Apparently, according to Derek Luke, star of the upcoming Miracle at St. Anna, the face of Captain America may not be the Arian Adonis we’ve been so used too over the past half a century and more.
“I heard they offered Will Smith “˜Captain America,'” said Luke, in an interview with MTV, adding that the intriguing casting rumor “just shows you how times have changed.”
Apparently, this is a reference to the title character of Marvel’s The First Avenger: Captain America movie.
Now let’s be clear: at the moment, this is the epitome of rumor. Some guy (who I’ve never heard of) has suggested that Will Smith (how does he know him?) will play Captain America (how would he have heard this?). But it is nevertheless an interesting thought to run through the wheels.
George Roush over at Latino Review seems to be on the verge of a cardiac arrest after hearing this news. He, apparently, really doesn’t like Will Smith. Personally, I think the idea would be inspired! As Roush mentioned, who cares if he’s black, that’s not the issue at hand. Roush has a problem with his ego, or, something or other, I’m not certain. For me, I think he’d be perfect for the role.
But what do you think? Comment below, we want to hear your thoughts!
Apparently, according to Derek Luke, star of the upcoming Miracle at St. Anna, the face of Captain America may not be the Arian Adonis we’ve been so used too over the past half a century and more.
first.
captain america was created during the world war right…um…the army was segregated….how likely is this?
NOT VERY, this just seems strange.
Comment by mo — September 8, 2008 @ 10:02 pm
Well… the FIRST Captain America — the first guy they ever tested the super soldier serum on — WAS black…
But I don’t think that’s the story they’re looking to tell in this movie, since, as mo said above, the army was segregated in those days. The story would have a completely different dynamic.
There IS a black Captain America story, and I’d be interested in seeing this be part of the background history, but I don’t think it should be the main story of the film.
Though… how cool would it be to see a sort of flashback scene between Steve Rogers and the original cap? Like the scene with Natalie Portman and the previous prisoner in V for Vendetta? THAT would be a creative, artistic take on a classic comic property, and I’d be all for Will Smith playing a small role as the original Cap in THAT movie.
Comment by NeverWanderer — September 8, 2008 @ 10:32 pm
I just cant see Capt America saying “Oh no you didnt!”.. dont get me wrong, I think Will Smith is a good actor, but he adds his own bit of flavor to all his role, i dont think this is the right recipe for it..
Comment by Siah — September 9, 2008 @ 1:53 am
I think Will Smith is a great actor just like many other people out there. I think that if he were to be a part of the more true and classic comic book movies (opposite of hancock) i think he could really do well in the box office. However, Captain America is not the character for him. Captain America needs an actor that can be stern and fairly serious from start to finish because he isn’t going to be bouncing off witty comments like Tony Stark (whom Will Smith’s film characters typically are like).
I somewhat agree with Siah in the sense that Will Smith would best fit a character that would say some ridiculous cocky phrase, though maybe not “oh no you didn’t”.
For me, if you disregard the fact that he’s black, I think he would best suit the Flash!
Comment by Daniel — September 9, 2008 @ 4:21 am
Yeah I don’t think Smith has the right personality for it. Although something along the lines of his Muhammed Ali portrayal could work.
Comment by DanJW — September 9, 2008 @ 6:25 am
Surely they’ve got to at least offer Bruce Willis the part.
Jason Stathem would also fit the looks exactly (and oh the irony).
Comment by DanJW — September 9, 2008 @ 8:10 am
Well, they made Nick Fury black in the “Ultimate” comic book universe, so I guess anything is possible. That being said, I don’t think Smith is quite right for the part, but hell, more power to him (and the studios) if they can pull it off.
Comment by Ryan Midnight — September 9, 2008 @ 9:10 am
As NeverWanderer said, the first “Captain America” was black. Think Tuskegee Airmen. Trial and error and all that.
@Ryan Midnight, that was the Ultimate Universe, bound by no continuity and carried over into the movies (by and large as a seperate universe in itself) because Sammy jackson is a f*cking pimp.
Will Smith as Captain America might as well be this piece of crap http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_America_(1991_film) and it was indeed, A. PIECE. OF. CRAP.
I’m fine with retconning comics, updating origins and whatnot for the flicks but to totally change the very essense of teh character, I’ll keep my ten bucks Marvel, thanks.
Comment by Handgun Jesus — September 9, 2008 @ 10:06 am
these types of comments typify why we cant move ahead as a country
Its okay white america…awake from your slumber because now is time for your enlightenment…all that you have been taught is a lie…your ancestors did little to impact good on world civilization and stole nearly every concept from ancient africa or the Muslims. We’re not pissed we’re just done living the lie…Can’t wait to see Will Smith as Captain America
Bravo Marvel!
Comment by mo — September 11, 2008 @ 12:37 pm
Living the lie what is this American History X, Ancient Africa? The Muslims did have early tech but after that what have they done lately? Anyways I dont see Will Smith as Captain America, however I think Will would be good as Johh Stewart ( green Lantern ) as for Bruce Willis he is too old for the role it Should be a young actor mid twenties at most, doesnt have to be blonde or blue eyed but the rest has to stay true to the character, thats what got in trouble the Captain America Movie in the 90’s when he was figthing fascist Italians and not Nazies and they made the Red Skull Italian. Oh Boy
Comment by garoquel — October 15, 2008 @ 11:58 pm
Ummm… ya the army might have been segregated but, that may be (in this movie(s)) the reason he is “deamed unfit for the military” and offers his service in an experment (for his country) instead.
Comment by AE Captain Iron — October 22, 2008 @ 8:01 pm
First off, I’m black. Yeah, hurray for Obama and all that, but let’s not get caught up in euphoria/political correctness. The 1st test subject for the super soldier serum was black. Captain America was white. Given the times, that was the only way it could work out. Let’s not change a character just to change him; just to say look how progressive we are.
BTW, Will Smith (who I like in most of his movies) blew chunks as Jim West in The Wild, Wild West. Just saying.
Comment by Paul — December 25, 2008 @ 7:52 am
Will smith would rock as this character, but he should be a black panther type guys, fighting for the rights of the minority underclass, yeah, fight the power
Comment by Big Jim — June 18, 2009 @ 8:19 am