Pajiba

By now....yeah...just don't give it to Tatum.

I think they should have offered it to Joel McHale. He's tall, handsome, and ridiculously buff.

Seriously, I caught up on Community last night, and the billiard episode floored me. He always seems so skinny and dorky, why the fuck does he have the body of an Olympic gymnast?

I'm mildly glad that it's not going to Potato. How 'bout that; and I thought I was long past caring!

Evans can carry it off, I think.
He has all the super hero cred, and he pleasantly surprised me in Sunshine with a genuinely decent dramatic turn that makes me feel like he could handle a more emotionally complex superhero film than the fantastic fuckwits.

He definately has the looks and build etc, and I'm gonna take a gamble here and say he has the acting chops.

Dont let me down Evans.
Dont make me come for your eyes.

I still maintain Aleksandr Skarsgaard should be Thor but I wont get into a whole thing about it

Here is the thing; I'm not sure he's been given a role that can demonstrate his actual talent. He's always the sarcastic/charming goof. I think the only role that didn't fit this mold was "London," which was...ugh, not even the Statham could make me care enough (two hours in a bathroom snorting coke -- good time -- for a coke addict). Captain America is so noble and heroic. He is a SYMBOL. I don't know if he can pull that off.

That being said, he has also been the highlight of every movie I've ever seen him in. He's got great timing (for comedy, as previously noted), he's looks like the normal guy's movie star, he's charming, witty and clearly intelligent.

But Cap? Hmph. I'm reserving judgment.

Somebody around here once, long ago, said that Alexi Lalas (the current, clean-cut version), looks exactly like a Captain America sort, and now that's all I can think of for this role. I like my superheros to be a little more manly and chiseled than Evans, but he is sort of classic All-American generic attractive looking. All that to say…I guess it could be worse.

p.s. How come we couldn't just take any one of the guys who was great in Band of Brothers and just push him right over to Cap? Can't believe I didn't think of that before.

Captain America isn't just an iconic comics character; within the Marvel Universe, he's the most revered hero, the dude to whom the other heroes aspire to emulate. Dude embodies valor, patriotism, & sacrifice, & the casting & screenplay should embrace that. Chris Evans just ain't the guy, maybe they should've just held a bunch of open calls to fit the exact body type, picked the best actor out of the bunch, & filled out the cast with better-known talent.

I'm just here to second what Snath said. I saw that episode last week and I was just AMAZED (Aroused, same difference) and I had to look up pictures of McHale later just to remember what he looked like clothed and why the hell I thought he was a skinny shrimp.

unless they simply flip the roles and have Iron Man as the leader of the group (which would be a huge revision from the comics and would drive everyone insane)

Not a revision at all. Iron Man and Cap have each led the Avengers at different points, and have often been viewed as equals (each bringing different qualities to the table, but still).

That was much of what the whole "Civil War" storyline was about. (I'll refrain from comment on how well "Civil War" was actually executed, but I thought the idea of these two heavy-hitters standing up for opposing beliefs was pretty cool.)

Anyway, I think Evans is a solid choice. Sounds like the movie will do a whole "birth of a symbol" character arc. I can see Evans going from a cocky dude thrilled with his amazing new physical abilities, being exposed to the harsh realities of war, and coming to terms with being an icon with responsibilities greater than himself.

Bates: I stand corrected. What I meant is that it is a huge change from the traditional composition of the Avengers - I can't see Evans standing even as an equal to Downey Jr. Was there an edition of the Avengers (one that existed for more than a few issues) where Iron Man was the unquestioned leader and Cap was just another junior member? If so I'm not aware of it...

Bates writes, "Not a revision at all. Iron Man and Cap have each led the Avengers at different points, and have often been viewed as equals (each bringing different qualities to the table, but still)."

I've often thought of Iron Man as the financier and brains, while Cap is in charge of combat and inspiration. Like a producer and director.

X: I think the point here is to forget that Fantastic Four ever existed. I, for one, approve wholeheartedly.
Posted by: figgy at March 22, 2010 12:58 PM

I've never actually seen it, therefore it doesn't exist. Like mimes. If a tree falls in the forest, and lands on a mime, does anyone care?

I know nothing of the Captain America canon, so I don't get a real vote (kind of like Puerto Rico and Guam in Congress), but I'll second the "just glad it's not Potato" sentiment.

Chris Evans has never really blown me out of the water, but he's never made me want to scratch my eyes out either. I'd give him the benefit of the doubt.

@superasente: solid burn, my friend, solid.

But I did say "great", and Schwimmer falls into the category of "I'm gonna play against type to try to gain some street cred, but c'mon under pressure I'd fold faster than Superman on laundry day".

Neil McDonough ruined himself by playing Bison more than likely. With an Irish accent...

I'm certainly the least excited for this part of the Avengers, although I may just be projecting my own Branaugh-Shakespearean take on Thor, and that'll suck hardcore.

Can we all just agree that so long as The Sentry doesn't show up, we can remain somewhat optimistic?

Nothing against Chris Evans but he represents everything that went wrong with the casting process for Cap.First we have Marvel's $300,000 salary offer.That ruled out Matt Damon,Paul Walker or any other actor who is "A" or even"B" list.Second,we have their prefered age range of 20's to early 30's.That ruled out Mark Valley,John Hamm or anyone else who is an actual grown adult man and not a fratboy goof.Third the subtle racism of canidates for the role not needing to be tall,very muscular,blonde,blue-eyed or square-jawed,as long as they were white.That ruled out Vin Diesel or Dwayne Johnson.I don't dislike Chris Evans but he is not believeable as a man who World War II Paratroopers,Rangers and Infantry Marines would look up to and be willing to follow.He will not be believeable as someone Robert Downey Jr. and Samuel Jackson would take orders from or take seriously.He lacks ruggedness,masculinity or an aura of toughness.He makes Chris Hemsworth look like Jason Statham.I wish him well,but when the Cap movie comes out I will wait for the DVD.

That statement made no sense. I can't imagine, yet I am imagining. Me no think good. Seven minutes left in the work day. Argh.

Was there an edition of the Avengers (one that existed for more than a few issues) where Iron Man was the unquestioned leader and Cap was just another junior member? --S.K.

I think so, but my comic fu isn't that strong. Good question, though; I'm maybe take a safari into the depths of the Internet later, see if I can scare up an answer.

Anyway, I agree that Evans will need to bring his A+ game to hold the screen with the likes of RDJ, but I remain cautiously optimistic. (Contrary to my normal pessimistic nature; go figure.)

Would've loved Mark Valley in the role, but he's too old -- 46 already, and not getting any younger by the time the Avengers movie hits. After all, Cap was still a young guy when he got frozen in the ice (SPOILER!) -- only 27 if they stick with his 1917 birth date. Sure, bump that to early 30s and it's still a young dude.

Main thing I dread is Potato getting the gig as a result of Evans passing on it.

If the Sentry makes it to any film ever, I think I might have to quit not murdering everyone.

I agree that Chris Evans seems competent to fill the role but I do feel he will need to "bulk" up and fill out a little more. Captain America is more of a fit soldier who had a dignified presence and Chris is a little lanky for the role at this time but I'm sure he can work out and buff up and fill the role. I will say that it does feel odd that the person who played Johnny Storm in FF in 2 Marvel Movies is now the Legendary Captain America. Oh well you can't win them all.

Unless Evans been hiding his acting skills all this while i don't see how this is going to work.

He's played the same character cept for Sunshine which all he had to do was act pissy and throw Cillian around for the short time he was on screen.

And sure, Gym Jones will give him a squarer face and Leonidas' body to fit the role but the only reason Iron Man and Dark Knight was & is awesome is because of wat RDJ and Bale brought to the table.

Evans has to miraculously portray a Cap dat doesn't remind us of johnny. This is his ticket to the A-list and i can only wish him the best of luck.

I initially was pulling for John Krasinski. I thought that the guy from the Office being Captain America was poetic.

I like the choice of Evans, I like him and hope he does this role justice.

In my heart Stephen Colbert will always be the real Captain America.

Snath and Dene: OMG! He has the best man legs ever. So, so, so hot! I scoured the internet looking for a screen grab. Didn't find one :( Community is turning out to be a great show. I died when the did a "Ghostride the Whip" joke last week.