving's Red Skull was an enjoyable scene-chewing villain and Haylee Atwell's Peggy Carter was smoking hot.Lot of easter eggs esp. in the beginning of the movie after it starts up in the 40's.
I would definitely see this one again.I don't think it will place #1 this week though with only the second week of Harry Potter out,but it could show some legs as the dog days of summer kick in and after next week's Cowboys and Aliens and the Rise of the Planet of the Apes the week after are it's only real competition.
Just saw it. It was fucking awesome. Can't think of anything negative to say about it. Everyone did very well. Wondering if they're setting up some Bucky-Winter Soldier bit for later movies.
I was going to see it today but, of my local theater's eight showings, only two of them (1:00 pm and 7:00 pm) weren't 3D. I'm planning on going tomorrow.
I'm little surprised at how, at least locally, they're pushing the 3D version over the 2D. Usually the showings are closer to 50/50 when it comes to the two formats.
I was going to see it today but, of my local theater's eight showings, only two of them (1:00 pm and 7:00 pm) weren't 3D. I'm planning on going tomorrow.
How I am supposed to stay up that late? I might not get home until 10 PM! That's when all the scary kids are out!
I loved C.A. and was griping about having to get up early on a Saturday for a showing. It had a sweet, patriotic story intermingled with romance, duty, and a love of the military.
Now I want to review Thor to find out how it and the other Avenger movies intertwine. Definitely worth seeing as a date, by yourself, or with your friends!
It was great. The choice of Johnston and going with a retro "Rocketeer meets Raiders" vibe was the right one. There wasn't a bad cast member in the bunch. Some great Easter eggs, including Bucky as a potential winter soldier, the original Human Torch cameo, and the Red Skull's Ark of the Covenant reference. Hope they can figure out a way to get Johnston to do another one set in WW2.
Saw it, loved it. Evans nailed the role perfectly. Tommy Lee Jones stole every scene he was in.
My only complaint is about the end. It felt rushed. One of my favorite comics is The Ultimates #3 when Steve Rogers adjusts to modern times. I was hoping for something more like that but I doubt it will ever happen now with the Avengers movie coming out next year.
The Winter Soldier story needs to happen and it would make a great TV series. There's no reason for everything to be a movie.
My only complaint is about the end. It felt rushed. One of my favorite comics is The Ultimates #3 when Steve Rogers adjusts to modern times. I was hoping for something more like that but I doubt it will ever happen now with the Avengers movie coming out next year.
Based on the Avengers teaser trailer after the credits, and the dialogue between Steve and Fury therein, I think Cap adjusting to the modern world will, in fact, be a plot point that movie.
Great fucking swerve on a cliche. Loved it. I wish they wouldn't have had his whole WWII adventure in one movie, but I understand the need for the Avengers setup. I like the way they gave Cap a moral code but also showed that he was a soldier in a war with a fucking gun. Comedy in the right places and an inventive final fight scene.
The more I think about this movie the more I love it. I might even go see it in 3D next weekend.
I've been reading up on it and it looks like they filmed the scenes I wanted to see. Scenes like Captain America in the present meeting up with Agent Carter and dancing, Agent Paulson giving Captain his shield and other stuff like that. I don't know if it will be in the Blu-Ray release or the Avengers movie but I want to see it either way.
evans was good. he was everything ryan reynolds was not.
the chick was potentially the best of the "im the girl in the superhero movies."
tommy lee jones was awesome. he was to cap'n america what j.jonah was to the spidey trilogy.
the cap'n suit, and various explanations (justifications) behind it
the whole retro 1940s, art deco mood; from the world's fair to the war's end.
the not-plusses:
red skull. he was somehow every bit as ridiculous in the movie as i think he is in comics, except somehow moreso. i don't particularly have any issue with hugo, who i thought did quite well, at least while "skinned." but once the skullator face came out, it was all unnecessarily bright red poo. right down to the skullmobile.
the i'm not sures:
the fight scenes. now, generally speaking, i think the film did a great job of balancing "fun, comic book adventure" and "no, wait - i'm a movie!" and, really, much of the fight scenes were fun. but there were a few too many over the top, spider-man turn-out-the-dark type moments, where cap was punching guys over canyons and sneezing them into outer space. maybe that was intentional, to stay "truer" to the comic booky fun of it, and/or appeal to a younger audience. i just thought any scene proudly featuring a wire placing a villain inorganically on the other side of a tank after cap kicked them crossed over the film's otherwise solid middle-of-the-line tone.
Seriously?? The man is allowed out of the house! I am not holding the boy hostage. He did ask me to go with him knowing this would be "my kind of movie" and he was right!
Seriously?? The man is allowed out of the house! I am not holding the boy hostage. He did ask me to go with him knowing this would be "my kind of movie" and he was right!
You misunderstood me.I was not implying you held him hostage......I just didn't think you would unleash him upon society.
Just last week Captain America: The First Avenger screenwriters Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus confessed a desire to feature the Falcon and Sharon Carter in the sequel, which seems more likely than not to be set primarily in the present day. We can now add to the character wish list a certain Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing.
“I love MODOK and I think you could make a terrifying movie with MODOK but nobody seems to be on my side at the momentum,” Markus tells Hero Complex. Okay, so MODOK, one of Cap’s stranger Silver Age foes, seems far less likely than the Falcon to make an appearance. Still, it would be pretty glorious to have the massive-headed menace floating around, leading A.I.M. agents against Captain America and Agent 13 (the aforementioned Sharon Carter).
It gets even better when you see who Markus would like to see play the offbeat Stan Lee/Jack Kirby creation: Emmy-nominated Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage. It’s kind of inspired, really.
“I will win you over to Peter Dinklage as MODOK,” he says. “If he came around the corner and you saw him floating there you would be terrified. It would be amazing.”
Although we probably shouldn’t hold our breaths for MODOK or Dinklage in Captain America 2, we can all probably agree that the very idea of it is, yes, amazing.
I always get Arnim Zola (played by Toby Jones in the film) mixed up with Modok. I laughed out loud, literally, when his first appearance in the film was a close-up of his face on a television screen...
Box Office Shocker: 'Captain America' Earns More Overseas than in U.S.
To date, the superhero tentpole has grossed $178 million internationally, compared to $173.5 million at the domestic box office.
TORONTO -- Defying perception, Paramount and Marvel Studios’ Captain America: The First Avenger has now earned more overseas than in North America.
To date, the superhero tentpole has grossed $178 million internationally, compared to $173.5 million at the domestic box office. The overseas tally includes a strong $5 million opening in China over the Sept. 9-11 weekend.
It’s hardly uncommon for a summer event pic -- and especially a 3D title -- to do bigger business internationally, but many assumed Captain America wouldn’t play as well among foreign audiences because of its title.
Captain America’s storyline itself is European centric, and follows Chris Evans’ character as he transforms from a scrawny kid from Brooklyn to super-soldier and joins forces with the allies to stop the Nazis.
“It’s done very well in the U.S., and fortunately it’s done very well, and even slightly better, at the international box office,” Paramount Pictures International president Andrew Cripps told THR, noting that Captain America has yet to open in Japan.
Early on, there was a debate within Paramount and Marvel as to whether having Captain America in the title would be off-putting to international distributors, and so the studio offered an alternative title, The First Avenger.
Cripps turned out to be correct in his hunch that the Captain America character has such strong brand recognition -- the comic books have been published in at least 75 countries -- that foreign distributors would happily choose Captain America: The First Avenger.
Only three countries opted for The First Avenger -- Russia, Ukraine and South Korea. Everywhere else, it’s being released as Captain America: The First Avenger.
Directed by Joe Johnston, Captain America has done especially well in Latin America, where it has grossed $21 million in Brazil, and another $21 million in Mexcio. All told, Latin America has generated $57 million in revenues, besting the $54 million earned by Thor, Paramount and Marvel’s other 2011 summer superhero film, in those territories.
The reason is two-fold: There’s a huge 3D market in Latin America, while Captain America is a particularly beloved superhero in that region of the world.
In Europe, Captain America has done strong business, although it hasn’t reached the levels of Thor or Fox’s 2011 summer offering X-Men: First Class. For example, the pic has grossed $15.5 million in the U.K., versus $22.5 million for Thor.
Captain America has grossed $10 million in France, $9 million in Italy, $8.5 million in Spain and $5 million Germany. Russia’s tally is $8.5 million, and Australia’s, $11.5 million.
well, to be fair Captain America is about the best of America. The American ideal that most thinking humans like.
This isn't a worn down, parody of itself America....this is the America everyone wants us to be.....there's no pussification, no second guessing, we had moral clarity of purpose.
Argue, argue, argue. Don't either of you have any other speed? 
No idea what that means...
