Editor’s Note: Since theREELaddict.com’s discussion surrounding who should be cast as CAPTAIN AMERICA included so many of our TV favorites, this TV Addict thought he’d cross-post the ‘Casting Call’ on theTVaddict.com and see what you all think.
With the announcement that a CAPTAIN AMERICA film is coming our way, and that Marvel has already a compiled a list of actors it wants to potentially play the star-spangled superhero (with Matthew McConaughey at the top of that list apparently), I decided to sit down with my friend, fellow comic book connoisseur, and co-editor of MONDOmagazine – the online magazine that gave this humble blogger his start – Miles Baker and talk about possible casting choices for the film.
NOTE: At the time this article was written Marvel head honcho Kevin Feige had not yet informed us the McConaughey rumors were false, nor confirmed that the film will be a period piece set in World War II.
REELaddict: So, Matthew McConaughey. I think though he has the physical build, I just see him as too much of a silly rogue who likes taking off his shirt and smoking weed. I don’t think he’s “serious” enough for the role. He always has that ironic glint in his eye in every movie he’s in.
Miles: I would also say that he’s a little old. He’s going to be 40 by the time the film is released and Cap is a young man 25 year old when he is frozen in an iceberg. Also, besides EDtv, has he ever made a good movie? His batting average is pretty low. I heard someone recommend Paul Walker. I’ve never seen a movie with him in it, but I did see him in a swimsuit and he could probably pull it off.
REELaddict: Saw him in a swimsuit, eh? That must have been some weekend you two had. Anyway, physically he’s perfect. For the role I mean. He’s also young and got the blonde hair. The only problem is that this is a guy who would lose an acting contest to Keanu Reeves.
Miles: Woah.
REELaddict: What about Mark Wahlberg? He might be a bit old, but I think he might be a good fit.
Miles: Yeah, he only has a couple years on McConaughey, but I’d prefer him. He has a better build, also a slightly better batting average.
REELaddict: As long as he doesn’t end the Cap movie they way he did BOOGIE NIGHTS. Some people on the net have been throwing TV actors in the mix too. Tahmoh Penikett (Helo on “Battlestar Galactica”), and Brad Beyer from the recently defunct TV show, “Jericho?”
Miles: Those who know me know I love Penikett. His jaw could melt ice. I think the most important thing about Cap is that he’s a veteran. He’s a soldier before he’s anything else. So Penikett might be a good choice. He’s shown he can play military. I could see him with little wings on the side of his head. As for Beyer, I don’t know him, but so far he hasn’t pissed me off. He is also in his late 30s though.
REELaddict: I’m not sure age is such a huge issue though. I mean it’s Hollywood. You can make people younger with special effects or make-up. I mean, late twenty something actors have been playing teenagers for years. What about Scott Speedman or Josh Duhamel?
Miles: Speedman, again, not the best track record showing acting talent. As for Duhamel, he has the bod, but I can’t trust any man who thought that hiding the All Spark in a heavily populated city was a good idea.
REELaddict: It’s too bad he’s already stuck in a franchise, because I think Matt Damon might be a really good choice actually.
Miles: I know you’d like to see Damon, but I just don’t see him in the role, partly because he would not take the role. He’s definitely a good actor and works in an action movie, but I could see him being done with them after BOURNE.
REELaddict: Some people are saying Ryan Reynolds, but even though he’s buff, his body structure is too small. Also, I’d much rather see him as The Flash, which he is apparently wanting to play.
Miles: I’d also rather have Reynolds as the Flash, because his Jason Lee school of acting technique is well suited to that character. But, I do like him, so would be willing to have faith in him
REELaddict: What about Ryan McPartlin, or one of my favorite underappreciated great actors, Neil McDounough?
Miles: Ryan McPartlin may have already bitten the superhero cookie with SUPER CAPERS coming to an empty theatre near you. As for McDounough, the men who agreed to play M. Bison from STREET FIGHTER are always good actors.
REELaddict: Neil McDounough played M.Bison?
Miles: He will. Before him it was Raul Julia who played him the first time. It was his last role. He died during the filmmaking. You’re supposed to have a Masters in this stuff!
REELaddict: What about Eric Dane?
Miles: My problem with Eric Dane is that he was in X-MEN 3, and everyone who was involved in the making of that film should no longer be allowed to make movies ever again. My beloved Captain Picard included.
REELaddict: But this might be his chance to redeem himself. I mean just look at his chiseled face and jaw. If that’s not a Captain America face, I’m not sure what is.
Miles: He ruined Multiple Man for a generation of movie-goers. They’ll never understand Jaime Madrox now. Then again, Ben Foster who played Angel, or Shawn Ashmore who played Iceman…
REELaddict: Ben Foster is a solid actor, I just think he might be a bit too lean and scrawny, even if he bulks up. Also he’s pretty much made a career out of playing psychotics at this point that it’s hard for me to imagine him in anything else. As for Shawn Ashmore, that’s not bad call. He’s young enough, and he’s got the wholesome All-American look (even though he’s from British Columbia). The only thing is he looks almost too young, not like someone who was military trained, but that can be faked. The only issue is the fact that he played a comic book character already. In three films.
Miles: Well, I don’t think they were planning on a Captain America meets Iceman movie anytime soon
REELaddict: All right. So we went through a lot of casting options here. If you had to go with one, who would it be and why?
Miles: Ashmore for Steve Rogers! You?
REELaddict: I think I’m going with Eric Dane.
Miles: Apparently it’s X-Vets for Cap.