Chris Evans offered the lead in ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’
Posted by dailypop on March 21, 2010
The lead actor destined to be the leader of the Avengers in the eventual superhero super group feature film was meant to be announced last month but nothing came of it. As of the writing of this post it is STILL unknown who will be Captain America.
But it may be Chris Evans, apparently.
Via GeeksOfDoom:
The report is a bit strange because, as is the popular fad these days, the casting is not yet confirmed, and both Marvel and Evans’ representatives declined to comment or confirm the offer being made. If true, and if the actor accepts the offer, it appears that he would not only be entering into an agreement to star in First Avenger as well as The Avengers the following year, but he would also be contracted to appear in two more potential Captain America films and other possible Marvel films — likely of the cameo variety.
Evans is popular for his excellent ability to deliver dry, sarcastic humor much in the same vein as Ryan Reynolds, who is also very popular in the realms of comic book movies these days. Considering the roles that he’s usually seen playing, this casting will see some people scratching their heads for sure, but it could end up working out. It would be unarguably better than Channing Tatum…never forget this, you comic book faithfuls.
One of the known prerequisites to the role, was that they could be a scrawny little guy and then become a big, muscular hero-type. This is something Evans has shown he can definitely pull off, which might be why he jumped to the top of the list.
When it comes to the decision, you would think it would be an easy choice. Chis Evans would have to be out of his mind to turn down this chance to put himself in the biggest spotlight he’s ever been in. But when you do have this choice to ponder, you can’t forget how insanely large the commitment is. With four features in the very least possible, and who knows how many other appearances, you have to make sure you really, really want in.
I’m not sure what I think of this as the initial idea was to cast an unknown in the part and surround him with more firmly established actors (much like what Branagh has done with Chris Helmsworth as Thor). I do think that Evans was a large part of the limited list of what Fantastic Four got right in his portrayal of Johnny Storm the Human Torch, but… is he really the guy to play Captain America?
I’m not sure and I agree with Geeks of Doom that this is a real head scratcher… at least they didn’t offer the part to Torchwood’s John Barrowman (shudder).
3/23/10 UPDATE
Chris Evans has reportedly accepted the offer to play Captain America.
Despite all of the news centering around the casting of the lead in the Captain America movie, I have a theory that Evans will be playing the Bucky Barnes version of Captain America, not the Steve Rogers version. The Joe Johnston film is reportedly a period piece but also uses ideas from the ‘Death of Captain America’ story by Ed Brubaker in which Steve Rogers has died and his former side-kick Bucky Barnes has taken up the mantle.
In any case, for all of the outcry over a comedic actor being cast in a dramatic action hero role, I point to the casting of Michael Keaton as Batman back in 1989 for a similar reaction that was later proven false. Not that Chris Evans=Michael Keaton.
Comic creators respond:
@brubaker If Chris Evans actually has the role, I’m good with that. He was easily the best thing in the FF movies and he’s been amazing in some others.
-Ed Brubaker, Writer (“Captain America,” “Incognito”)
@MarkWaid No offense to another fine actor, but…Jon Hamm, you were robbed.
-Mark Waid, Writer (“Captain America,” ”Kingdom Come,” “Incorruptible”)
@THEHITCHFACTORY Cap will make him a star. Anybody who thinks he’ll make Cap like johnny storm is forgeting how acting works. Looking forward to seeing him
-Bryan Hitch, Artist (“The Ultimates,” “Captain America: Reborn”)
The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that this is the real deal… but still no confirmation from Marvel or Evan’s agency
(and my theory on him playing the ‘Bucky Cap’ has apparently been proven false).
“Chris Evans will play Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America.
“Marvel would not comment on the development, and CAA, which reps the actor, declined comment.
“Evans was offered the role in Marvel Studios’ production last week, but there was some question of whether he would accept. Factoring in to the choice was the fact that Evans played Johnny Storm, the flame-covered superhero known as the Human Torch in Fox’s “Fantastic Four” movies. Was he ready to play another superhero and take on the trappings that come with such a high-profile part?
“Evans took a few days to think it over, and once he decided he was willing to wield the shield, negotiations moved quickly over the weekend.”
