Is it mandatory that Captain America be played by an American?

[tamron]

This is a topic that has been discussed off and on for years in Captain America casting threads. I wanted to take an official poll on it.

I believe that is necessary that the actor playing Captain America be an American. I feel like the actor chosen should embody the character like Chris Reeve to Superman, and his nationality is key to CA.

[BETArayBill]

Cap def. needs to be played by an american it would be like james bond being played by an american its just wrong.

[Wiseman]

Captain America can be played by anyone who sounds american, that's all there is to it. I'm more of a patriot then most people on this site and I say this is a non-issue. He's gotta look like Captain America, and sound like Captain America should sound. That's the only criteria, I don't care where he's from

[chiefchirpa]

Well, "mandatory":
- There are lots of good American actors. Give em a chance for just this _ONE_ role. For the other hundreds Marvel roles, any nationality will be okay.
- This is the first official Captain America movie, where future movies will be based on. I don't mind a German Captain America in the future, but for this _FIRST_ movie, give it to an American.

But "mandatory" is not 100% strict.

[Compi716]

Mandatory? Not really.

Preferred? Absolutely.

[Triad]

Mandatory? Not really.

Preferred? Absolutely.

I'm with you.

[RachelDawes]

I think you mean "Should it be mandatory that Captain America be played by an American?"

I simply don't care. I want the best actor possible for the role, though I guess it would be a plus of he were American.

[Infinity9999x]

I think you mean "Should it be mandatory that Captain America be played by an American?"

I simply don't care. I want the best actor possible for the role, though I guess it would be a plus of he were American.

Agree 100%

I want the best actor, I don't give a crap what country he was born in. Robin Hood is a British cultural icon, yet he's being played by an Aussie. Batman is a Amercan Icon, yet he is...also played by an Aussie....I SMELL CONSPIRACY!

Just kidding, really though, we have lots of examples like that. Sherlock Holmes is being played by an American. And It doesn't get much more American than Abraham Lincoln, and yet we have a non-American playing him as well.

Really, no one's going to care if a non-American plays Cap, and if they do, they're stupid. You want the best possible actor playing one of your favorite characters, regardless of their heritage.

[Wiseman]

Agree 100%

I want the best actor, I don't give a crap what country he was born in. Robin Hood is a British cultural icon, yet he's being played by an Aussie. Batman is a Amercan Icon, yet he is...also played by an Aussie....I SMELL CONSPIRACY!

Just kidding, really though, we have lots of examples like that. Sherlock Holmes is being played by an American. And It doesn't get much more American than Abraham Lincoln, and yet we have a non-American playing him as well.

Really, no one's going to care if a non-American plays Cap, and if they do, they're stupid. You want the best possible actor playing one of your favorite characters, regardless of their heritage.

Christian Bale is british not Australian

[Infinity9999x]

Christian Bale is british not Australian

Ahh, you're right, my mistake. I got it mixed up with Ledger.

[jab1118]

[quote]I want the best actor, I don't give a crap what country he was born in. Robin Hood is a British cultural icon, yet he's being played by an Aussie. Batman is a Amercan Icon, yet he is...also played by an Aussie....I SMELL CONSPIRACY! [quote]

Thats kind of perfect though isnt it, ausrailians are just british criminals anyway right?

[Nathan]

The guy just needs to look and sound the part.

[Infinity9999x]

Thats kind of perfect though isnt it, ausrailians are just british criminals anyway right?

:pal: Ohhh, someone's going to tick off some Brits:woot:

[RachelDawes]

:pal: Ohhh, someone's going to tick off some Brits:woot:

More like tick off some Australians. :woot:

[Infinity9999x]

More like tick off some Australians. :woot:


Haha, yeah. Today just isn't my day, I keep typing the wrong things.

[Project862006]

chris hemsworth who is playing Thor people say he should be playing captain America but he is from Australia you wouldn't even know by his voice

[Spider-Vader]

[quote]I want the best actor, I don't give a crap what country he was born in. Robin Hood is a British cultural icon, yet he's being played by an Aussie. Batman is a Amercan Icon, yet he is...also played by an Aussie....I SMELL CONSPIRACY! [quote]

Thats kind of perfect though isnt it, ausrailians are just british criminals anyway right?

Were.

I think Cap should be played by an American, like said before it's if Bond wasn't played by a British person.

[I SEE SPIDEY]

I wonder how much b**ching would happen if James Bond was played by an American?

I strongly perfer if an American play Captain (f**king) America but I wouldn't boycott the flick if one didn't.

[Timstuff]

I wonder how much b**ching would happen if James Bond was played by an American?

I strongly perfer if an American play Captain (f**king) America but I wouldn't boycott the flick if one didn't.

I agree. It wouldn't be the end of the world if they got a foreigner to play him, but it would be pretty stupid if to get an actor for Captain America we had to outsource. :oldrazz:

Seriously though, there are American actors who are up for the job, you just won't find them in internet message board threads. Like you said though, it'd be like getting an American to play James Bond. It just seems kind of stupid, even if it's not a disaster by default.

[Infinity9999x]

I agree. It wouldn't be the end of the world if they got a foreigner to play him, but it would be pretty stupid if to get an actor for Captain America we had to outsource. :oldrazz:

Seriously though, there are American actors who are up for the job, you just won't find them in internet message board threads. Like you said though, it'd be like getting an American to play James Bond. It just seems kind of stupid, even if it's not a disaster by default.

Honestly, I don't see anything stupid about it. I want the director to pick the person he thinks he can work with, and get the best product out of, regardless of race.

And we already have an American playing a major British icon with Sherlock Holmes, and I haven't heard too many people freaking out about it.

[WeaponXProject]

Honestly, I don't see anything stupid about it. I want the director to pick the person he thinks he can work with, and get the best product out of, regardless of race.

And we already have an American playing a major British icon with Sherlock Holmes, and I haven't heard too many people freaking out about it.


I've heard alot of complaints. Alot of Brits work in my building and they don't like it at all. They described the trailer as "rubbish" and the casting of RDJr for Sherlocke completely rediculous.
And his name isn't Captain Britain...if it was I think they would be outraged.

Sherlocke would be more like our Indiana Jones (or vice versa)...I think some people would have a problem with it but not as much as with someone that represents a country.

[RachelDawes]

I've heard alot of complaints. Alot of Brits work in my building and they don't like it at all. They described the trailer as "rubbish" and the casting of RDJr for Sherlocke completely rediculous.
And his name isn't Captain Britain...if it was I think they would be outraged.

Sherlocke would be more like our Indiana Jones (or vice versa)...I think some people would have a problem with it but not as much as with someone that represents a country.

Is RDJ ridiculous to them because he's American or because he neither looks nor acts like the traditional Holmes?

[Sawyer]

I wonder how much b**ching would happen if James Bond was played by an American?

I strongly perfer if an American play Captain (f**king) America but I wouldn't boycott the flick if one didn't.

It would be never-ending.... :csad:

[Infinity9999x]

I've heard alot of complaints. Alot of Brits work in my building and they don't like it at all. They described the trailer as "rubbish" and the casting of RDJr for Sherlocke completely rediculous.
And his name isn't Captain Britain...if it was I think they would be outraged.

Sherlocke would be more like our Indiana Jones (or vice versa)...I think some people would have a problem with it but not as much as with someone that represents a country.


Well, it certainly wasn't anything like when Ledger was cast. I know it's hard for some to remember now because of the whole looking at history through a rose covered glass thing, but the internet pretty much exploded when he was announced as Joker. A good number of people freaked out over that, and not in a good way. There hasn't been nearly the outcry for Sherlock.

Of course, the movie has the added weight of not looking like the traditional Holmes story, being more action-y. Though personality-wise he seems very much like the book Holmes.

[WeaponXProject]

Is RDJ ridiculous to them because he's American or because he neither looks nor acts like the traditional Holmes?

I'm not entirely sure.

Well, it certainly wasn't anything like when Ledger was cast. I know it's hard for some to remember now because of the whole looking at history through a rose covered glass thing, but the internet pretty much exploded when he was announced as Joker. A good number of people freaked out over that, and not in a good way. There hasn't been nearly the outcry for Sherlock.

Of course, the movie has the added weight of not looking like the traditional Holmes story, being more action-y. Though personality-wise he seems very much like the book Holmes.

I don't mind RDJr but Im not a Brit so it doesn't hit close to home for me...the movie doesn't feel Sherlocke like at all, though.

The internet exploded from Ledger because no one knew much of him besides his mainstream Knight's, Brother's Grimm and the Taming of the Shrew adaption. Not many had seen his smaller indie movies, including me, so there were doubts.

No matter, I don't have an explanation but I just have this gut feeling that Cap should be American.

[[A]]

Mandatory? Not really.

Preferred? Absolutely.Yup.

[04nbod]

James Bond has been played by a non brit before. George Lazenby was australian and Pierce Brosnan was from the republic of Ireland.

[Webhead2006]

It would be great if they get an american born/raised actor there is plently out there. It would help sell the american image to the general public. But if they cant find the right person for them who is american i wouldnt mind if its an non american as long as he can pull an american accent off well and no accent slipups.

[NotFadeAway]

With ANY other Superhero, I don't care were the actor is from as long as they can play the part. That includes Superman, I don't get why so many get mad about Supes being played by a non-american when the character is a universal immigrant created by a Canadian and the son of Jewish immigrants from Lithuania.

BUT, with Captain America, the character must be played by an American, for the pure fact that this is going to WW2 period piece. You do know this needs to be without a doubt, the most patriotic comic book movie ever, this is the one character were it's ok to drown yourself in patriotism? Think of the era this is set in, the last time America truly believed in itself and what it was fighting for, an age of everyday heroes fighting for the world. This movie needs to embrace this, and that means an American actor is a must. This is the one movie were it's ok to have Americans flags flying in the air and a completely one sided, brutal portrayal of the villians, a booming, patriotic theme through out the picture. I fully expect that at the very least, there will be a PG-13 rating.

And damnit, I want a scene with CAP fighting in the pacific! Maybe I'm just loving my country at the moment, but damn I'd love to make this movie.

[RachelDawes]

With ANY other Superhero, I don't care were the actor is from as long as they can play the part. That includes Superman, I don't get why so many get mad about Supes being played by a non-american when the character is a universal immigrant created by a Canadian and the son of Jewish immigrants from Lithuania.

BUT, with Captain America, the character must be played by an American, for the pure fact that this is going to WW2 period piece. You do know this needs to be without a doubt, the most patriotic comic book movie ever, this is the one character were it's ok to drown yourself in patriotism? Think of the era this is set in, the last time America truly believed in itself and what it was fighting for, an age of everyday heroes fighting for the world. This movie needs to embrace this, and that means an American actor is a must. This is the one movie were it's ok to have Americans flags flying in the air and a completely one sided, brutal portrayal of the villians, a booming, patriotic theme through out the picture. I fully expect that at the very least, there will be a PG-13 rating.

And damnit, I want a scene with CAP fighting in the pacific! Maybe I'm just loving my country at the moment, but damn I'd love to make this movie.

I'd like that too. :up: It's a shame movies so often ignore the Pacific theater in favor of the European theater.

[NotFadeAway]

I'd like that too. :up: It's a shame movies so often ignore the Pacific theater in favor of the European theater.

No kidding, right:yay:

I think it's because the Pacific was so much more about the United States vs. Japan, and Europe was Germany, and to a much lesser extent Italy, fighting the world. And on top of that you had the Nazis and Hitler trying to cmmit mass genocide and worldwide domination through selective breeding, while Japan wanted to control Asia so they could spread from there Island and mantain a powerful economy. But even then, the pacific should be visted more often.

I would have Captain America's debut mission be in the pacific, and then he moves on to Europe.

And speaking of War movies, it's about time for a World War 1 and/or Korean War movie.

[Infinity9999x]

With ANY other Superhero, I don't care were the actor is from as long as they can play the part. That includes Superman, I don't get why so many get mad about Supes being played by a non-american when the character is a universal immigrant created by a Canadian and the son of Jewish immigrants from Lithuania.

BUT, with Captain America, the character must be played by an American, for the pure fact that this is going to WW2 period piece. You do know this needs to be without a doubt, the most patriotic comic book movie ever, this is the one character were it's ok to drown yourself in patriotism? Think of the era this is set in, the last time America truly believed in itself and what it was fighting for, an age of everyday heroes fighting for the world. This movie needs to embrace this, and that means an American actor is a must. This is the one movie were it's ok to have Americans flags flying in the air and a completely one sided, brutal portrayal of the villians, a booming, patriotic theme through out the picture. I fully expect that at the very least, there will be a PG-13 rating.

And damnit, I want a scene with CAP fighting in the pacific! Maybe I'm just loving my country at the moment, but damn I'd love to make this movie.

I'm sorry, but I completely disagree. Just because it's a period piece about WWII does not in any way shape or form mean that the actor who plays Cap must be an American. Heck, if you want to make it really patriotic, I say the actor who plays Cap must have ACTUALLY served in WWII! Only then will we be truly patriotic enough for the character and the movie!

The logic is simply ridiculous. If you really love this character, you want the best actor for the role, regardless of where he grew up. It may be that a foreign actor embodies Cap more than an American, and I see no way in which that could hurt the movie, or the "patriotic" feel of it. A good enough actor (and a good enough script) will make you forget that they aren't really "authentic." And if it's an unknown actor, most people won't know unless they look him up, and if the movie's good, then they won't care.

[RachelDawes]

No kidding, right:yay:

I think it's because the Pacific was so much more about the United States vs. Japan, and Europe was Germany, and to a much lesser extent Italy, fighting the world. And on top of that you had the Nazis and Hitler trying to cmmit mass genocide and worldwide domination through selective breeding, while Japan wanted to control Asia so they could spread from there Island and mantain a powerful economy. But even then, the pacific should be visted more often.

I would have Captain America's debut mission be in the pacific, and then he moves on to Europe.

And speaking of War movies, it's about time for a World War 1 and/or Korean War movie.

Very true. I'm tired of hearing about WWII movies, CA not included. I wouldn't mind seeing completely new conflicts depicted on the big screen.

[NotFadeAway]

I'm sorry, but I completely disagree. Just because it's a period piece about WWII does not in any way shape or form mean that the actor who plays Cap must be an American. Heck, if you want to make it really patriotic, I say the actor who plays Cap must have ACTUALLY served in WWII! Only then will we be truly patriotic enough for the character and the movie!

The logic is simply ridiculous. If you really love this character, you want the best actor for the role, regardless of where he grew up. It may be that a foreign actor embodies Cap more than an American, and I see no way in which that could hurt the movie, or the "patriotic" feel of it. A good enough actor (and a good enough script) will make you forget that they aren't really "authentic." And if it's an unknown actor, most people won't know unless they look him up, and if the movie's good, then they won't care.

I agree with your philosphy when it comes to EVERY other superhero, but I'm sticking with by my guns with Cap, it's got to be an American. And I have never once before cared about the nationality of an actors when it comes to portraying comic boook characters or anything else, but with Captain America, it must be an American.

This isn't a Captain Planet movie...

[NotFadeAway]

Very true. I'm tired of hearing about WWII movies, CA not included. I wouldn't mind seeing completely new conflicts depicted on the big screen.

With World War 1, you can make movies depicting the politics that led up to and caused the war, trench warfare, the Russian Revolution, the Hundred Days Offensive, the American entry into the war, the Canadian Corps, or the always handy "overview" film.

With the Korean War, an overview film would probably work best. I'd also like to see the War of 1812 or a Spanish-American War movie about the Rough Riders.

[chiefchirpa]

Cap actor is going to be American according to Kevin Feige. Debate is over.

[Infinity9999x]

I agree with your philosphy when it comes to EVERY other superhero, but I'm sticking with by my guns with Cap, it's got to be an American. And I have never once before cared about the nationality of an actors when it comes to portraying comic boook characters or anything else, but with Captain America, it must be an American.

This isn't a Captain Planet movie...


You're right, this isn't a Captain Planet movie, but it is a movie. It's a fantasy, and the job of everyone involved is to convince the audience that they've set up a believable world within the circumstances. That means hiring the best suited people for the job to make the illusion work. Limiting your casting choices to one nationality is frankly stupid, because you could be cutting out the best man for the job.

If you're truly a fan of Cap, you're going to want the best man for the job. Period. Otherwise, it's just being foolish.

Having an American actor will not increase the authenticity of the movie in any way. It's not like any of the actors will have actually lived in the era and so can better give the allusion that they really are from that era in America. Foreign actors have seen all the WWII period pieces we have, and let's be honest, that's pretty much the only way we stay in touch with the era.

Having the actor actually be an American adds nothing to the character. There is simply no point.

[Iron Mandarin]

As long as he LOOKS the part!

[M.E.H.Z.E.B]

This is a topic that has been discussed off and on for years in Captain America casting threads. I wanted to take an official poll on it.

I believe that is necessary that the actor playing Captain America be an American. I feel like the actor chosen should embody the character like Chris Reeve to Superman, and his nationality is key to CA.

True. It wouldn't be Captain America if the actor hailed from anywhere else. As you said, since the nationality of the character is in his name, it is absolutely necessary for the actor to an American.

[Infinity9999x]

True. It wouldn't be Captain America if the actor hailed from anywhere else. As you said, since the nationality of the character is in his name, it is absolutely necessary for the actor to an American.

Again, I see no reason why the actor's nationality matters. Would you really want to sacrifice the best man for the job simply because he isn't American? I wouldn't. I want the best actor for the character. If he's American, then great, if he isn't, oh well.

An actor's job is to create an illusion, and as long as they look the part and can handle the accent, I see no problem.

[Shaolin Kenobi]

Kind of strange question... as long as the accent and acting is spot on... it doesn't matter I don't think.

Isn't Bale Welsh or something?

[Jake Cassidy]

Imagine how Canadians feel. Wolverine is the only Canadian character that anyone knows of or cares about and he was played by an Aussie. :oldrazz: :woot:

[chiefchirpa]

Isn't Bale Welsh or something?

Yeah, so? Batman is not a shortened name for Bat-American-Man.

[chiefchirpa]

Imagine how Canadians feel. Wolverine is the only Canadian character that anyone knows of or cares about and he was played by an Aussie. :oldrazz: :woot:

Not many definitely knows Wolverine is Canadian until the last movie. X-Men movies never tell that clearly.

Besides Logan should be caring less about his nationality seeing all his actions are mostly in the US. He may even have ditched his citizenship.

[WeaponXProject]

I don't really have an explaination for mine. I just have this gut feeling, this instinct, that is telling me the actor must be American. It wouldn't feel right. It would be strange to see an American icon in a sense not be American. It's impossible to describe...

[broblacksteel]

just cast jensen ackles and bulk him up now.... :woot:

[Jake Cassidy]

just cast jensen ackles and bulk him up now.... :woot:

Hell yeah :woot:

or Josh Duhamel. I think he'd be a decent Cap.

[Infinity9999x]

I don't really have an explaination for mine. I just have this gut feeling, this instinct, that is telling me the actor must be American. It wouldn't feel right. It would be strange to see an American icon in a sense not be American. It's impossible to describe...

Abraham Lincoln is getting played by an Irishman, and it's hard to get much more American than him, besides George Washington.

[Webhead2006]

Well we know they want to get an american for the role. So like someone said testing will probably be first exclusive for americans then branch out to canadians, austrilans, europeans,etc..... if they dont find someone they like who is american. If they dont get an america i just hope the actor can speak and keep an american accent well. We dont have to have any slips in accent and ruin the illusion the character is american.

[WeaponXProject]

Abraham Lincoln is getting played by an Irishman, and it's hard to get much more American than him, besides George Washington.


I understand that. But something dear to me in modern times and WW2 times feels different. Thats a sort of biopic. Like I said I don't know how to describe it but with someone wearing red white and blue and not being from here would be wrong. I think most of the american candidates are better or suit Captain more. It's a personal thing, being american and wanting something to be proud of lately. Obama's election is the only thing I'm proud of America doing for awhile. I think its different for all people. I would think that Zorro being played by a non-hispanic would raise eyebrows. I would think a Serbian hero would have their people want a Serbian actor. And as for Bond...for him to be portrayed by someone across the pond would be a bad idea. I'm american and I wouldn't want bond to be from america.

An easier way to make my point is how I don't have any non-american actors that could/would do justice to the role.

[R_Hythlodeus]

I said it before and I repeat it once more: After Ben Grimm wasn´t played by a jew, I don´t care anymore. I mean, how many jewish Super heroes are there?

But everyone told me, that wasn´t important as long as the portrayal is right.

Nightcrawler, a Bavarian, was played by a Brit...(Since there are no Austrian Super Heroes, Bavarians are kind like the next best thing)

But everyone told me, that wasn´t important as long as the portrayal is right.

You know... If the guy from Slumdog Millionaire got cast as Cap, as long as the portrayal is right, it isn´t important.

[Infinity9999x]

I understand that. But something dear to me in modern times and WW2 times feels different. Thats a sort of biopic. Like I said I don't know how to describe it but with someone wearing red white and blue and not being from here would be wrong. I think most of the american candidates are better or suit Captain more. It's a personal thing, being american and wanting something to be proud of lately. Obama's election is the only thing I'm proud of America doing for awhile. I think its different for all people. I would think that Zorro being played by a non-hispanic would raise eyebrows. I would think a Serbian hero would have their people want a Serbian actor. And as for Bond...for him to be portrayed by someone across the pond would be a bad idea. I'm american and I wouldn't want bond to be from america.

An easier way to make my point is how I don't have any non-american actors that could/would do justice to the role.

Bond has already been played by an Irishman, and Zorro has hardly ever been actually played by a Hispanic actor, until The Mask of Zorro (and even then, the "first" Zorro was played by Anthony Hopkins). We already have Sherlock Holmes, a Brit icon, being played by an American, and Robin Hood being played by an Aussie.

Now, I understand what you're saying. It's nice to have something to be proud about, but I want to be proud of a good movie. I won't be proud of a Cap movie with an American acted Cap if the movie blows, or if the guy playing Cap sucks. Like I've been saying, you want the best actor for the role, if he happens to be an American, then great. But if not, I really don't see it as that big of a deal. Cap's a fictional character, it's not like we're electing a president here.

[RogueDK]

I prefer that Cap be played by an American actor with the aptitude to pull it off; it just makes it feel more genuine to me seeing that the character himself is of that nationality.

I'm sure that the producers won't be so limited in their search though...

[WeaponXProject]

You know... If the guy from Slumdog Millionaire got cast as Cap, as long as the portrayal is right, it isn´t important.
I get your point but let's not be ridiculous here.

Bond has already been played by an Irishman, and Zorro has hardly ever been actually played by a Hispanic actor, until The Mask of Zorro (and even then, the "first" Zorro was played by Anthony Hopkins). We already have Sherlock Holmes, a Brit icon, being played by an American, and Robin Hood being played by an Aussie.

Now, I understand what you're saying. It's nice to have something to be proud about, but I want to be proud of a good movie. I won't be proud of a Cap movie with an American acted Cap if the movie blows, or if the guy playing Cap sucks. Like I've been saying, you want the best actor for the role, if he happens to be an American, then great. But if not, I really don't see it as that big of a deal. Cap's a fictional character, it's not like we're electing a president here.

I didn't know all that about Zorro but I did know that about Bond. I guess American's take it more personally or atleast I do...no offense.

So who being non-Americans are legitimate Cap contestants? I can't think of many besides a few that were suggested that were from Canada and then Sam Worthington from Aussie land but I don't think he's a good actor yet at all so...

[Infinity9999x]

I get your point but let's not be ridiculous here.

I agree with that. The actor has to appear to be the same race as Cap.



I didn't know all that about Zorro but I did know that about Bond. I guess American's take it more personally or atleast I do...no offense.

So who being non-Americans are legitimate Cap contestants? I can't think of many besides a few that were suggested that were from Canada and then Sam Worthington from Aussie land but I don't think he's a good actor yet at all so...

I'm American myself. However, one thing I am is an actor, and I find it insulting to other actors to deprive them of a job, especially if they're the best candidate for the role, simply because of the area they were born in. It's their job to appear as other people.

And really, I don't know if I could give you a good choice, I'm just disagreeing with the basic idea of closing the doors to any non-American actor. I stand by the idea of picking the best possible person for the job, American or not. If they happen to be American, it's just a small plus in my book.

[WeaponXProject]

I agree with that. The actor has to appear to be the same race as Cap.




I'm American myself. However, one thing I am is an actor, and I find it insulting to other actors to deprive them of a job, especially if they're the best candidate for the role, simply because of the area they were born in. It's their job to appear as other people.

That's pretty cool that your an actor. :up:

I see your point on eliminating candidates when it is your job to become a character. I'm just proud that there is a character named Captain America and he represents one of the last true things we were proud to be involved in. This movie is more than just a character to me. As much as I know where you stand and respect that...I still have to go with my picks and they are all American.

[Infinity9999x]

That's pretty cool that your an actor. :up:

I see your point on eliminating candidates when it is your job to become a character. I'm just proud that there is a character named Captain America and he represents one of the last true things we were proud to be involved in. This movie is more than just a character to me. As much as I know where you stand and respect that...I still have to go with my picks and they are all American.

And I have no problem with that. Honestly, I would love it if we got a great American actor to play Cap.

Cap really is a hard character to cast. He has to embody the perfect version of the "perfect" man from the 1940's. But that actor has to do it in way so he doesn't seem like a sterotype, and still seem believable.

[chiefchirpa]

To equate Captain America to franchises like Batman, Zorro, Sherlock Holmes where the character has nothing to do with national ideals is just poor understanding of the franchise. Okay it's a fictional character but there's a rational reason why Marvel confirm the actor has to be American. It's their property so they know the importance of getting an American to play the lead role. Think about it - Superman can have American actors consecutively, why can't Captain America who wears the flag instead of holding it in a pole?

I'm not American, BTW.

[R_Hythlodeus]

I get your point but let's not be ridiculous here.


All I´m saying is: It happend before, it will happen again

[Infinity9999x]

All I´m saying is: It happend before, it will happen again

Well the problem with your example is that the actor you mentioned couldn't pull off being the right race that Cap is. The other actors you mentioned could all pass as the stated race for their characters.

To equate Captain America to franchises like Batman, Zorro, Sherlock Holmes where the character has nothing to do with national ideals is just poor understanding of the franchise. Okay it's a fictional character but there's a rational reason why Marvel confirm the actor has to be American. It's their property so they know the importance of getting an American to play the lead role. Think about it - Superman can have American actors consecutively, why can't Captain America who wears the flag instead of holding it in a pole?

I'm not American, BTW.

Captain America stands for the ideals our country held over 60 years ago. Being American doesn't mean diddly in understanding those ideals. None of the American actors who could play him grew up in that time, and any foreign actor will know about as much about those ideals as an American actor. Why? Think about how we all learned about that time, and the answer is: Movies. We hold most of our pre-conceived stereotypes and notions about the 1940's from the vast amount of period films that have come out over the years.

Being an American now in no way, acting wise, helps you prepare for getting in touch with the role of Captain America, simply because the America we have grown up in today is as different from America in the 1940's as another country is to us now.

[Webhead2006]

Well the easiest thing the actor could do is watch 40s films, do research on the times, and talk to vets of the 40s.

[Infinity9999x]

Well the easiest thing the actor could do is watch 40s films, do research on the times, and talk to vets of the 40s.

Exactly. And unfortunately, the number of vets from the 40's is rapidly declining.

[chiefchirpa]

Captain America stands for the ideals our country held over 60 years ago. Being American doesn't mean diddly in understanding those ideals. None of the American actors who could play him grew up in that time, and any foreign actor will know about as much about those ideals as an American actor. Why? Think about how we all learned about that time, and the answer is: Movies. We hold most of our pre-conceived stereotypes and notions about the 1940's from the vast amount of period films that have come out over the years.

Being an American now in no way, acting wise, helps you prepare for getting in touch with the role of Captain America, simply because the America we have grown up in today is as different from America in the 1940's as another country is to us now.

American actor has some advantages over their foreign counterpart:

1. He has older relatives living or dead who have experienced the period in America, and told him stories about it.

2. He was taught American history during Great Depression/WW2 in grade school. Unless the foreigner is a history buff he won't have the same history lesson that the American actor has gotten.

3. The American can turn into a deeply patriotic mode (double edge sword here because it can break him into oversentimental, but I'm hoping it will be a positive influence) to do the role. I doubt the foreigner can truly emulate it, unless he's waiting for green card (kidding).



Then Marvel has some issues to consider:

1. Picking a foreigner will inevitably create controversy:
a. Entertainment Media will mock the actor as "Captain (insert his nation here)".
b. People will groan & moan on how a foreigner acting as literally Captain America. Especially old guys BTW who had grown up reading the comics.

2. Are American actors are so unskilled acting-wise Marvel has to choose the alternative?

3. If DC/WB can have almost all American actors as Kal El, why can't Captain America? Rumored Henry Cavill was not chosen as Superman even if the last Superman movie was clearly not the 1st.
This Captain America was the "1st"; Marvel will do best to make the first Steve Rogers the perfect one. I couldn't care less for the next Steve Rogers BTW but this is the Steve Rogers people will look up if the franchise takes off in motion picture form.


Marvel/Kevin Feige has confirmed Steve Rogers has to be an American. It's no longer a speculation so I don't think there will be any doubt Steve Rogers will be an American actor unless there are very, very special cases.

[RogueDK]

American actor has some advantages over their foreign counterpart:
1. He has older relatives living or dead who have experienced the period in America, and told him stories about it.
2. He was taught American history during Great Depression/WW2 in grade school. Unless the foreigner is a history buff he won't have the same history lesson that the American actor has gotten.
3. The American can turn into a deeply patriotic mode (double edge sword here because it can break him into oversentimental, but I'm hoping it will be a positive influence) to do the role. I doubt the foreigner can truly emulate it, unless he's waiting for green card (kidding).

Then Marvel has some issues to consider:
1. Picking a foreigner will inevitably create controversy
a. Entertainment Media will mock the actor as "Captain (insert his nation here)".
b. People will groan & moan on how a foreigner acting as literally Captain America. Especially old guys BTW who had grown up reading the comics.
2. Are American actors are so unskilled acting-wise Marvel has to choose the alternative?
3. If Superman can have almost all American actors as Kal El, why can't Captain America? Rumored Henry Cavill was not chosen as Superman even if the last Superman movie was clearly not the 1st.
This Captain America was the "1st"; Marvel will do best to make the first Steve Rogers the perfect one. I couldn't care less for the next Steve Rogers BTW but this is the Steve Rogers people will look up if the franchise takes off in motion picture form.


Marvel/Kevin Feige has confirmed Steve Rogers has to be Captain America. It's no longer a speculation so I don't think there will be any doubt Steve Rogers will be an American actor unless there are very, very special cases.
Good points.

[Infinity9999x]

American actor has some advantages over their foreign counterpart:

1. He has older relatives living or dead who have experienced the period in America, and told him stories about it.

2. He was taught American history during Great Depression/WW2 in grade school. Unless the foreigner is a history buff he won't have the same history lesson that the American actor has gotten.

3. The American can turn into a deeply patriotic mode (double edge sword here because it can break him into oversentimental, but I'm hoping it will be a positive influence) to do the role. I doubt the foreigner can truly emulate it, unless he's waiting for green card (kidding).

The only point that really helps is the first one. Think back about all the history you learned in grade school. Remember any specific examples of it? Most likely not, because grade schools give you the bare minimum of history. They hit the major points and move on, and since WWII was a world war, most of the major events that happened in it will be the same events other countries learned in grade school (or the equivalent) as well.

And anybody can go into a deeply patriotic mode, a foreign actor could as well. All you would have to do get deeply patriotic about your own country and then carry that emotion across when you're acting. It's like when you're in an extremely emotional scene. If you have to cry in a scene, you don't cry by making yourself think about what's actually happened in the play/movie, you draw upon your own experiences in life and carry that emotion over into the lines you say. It's the same in this case.



Then Marvel has some issues to consider:

1. Picking a foreigner will inevitably create controversy:
a. Entertainment Media will mock the actor as "Captain (insert his nation here)".
b. People will groan & moan on how a foreigner acting as literally Captain America. Especially old guys BTW who had grown up reading the comics.

2. Are American actors are so unskilled acting-wise Marvel has to choose the alternative?

3. If DC/WB can have almost all American actors as Kal El, why can't Captain America? Rumored Henry Cavill was not chosen as Superman even if the last Superman movie was clearly not the 1st.
This Captain America was the "1st"; Marvel will do best to make the first Steve Rogers the perfect one. I couldn't care less for the next Steve Rogers BTW but this is the Steve Rogers people will look up if the franchise takes off in motion picture form.

Yes, some people will get angry about the possibility of a foreign actor playing Cap, but I can guarantee one thing, if the movie is good, no one will b*tch and moan again. And the number of people who read comics make up and incredibly small portion of the movie going audience. Even if all the people who read Cap comics boycotted the film and didn't go, it wouldn't even put a dent in the BO.

And you obviously haven't been reading my past posts. I'm not saying Cap should be played by a foreign actor. Far from it. All I have been saying, is this:

That the BEST ACTOR for the job should be cast. Regardless of his nationality.

That means the actor has to be able to be able to appear the same race as Captain America, sound like Captain America, and believably portray Cap on screen. If a Brit plays him and can pull off the accent, and does a damn fine job of acting the part, then pick him. If the best man for the job is Aussie, pick him. If the best man for the job is American, then by all means, pick him too.

I have never said that I think there aren't any American actors who can play the role. In fact, I can't even give you a foreign contender who I'd like to play the role. As an actor, I'm simply opposed to the idea that we should limit our casting choices to one nationality, when you could have another foreign actor who could do a better job.

[chiefchirpa]

Yes, some people will get angry about the possibility of a foreign actor playing Cap, but I can guarantee one thing, if the movie is good, no one will b*tch and moan again. And the number of people who read comics make up and incredibly small portion of the movie going audience. Even if all the people who read Cap comics boycotted the film and didn't go, it wouldn't even put a dent in the BO.

And you obviously haven't been reading my past posts. I'm not saying Cap should be played by a foreign actor. Far from it. All I have been saying, is this:

That the BEST ACTOR for the job should be cast. Regardless of his nationality.

That means the actor has to be able to be able to appear the same race as Captain America, sound like Captain America, and believably portray Cap on screen. If a Brit plays him and can pull off the accent, and does a damn fine job of acting the part, then pick him. If the best man for the job is Aussie, pick him. If the best man for the job is American, then by all means, pick him too.

I have never said that I think there aren't any American actors who can play the role. In fact, I can't even give you a foreign contender who I'd like to play the role. As an actor, I'm simply opposed to the idea that we should limit our casting choices to one nationality, when you could have another foreign actor who could do a better job.

Well Marvel have certainly disagree with your maxim: this is their property, a fledgling one and they obviously want to avoid some controversy to make it successful. Good American actors are plentiful so it's not like Marvel want to turn to the other "buckets" to find the candidate when the American "bucket" will certainly suffice.

If you can find a good research publication saying American actors lack skill compared to international actors then I would certainly consider your maxim but as it is now I hold the notion that good actors are plentiful everywhere including in the US, and American actor holds some pluses for this role. So why bother consider the international candidate when the American actor supposedly has the same skill, entails less controversy, and certainly has a big head start of knowing everything Americana? Especially if some international endeavors have been far than stellar - like Sam Worthington had difficulty speaking with consistent American accent in Terminator, so did Clive Owen in early films.

Oh, Marvel get that. Just for this one role, it's going to be American-only. Don't care with the other dozens starting from Ant Man to the Wasp. Perhaps the more international the merrier for the other roles.

[Infinity9999x]

Well Marvel have certainly disagree with your maxim: this is their property, a fledgling one and they obviously want to avoid some controversy to make it successful. Good American actors are plentiful so it's not like Marvel want to turn to the other "buckets" to find the candidate when the American "bucket" will certainly suffice.

If you can find a good research publication saying American actors lack skill compared to international actors then I would certainly consider your maxim but as it is now I hold the notion that good actors are plentiful everywhere including in the US, and American actor holds some pluses for this role. So why bother consider the international candidate when the American actor supposedly has the same skill, entails less controversy, and certainly has a big head start of knowing everything Americana? Especially if some international endeavors have been far than stellar - like Sam Worthington had difficulty speaking with consistent American accent in Terminator, so did Clive Owen in early films.

Oh, Marvel get that. Just for this one role, it's going to be American-only. Don't care with the other dozens starting from Ant Man to the Wasp. Perhaps the more international the merrier for the other roles.

....Have you been reading what I've saying at all? I have not, once, in any of my posts, indicated that American actors have less skill, or that an American actor should not play Captain America.

I have only said "I want the best man for the job."

That means, whoever marvel interviews for Cap, and whoever they deem to have the best audition, should get the job.

I want the best actor, period. I don't care if he's from America or not. If the best actor for Cap is from America, then that's great. If he's from Russia, that's fine too.

Bottom line: I want to see a good movie. That means you have to have good actors (among other things). Which means I want the best actor they can find to play Captain America.

I have NOT said, ANYWHERE, in ANY of my posts that I think foreign actors would be better for the role. I've only said, don't discount foreign actors, because if a foreign actor comes in and knocks the role out of the park, then I want him.

[chiefchirpa]

....Have you been reading what I've saying at all? I have not, once, in any of my posts, indicated that American actors have less skill, or that an American actor should not play Captain America.

I have only said "I want the best man for the job."

That means, whoever marvel interviews for Cap, and whoever they deem to have the best audition, should get the job.

I want the best actor, period. I don't care if he's from America or not. If the best actor for Cap is from America, then that's great. If he's from Russia, that's fine too.

Bottom line: I want to see a good movie. That means you have to have good actors (among other things). Which means I want the best actor they can find to play Captain America.

I have NOT said, ANYWHERE, in ANY of my posts that I think foreign actors would be better for the role. I've only said, don't discount foreign actors, because if a foreign actor comes in and knocks the role out of the park, then I want him.

I understand it from the beginning, that you prefer American actor if it be but still receive all the candidates for around the world. In short you don't trust from a pool of just Americans there would come a great finding. I on the other hand shortlist the candidates to be only American because I'm confident that there will be an American fitting to be Steve Rogers so why the extra search?

Marvel is thinking the same with the American only Steve Rogers.

[Infinity9999x]

I understand it from the beginning, that you prefer American actor if it be but still receive all the candidates for around the world. In short you don't trust from a pool of just Americans there would come a great finding. I on the other hand shortlist the candidates to be only American because I'm confident that there will be an American fitting to be Steve Rogers so why the extra search?

Marvel is thinking the same with the American only Steve Rogers.

Again, you seem hell bent on putting words in my mouth. I have never indicated that I have thought that American actors are unworthy of playing the part. It would be a bit silly, being an American actor myself.

I have only said, I want the best man for the job. My stance has always been that I simply do not care what the nationality of the actor playing Captain America is as long as he acts the part well.

Before Marvel came out and confirmed that they would only look for American actors, I was assuming that they would have a large number of actors audition, and my stance on that has simply been this: if the person with the best audition happened to be born somewhere other than America, I would want him hired anyway, because he was the one who acted the character the best.

I don't understand where you've gotten the impression that I don't trust American actors, or why, but I have never said, nor implied that in my posts.

[chiefchirpa]

Again, you seem hell bent on putting words in my mouth. I have never indicated that I have thought that American actors are unworthy of playing the part. It would be a bit silly, being an American actor myself.

Because if you were trusting the big pool of American actors (who are not necessarily blond because you can dye the hair or not necessarily built because you can train the guy) will check all the acting requirements, you'd bypass the international actors. Just like American companies which regularly post openings for US citizens/green card holders only as opposed to getting international applicants because they know there are qualified people in the US. You don't understand the implication of Marvel choosing a foreigner means there are no capable US actors for Captain America when there are supposed to be many.

[Aesop Rocks]

I don't care where he's from as long as he's a damn good actor.

[Infinity9999x]

Because if you were trusting the big pool of American actors (who are not necessarily blond because you can dye the hair or not necessarily built because you can train the guy) will check all the acting requirements, you'd bypass the international actors. Just like American companies which regularly post openings for US citizens/green card holders only as opposed to getting international applicants because they know there are qualified people in the US. You don't understand the implication of Marvel choosing a foreigner means there are no capable US actors for Captain America when there are supposed to be many.

That's completely flawed logic. If Marvel picked a foreign actor it would only mean that out of all the people they had audition, he did the best. What you fail to grasp is the nature of how a film works. A studio only has so long to cast, Marvel doesn't have the time to have every single actor in the US who could play Cap audition for them. They would select a group of candidates they deem most likely to be a good fit for the role and go from there.

Now, had they had open auditions, and in those auditions were a few foreign actors, and from all the candidates a foreign actor was picked, it simply means that the said foreign actor was best for the role. It by no means implies that Marvel is saying there are no capable actors in the US to play Cap. It simply means they picked the one person who did best at auditions.

[Webhead2006]

I think there is plently american known/unknown actors they can tap into.

[Infinity9999x]

I think there is plently american known/unknown actors they can tap into.

I'm not saying there isn't. And really, now that Marvel has confirmed that they are going only American, this discussion is pretty much moot.

However, my whole point was that I simply wanted the best guy for the job, and had that guy turned out to be foreign, I would have been fine with that.

I'm not pushing for a foreign actor. In fact, I can't even think of a foreign actor I'd like to play the part to be honest, but I'm just standing by the fact that I want the best people possible involved in this project, regardless of where they grew up.

[Anubis]

Communist! :mad: :p

[chiefchirpa]

That's completely flawed logic. If Marvel picked a foreign actor it would only mean that out of all the people they had audition, he did the best. What you fail to grasp is the nature of how a film works. A studio only has so long to cast, Marvel doesn't have the time to have every single actor in the US who could play Cap audition for them. They would select a group of candidates they deem most likely to be a good fit for the role and go from there.

Now, had they had open auditions, and in those auditions were a few foreign actors, and from all the candidates a foreign actor was picked, it simply means that the said foreign actor was best for the role. It by no means implies that Marvel is saying there are no capable actors in the US to play Cap. It simply means they picked the one person who did best at auditions.

Tell me, how come Marvel have decided to get only American actors? Obviously there are a couple of hidden considerations that has to be thought about in finding the right Steve. It's not as simple picking an egg from a basket. There are hidden considerations that force Marvel on their decision. This is their property & they know what's best for it even if you might not understand. I understand it clearly from the beginning, being a plain observer of movies and oft-reader of the monthly comics.

You're talking about open auditions - so if that auditions have a strict US citizen/green card requirement, will it net only a handful of people? I optimistically say no. There will be more than enough American candidates to select so they can keep the gate closed for the international candidates just for _this_ role only & keep it wide open for dozens of other Marvel roles. Casting calls have always have set of requirements like you have to have a certain height, ethnicity, look and even with that requirement, it doesn't stop movie companies to get their men & women.

Again, this is all moot. Marvel has decided because of their own considerations which are almost quite obvious to me. You can argue all you want, but the actor who will play as Steve Rogers is still going to be an American.

[Webhead2006]

Yea there is alot of reasons that we dont know why they are likely to only want cap be american. I still say first casting calls/auditions will be strickly for americans and if they dont find their steve there then open it to international casting auditions.

[Upset Spideyfan]

It would be preferable but I'd rather they go with whoever can do it the best.

[BT18]

Mandatory: No
A good idea? Yes

I still think Wolverine should have been played by a Canadian.

[chiefchirpa]

No, I don't think Wolverine should be played strictly by Canadians.

[360sculptguy]

I wouldnt like how the press and marketing would be effected by having a non-american playing the role. It wouldnt hurt the movie necessarily as a foreign actor with the right personality could laugh off say... Letterman's, inevitable "so you're playing Captain America?... aaaand you were born in (country other than america)?" Answers about playing Captain America would just be better(?) coming from an American. Theres not the small but added hurdle of decidng whether the actor "gets" what it is to be American. It would just be a non-issue. The week the movie comes out the star will be plastered all over tv. If he is Australian or British or Irish I would find it hard to go into the movie the next day and not think about how well he does an American accent.

[Webhead2006]

yea i said it before since the marvel guy has said they want strictly and american for steve. First start out with strictly US casting calls for a few weeks/etc.... Then if the dont find someone they like or if they do find a few, then expeand to other countries and say if they see someone they like that guy go head to head with the american guy and who ever is picked is picked.

[terry78]

It's basically a matter of pride, that is what it comes down to. We have our pop culture icons here in America, but Cap is an AMERICAN icon, literally. It would just feel a little off putting if he wasn't from the states. Most of the writers from the UK write Cap decent, but they have their own spin on him that is different than what American writers do.

[Webhead2006]

yea though as we know right now the marvel guy kevin has specifically said they want an american for the role. so untill we know how casting auditions go we wont know if an american will end up being steve.

[tallsy_1]

I agree that it shouldn't be mandatory but is preferable.

The casting thread has come up with plenty of good suggestions, so it's not as if there isn't an American actor who can play the role.

I also that marketing concerns play a role. You don't want to do anything that will hurt you with any segment of the audience. So why pick a needless fight with those people who want an American to play Captain America? Particularly when so many qualified candidates have been listed.

[Webhead2006]

Yea i am sure they could come down with a top list of say 5-10 qualified picks who are americans and fit the bill of steve rogers.

[terry78]

You notice that whenever casting lists come up for movies like this, we immediately go for actors that aren't from the states a lot of times, that is pretty much showing how lax we are for top tier actors here in the states that fanboys feel can carry the roles.

[FlawlessVictory]

- Feige said that the actor who plays Cap will be American. No Australians, Brits, etc.

http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/07/22/marvel-studios-kevin-feige-outlines-captain-america-movie-plans-considering-will-smith/

[Webhead2006]

Yup that was brought up not to long ago flawless. And really there is tons of wonderful american born actors who could do the role well.

[NEXUS 6]

Let any foreign actors that have the look for this role and want to play a superhero be Captain Britain or Union Jack if they are British (for either of these rules, I want a similar rule of the actor being English), Hank Pym, Ka-Zar, Havok, or Hawkeye. And thats just the significant, blonde Marvel heroes that I can list off the top of my head.

[Franklin Richards]

I'm not saying there isn't. And really, now that Marvel has confirmed that they are going only American, this discussion is pretty much moot.

However, my whole point was that I simply wanted the best guy for the job, and had that guy turned out to be foreign, I would have been fine with that.

I'm not pushing for a foreign actor. In fact, I can't even think of a foreign actor I'd like to play the part to be honest, but I'm just standing by the fact that I want the best people possible involved in this project, regardless of where they grew up.

Ok... it's obvious you know nothing about acting.


Would you be ok with a woman playing Captain America? If she looked the part and sounded like an American man?

I wouldn't for a few reasons. No matter how good the actor is there are certain casting considerations that must be taken into account. There are certain roles that cannot be played by the wrong person.

A woman cannot understand the role of Hamlet. The role is singularly male. Just like the role of M'Lynn in Steel Magnolias is singularly female. I would never BELIEVE that a man could understand or empathize in the slightest what it is like to lose a daughter that came out of his body. He could study. He could read. He could research. But the bottom line is he would never fully connect with the soul of the part.

And we the audience would see and feel that.


There is an ineffable quality to acting that can only be addressed in the casting.



And Captain America is one of those roles.



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v418/AuntPetunia/captainamerica.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v418/AuntPetunia/captainamerica.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v418/AuntPetunia/captainamerica.gif

[Timstuff]

I seriously don't get why some people are so insistent that Marvel should look at non-American actors for the role. It's not like there aren't any American actors who are right for the part, nor have I seen any non-American actors who strike me as being particularly good for it. Cap CAN be played by an American, SHOULD be played by an American, and WILL be played by an American. I don't see why this debate hasn't ended. Did Sam Worthington really leave that strong of an impression on people after Terminator Salvation? I thought he was OK, but nothing to write home about-- especially not for Captain America, since he's only 5' 10" and is Australian (and not particularly good at faking an American accent).

[ChinoXL]

Either way it would be fine with me as long as the actor is capable.

[Katsuro]

I dont get why this would be any different than Batman being played by a non-American, which everyone seems to be fine with. Sure, this guy just happens to have "America" in his name, but so what? I suppose he needs to be an actual Captain too then, eh?

All that matters is that we believe the character is American. Whatever country the actor may have happened to be born in really has nothing to do with anything, does it?

[terry78]

I dont get why this would be any different than Batman being played by a non-American, which everyone seems to be fine with. Sure, this guy just happens to have "America" in his name, but so what? I suppose he needs to be an actual Captain too then, eh?

All that matters is that we believe the character is American. Whatever country the actor may have happened to be born in really has nothing to do with anything, does it?

Captain America is a symbol of America. It's not just enough to be able to get into character, an actor that was born and lived here their whole life will "get" what the character means moreso than someone from across the pond. That's just how it is. The greatest method actor will never compensate for a guy that has lived in the country and knows what it means to be one. The way non-American writers portray Cap already proves how little they know.

[Infinity9999x]

Captain America is a symbol of America. It's not just enough to be able to get into character, an actor that was born and lived here their whole life will "get" what the character means moreso than someone from across the pond. That's just how it is. The greatest method actor will never compensate for a guy that has lived in the country and knows what it means to be one. The way non-American writers portray Cap already proves how little they know.

No, no they won't. That's completely flawed logic. I've lived in my America my entire life, but it's not going to help me act as Cap any more than any other actor. Simply because the America Cap grew up in, and is a part of, we have no more in common with than the British do. We've grown up in a radically different world from Cap, so different we might as well be from another country. Being an American doesn't give the actor's an edge at all in terms of portraying Cap.

[Thundercrack85]

I don't know if I would use the term "mandatory" but it would be pretty stupid if the actor wasn't American.

As for comparisons. While it's true that Wolverine, a Canadian is played by an Australian, his name isn't "Captain Canada".

[terry78]

No, no they won't. That's completely flawed logic. I've lived in my America my entire life, but it's not going to help me act as Cap any more than any other actor. Simply because the America Cap grew up in, and is a part of, we have no more in common with than the British do. We've grown up in a radically different world from Cap, so different we might as well be from another country. Being an American doesn't give the actor's an edge at all in terms of portraying Cap.

I disagree. Never mind how the media would have a field day with it. "They can't even find an American to play...Captain America?!"

[Webhead2006]

Well we know right now for at least first rounds of testing they want to go with full born american actors, their is plently out their. Then if they dont settled on someone or want to have an american guy test against a non american they will test non americans. Though i am sure marvel/disney/paramount dont want to deal with negative press of getting a non american for cap.

[Franklin Richards]

No, no they won't. That's completely flawed logic. I've lived in my America my entire life, but it's not going to help me act as Cap any more than any other actor. Simply because the America Cap grew up in, and is a part of, we have no more in common with than the British do. We've grown up in a radically different world from Cap, so different we might as well be from another country. Being an American doesn't give the actor's an edge at all in terms of portraying Cap.


What? You got me on the "Pay-No-Mind" list?



Ok... it's obvious you know nothing about acting.


Would you be ok with a woman playing Captain America? If she looked the part and sounded like an American man?

I wouldn't for a few reasons. No matter how good the actor is there are certain casting considerations that must be taken into account. There are certain roles that cannot be played by the wrong person.

A woman cannot understand the role of Hamlet. The role is singularly male. Just like the role of M'Lynn in Steel Magnolias is singularly female. I would never BELIEVE that a man could understand or empathize in the slightest what it is like to lose a daughter that came out of his body. He could study. He could read. He could research. But the bottom line is he would never fully connect with the soul of the part.

And we the audience would see and feel that.


There is an ineffable quality to acting that can only be addressed in the casting.



And Captain America is one of those roles.







http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v418/AuntPetunia/captainamerica.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v418/AuntPetunia/captainamerica.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v418/AuntPetunia/captainamerica.gif

[Infinity9999x]

What? You got me on the "Pay-No-Mind" list?







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Sorry Frank, but I don't agree, about Cap that is.

I am an actor. Now, I won't pretend to be an expert, because I'm not. But Theatre is the major I've chosen and I've been doing pretty much nothing but studying acting and acting the past two years.

Now yes, there are situations where you simply can't have a certain actor for a certain role A women should not play a man's role. A black actor should not play a white role, or a white actor should not play a black role (unless it's done on purpose for comedy), ect. ect.

Captain America is most certainly not one of those roles. Yes, Cap is American, but the only American's who are really going to understand how Cap would act and feel and think are either in their late 80's or dead.

Simply put, the America Cap is from is as vastly different from the America today as England's culture is from ours now. We have nothing in common with the men and women who grew up in the 1940's, and in that respect, being American gives us no more edge than anyone from another country.

And it's not like we got a leg up because we were taught American history in our schools either. Think about what we base all our notions of the 1940's off of. It's not what we learned in school, it's the movies. We base what we think the 1940's were like off the movies from the time, and the movies based off the time, and all the other international actors have seen those movies just as many times as we have.

So no, being American does not help you prepare, or be better qualified to play Cap at all. It simply makes people feel we are being more "patriotic." Now honestly, I don't care who plays Cap, as long as he's a good actor. I'm not advocating for a foreign Cap. I would only want a foreign Cap if a foreign actor ended up being the best man for the job. Because for me, that's what it all comes down to:

quality.

I want the film to be the best it possibly can, plain and simple.

[Hound55]

Sean Connery.

Dude played a Russian sub captain, an Egyptian Spaniard in the Highlander films, an English Bond... He's got range! :hehe:

[Webhead2006]

Well we shouldnt really ***** about this right now. Since we know at this time marvel wants to have an american in the role. Will an american get it only time will tell.

[Infinity9999x]

Well we shouldnt really ***** about this right now. Since we know at this time marvel wants to have an american in the role. Will an american get it only time will tell.

I know, it's basically moot. At this point, I'm just debating on principle. And really, I'm more than confident they'll find a great American actor to play Cap. I'm coming from the scenario that, if Marvel had held open auditions, and the person who gave the best audition happened to be foreign, you still cast him, because he was the best actor.

[Webhead2006]

True that would be be the case. But to we know a few names who are being looked at for cap i dont think their is anything to complain about. We have no clue what the casting director/joe is looking for in cap. i do hope they pick a solid actor for the role.

[Timstuff]

I disagree. Never mind how the media would have a field day with it. "They can't even find an American to play...Captain America?!"

Screw the media, the fans would be doing it too-- myself included. :p

There are plenty of American actors who can do the role fine, so I don't see what the point of looking at foreign actors for the role is anyway. Captain America has America in his name, so he ought to be played by an American. It's as simple as that.

[Infinity9999x]

Screw the media, the fans would be doing it too-- myself included. :p

There are plenty of American actors who can do the role fine, so I don't see what the point of looking at foreign actors for the role is anyway. Captain America has America in his name, so he ought to be played by an American. It's as simple as that.

Oh, I don't think that there aren't American actors who can play Cap, my point was simply that if Marvel had held open auditions, and the person who performed the best was...say...British, hire the British guy. You want the best actor possible to make the best possible product.

And yes, Cap has America in his name, Red Skull also has Skull in his name, should all the actors who want that part come to the auditions wearing a Skull mask?

In fact, should we make it mandatory that Red Skull be German? You obviously would need a real German to be able to understand the character of a German villain. An actual German person would be able understand how a German villain from the 40's would think better than an actor of another nationality, right?

....Now, you know as well as I do that what I just typed is crap. If it were true, Ralph Fiennes wouldn't have been able to give an amazing performance as Amon Goth in Schindlers list would he?

An actors job is to pretend to be someone they're not. An actor does not need to be an American to play Captain America and give a great performance.

[irishjosh]

I dont care if there American I care if they can act

[roach]

Look franchises do this all the time especially one where nationality is the subject. I know for certain that at no time will an american ever play James Bond.

[terry78]

And both Americans and Brits would be up in arms about it. I know an Aussie played him, but an American playing Bond is a WHOLE other sit-chee-a-shun.

[Thirteen]

There have been movie roles that were written for men that have been played by women before and there is of course the tradition of men playing the female roles in ancient theater...
Be that as it may, in the case of Captain America, I would support Marvel taking a hardline regarding the role being portrayed by an American in the same way that JK Rowling required ENTIRE casts of the Harry POtter movies to be composed of British actors only.
It's culturally significant enough to be a matter of pride