Based on how much I like to yap about Batman, I’m sure it’s pretty obvious at this point: I’m a DC guy born and bred. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t completely nerd out when Marvel announces something cool. Take the upcoming Captain America flick for example. Joe Johnston, hot off of helming The Wolfman is currently prepping Cap’s first cinematic outing since 1990 (Yep. Sorry kids, that one counts) and with interest in the property at a fever pitch, the potential for the house of ideas to have another Iron Man size hit on their hands is looking likely.
Everyone from Leonardo Dicaprio to “The Office” star John Krasinski (!?) to G.I. Joe’s Channing Tatum (shudder) had been name dropped to take on the lead, but now it’s official: the Star Spangled Avenger will be played by none other than Chris Evans. Yeah. The Human Torch in those terrible fantastic four flicks. But y’know what? I’m totally it.
I know the fact that he was the best part of those 2 godawful movies isn’t exactly a selling point, but anyone who saw him in Sunshine is well aware that the guy has a commanding presence and is just a flat out good actor. While the continuity dork in me usually hates the crossover of having the same person play 2 different roles in the same “universe,” I really don’t mind it so much here (even though I swear Mark Valley was born for the part). I even think Evans has the chops, charisma and snappy delivery to hold his own with Robert Downey Jr. in that inevitable Avengers flick Marvel plans on merging their franchises into down the line.
In any case, I confess that I’ve never had any real personal investment in Captain America (bores me to tears), so It won’t be some end of the world tragedy for me if this movie misses the mark. But with director Johnston being no stranger to the world of comics (he adapted that pretty rock solid Rocketeer movie), I’d say that Cap fans are in good hands.
Check out the hardcover collection of the current series that hits shops this week if you want to get an idea of what Cap looks like these days.
