Discuss: Who Would You Cast as Captain America?

Posted by Josh Radde (josh@filmschoolrejects.com) on November 24, 2008

Captain America

Fringe Star Mark Valley Media website Newsarama has asked their readership who they’d like to see play Captain America in the Joe Johnston film set for release in 2011. According to the poll, Mark Valley from the Fox show has the looks and acting chops required to play the first Avenger. Other strong candidates were Firefly’s Nathan Fillion and The Dark Knight’s Aaron Echkart. Others receiving votes not in the poll were superstars Brad Pitt and Matt Damon and CW stars Jensen Ackles (Supernatural) and Justin Hartley (Smallville). Stephen Colbert received two votes, as well.

Now, what this actually means is nothing. Johnston has not begun casting or even shooting Captain America, in fact Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely have just begun working on a draft of the script. Since we still don’t expect this movie in theaters for another two-and-a-half years, any speculation on casting is still just that.

That being said, the fans have spoken. And sometimes the studios listen. Before Batman Begins started casting there was a poll of who would make a good Batman and Christian Bale was the hands down favorite over such actors as Joshua Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal and Cillian Murphy (who ended up being cast as Scarecrow) who were all asked to audition. On the other hand, fans hated Tim Burton’s casting decision of Michael Keaton and were suspicious of Christopher Nolan’s casting of Heath Ledger as the Joker. Both turned out to be more than exemplary, and if the fans had chosen the Joker we would’ve gotten Crispin Glover or Johnny Depp, and not the tour de force that was Heath Ledger’s last full performance.

Newsarama did make some good points however. Valley is 44 and Captain America is supposed to be a pretty reasonably young dude when he’s frozen. They made the point, though, that Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark will be 45 when the Avengers movie hits theaters, so perhaps it would play into the series’ continuity to keep Captain America older, so that Stark would see the Captain as an equal. My only note about Valley is that these Marvel movies have been attracting pretty serious stars, and Valley’s pedigree consists of supporting roles on TV shows. “Coming Soon, The Avengers starring Robert Downey Jr., Edward Norton, Don Cheadle, and Mark Valley?” Remember this is a role that was rumored to be offered to Leonardo DiCaprio, and that rumor held weight for a lot of us. I just think it needs to be a bigger star, and I think that star needs to be Greg Kinnear.

But, enough of what I think, let’s put it to a vote:

[poll id="7"]

Feel free to discuss your choice in the comment area below.

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JMoney

An Unknown or some low level star that will become bigger over the next year or so

Nevernude

Im standing by Nathan Fillion. A lot of people would agree with me. He may not be hollywood A-list, but he has the looks, acting chops and the commanding presence (see Serenity) to hold a Cap movie. Yes, i know he's Canadian but that should have no bearing.

Davebaxter1989

Come on I'm Scottish and I think Cap should be American. I voted for Leo Di Caprio though and I feel he has the look, chops and star power to make it not only a huge hit but also a fantastic film that doesn't come off as TOO patriotic if you understand me.

Mrs Wolfson

Justin Hartley..OMG please Justin Hartley

Nevernude

dude, you said "i think Cap should be American". and then you say Leo Di Caprio should play it as he won't make it "TOO patriotic". exactly what do you mean? An American playing a guy who represents America and its values wont come off as "TOO patriotic".....
well you guys had an Australian play a legendary Scottish Warrior. i guess that wasnt TOO patriotic for ya.

Nish

I think Aaron Eckhart has the looks to play the Cap. He has the blonde hair and square jaw. He also has the chops (can we come up with another word, I beginning to hate it how about steaks - thats meatier) to play him. In fact I would be willing to say his Harvey Dent was almost Captain America-esque. However, if he wants to do another comic-book movie is another matter.

Davebaxter1989

I mean he should be American but it can't come off as a big American wank off or it might be a hard sell worldwide - easier with Barack mind you. Hell He should probably be Cap. Oh and I don't have casting calls on Scottish films. But WE can be hugely patriotic because were a small country with a rather kitschy appeal.

Wade

BRUCE WILLIS

unblinkingeye

How about Thomas Jane? Just forget about the mistake that was the Punisher and move him from wearing a skull to the Red, White, and Blue!

Jake

I say Jensen Ackles. It could work, somehow.

Discuss: Who Would You Cast as Captain America?

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