[Update: Chris Evans IS Captain America!]
Finally, an actual step forward in casting the title character of The First Avenger: Captain America! Chris Evans, one of the top contenders recently listed to be in the running to play Captain America for Marvel Studios in a 9-picture deal has been reportedly been offered the role of a lifetime, hopefully putting an end to the rumors and speculation.
The Hollywood Reporter’s Heat Vision blog has scooped the info and says Marvel has yet to release an official announcement and Evans’ reps at CAA have declined to comment.
Evans is certainly not an “unknown” actor as director Joe Johnston described as their ideal leading man, and comic fans are well aware of him from his stint playing that other Marvel Comics character, Johnny Storm aka Human Torch, in the two Fantastic Four films. He also has roles in two upcoming comic book movies in The Losers and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, so he’s definitely making a run at Ryan Reynolds for number of key characters played in comic book movies.
Evans is typically typecast into playing witty fast-talking comedy relief type characters but in this role he’ll have to play the 1940s era charming hero and leave the comedy to Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark character when it comes to The Avengers.
It almost feels as if over the last few weeks, a whole pile of names was thrown out to the public through various sources and leaks to just gauge the response to each. Of all the actors listed as a “candidate” for the role, the idea of Evans as Steve Rogers definitely had the most positive reception from fans and blogs. Even I admitted in our post about Channing Tatum and Ryan Phillippe that although I wasn’t sure if I could picture him in the role just yet, that if it’s not him who is chosen, it would have to be an unknown – He’s the only listed “name” actor who was acceptable for my preference.
Of the known actors rumored for the role, Evans certainly tops the list and I think fans will easily warm up to the idea very quickly should he accept the role. The one hitch that may put a damper on the situation is that Evans is currently committed to a role in the romantic comedy What’s Your Number? opposite Anna Faris. That flick is scheduled to shoot this summer as well but I’m sure they’ll have to make arrangements to make this work. This is a role (or 9) you cannot pass on.
So, if it’s made official, what do you think of Chris Evans playing Captain America opposite Hugo Weaving’s Red Skull?
The First Avenger: Captain America hits July 22, 2011 and The Avengers is scheduled to debut May 4, 2012.
Share your thoughts in the comments and with us on Twitter @ScreenRant and @rob_keyes.
Source: THR
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I don't think Damon would have made a good CAP. He's too tied up into the spy thriller films.. with all the recent Bourne, Green Room, The Good Shepard, etc, etc.. .not so much on this one..
Roger, dude we have Ryan Reynolds playing like 3 characters in 3 different movies.. Wade Wilson/Deadpool, Green Lantern/DC, and what was his name in Blade 3? Hannible? Oh well, there sure are slim pickings for the actors who are involved with comic films.
I don't think he fits the role at all but I also couldn't see Heath Ledger as the Joker when that was first announced, so I hope Chris Evans proves me wrong.
Oh dear. Chris Evans has started losing his hair- this was evident in the Fantastic Four movies.
Oh god. It's official .. I have zero hope in the Captain America movie now. The middling director doesn't seem to get Cap (nor does he seem interested in getting him) and Chris Evans is about as much Captain America as my dog. Grrr.
Good thing is that I don't really like Captain America, so no love lost there.
I usually don't hate Evans' performances, as they are often times the same type cast role that seems to fit his stride (witty-fast-talker).
However contrary to that mold he was very good in Cellular and excellent to the point of catching me off guard with his role in Sunshine.
This casting elicits no strong feelings for me either way, but I have the feeling he will be able to handle the role, and hopefully do it well.
He must have an Awesome agent because he sure isn't Captain America.
McPartin? ASs in, Ant? LOL (British Humour)
You wouldn't mind if they brought him back, while he's ALSO playing Captain America in the SAME universe? Come on now, while I don't mind him playing Cap, if Fantastic Four is rebooted, which is likely, then the Human Torch needs to be recast.
How exactly is Damon tied up? The last Bourne film was almost 3 years ago and there won't be any new ones anytime soon, The Good Shepherd released 4 years ago and Green ZONE was only his recent involvment in another thriller. Last year, with Informant and Invictus and playing that little role in Che, he proved yet again that he can get out of that “spy” mould anytime he wants. He would've been perfect for CAP in the sense that he would've been effortless in holding the screen while going toe to toe against Norton and Downey Jr when the situation would present itself. It's all about screen presence when it comes to portraying iconic roles. I'd still go with an unknown actor, that unknown expectation should be more intrguing. But now I know, we are in for some high brow CGI effects and a decent storyline coupled with a lead actor with limited ability. Evans against the mighty Hugo Weaving, seriously?? Oh yeah, let's forget about “acting”. That just isn't the most important aspect that we should care about when it comes to comic book adaptation. Yeah, Evans will do just fine.
The Heath Ledger thing is getting kinda old.
You just have to see all the positive comments reg; him – he done with The Human Torch what Robert Downey Jr done with Iron Man – gave it some sparkle and charisma to the part – and sure he will be accepted as another marvel hero … No problem…make it happen marvel !
YOU ARE STUPID IF YOU LIKE CHRIS EVANS!!!! Mark Valley should be Captain America, He was born to play Captain America. Chris Evans is already a superhero in the same comic book universe and I believe that it is lazy and bad casting that they want Captain's Shield to be placed in the hands of young and untalented actors… Chris Evans was already apart of the derailing of F4, so i suggest that they should keep him as far away from this role as possible. People argue that F4 is being rebooted by fox but also think, I wouldn't have to be rebooted if it was only done right the first time. Please do not destroy Steve Rogers image by giving it to Chris Evans. MARK VALLEY FOR CAPTAIN AMERICA!!!
I still got to go with Mark Valley instead. Chris Evans sucked in Push
If there is another FF movie, someone else will be playing the Human Torch. Cast someone else, problem solved.
Joe Johnston is fine with casting even if Benicio Del Toro didn't do him any favors in The Wolfman (even though I enjoyed it). Give Chris Evans a chance. He was fine in Street Kings, a weak movie, and was fine in FF too.
Hugo Weaving is a banging choice for a villain like the Red Skull. Hopefully it works out for the best because there is finally positive news for the Captain America movie. It's been rough up to this point.
Oh I forgot. If Chris Evans turns down the job I would not be surprised. Especially if they are only offering 300k. Other studios would surely pay more. Imagine Chris Evans as The Flash or Superman or someone else in the DC universe. Marvel is being greedy if they are only offering 300k and that the actor has to sign a 9 picture deal. What a dumb idea.
haha, that would be great! Fox forgets and it goes back to Marvel. Please let this happen to Wolverine and Spiderman.
Ari Gold?
Tom Hanks!
Yes. He should be AquaMan! An Ed Harris type should be Cap.
Marvel was able to sign all their small-name actors to similar deals and even the well-known ones didn't land a huge pay-day. Marvel's plan of being somewhat frugal has worked for them so far. Can't say that DC even has a plan…they've just been winging it so far and watching closely to Marvel's every move.
I like how the actors aren't being overpaid – they'll get ton more for their press work, advertising and merchandise (voiceovers in games, special features, etc. etc.)
Well he's a better choice than all the others I saw.
LOL!!! I wonder who's in Chris Ev's entourage.
@ChristoCoop man, I almost peed on myself at what you said because it was so true but seriously funny! Although Mark Valley would have been a great Cap, unfortunately he's too old plus imagine him doing a 9 picture deal, he'd be heading towards his 60's. I'd have liked Mark Valley as Steve Rogers but it's too late for him as Cap, 10 years ago he would have probably worked perfectly.
So true Rob,they made a few mistakes but Marvel aint stupid, they know whoever becomes Cap will make a ton of money in the long run.
This is the funniest decision in the world ever. When Cap America flops I'm gonna laugh my nuts off.
After all the hype and speculation this is the best they could come up with? Seriously? I dont see Evans as Cpt America so much. I mean there are worse choices they could go with out there but there are definately MUCH better ones at that. He really does not even have the Cap America look and he was teh human torch already. This is an infinately much better choice than Jon krasinski but still not the finest choice. When you look at Cap America your supposed to see the typical all american man, one that others strive to and want to be like. When I look at Evens I dont see that AT ALL. If this character is going to be involved in a 9 picture deal, get it right.
This is an awful idea, and there is no way that this could possibly be considered a viable option for a flagship film. He did an O.K. job in 2 crappy movies that appeal to the same fan base. This has to be a red herring because if Marvel is honestly casting him then they are ruining the Avengers film already.