When Marvel announced plans for a series of origin films leading up to an Avengers live action movie, fandom went nuts. Iron Man had shown what good writing, directing, and perfect casting can produce. Robert Downey, Jr IS Tony Stark. Kenneth Brannagh was attached to write and direct Thor, a project easily in the prolific Mr. Brannagh's wheelhouse. Marvel's top dog was also getting a film, but details were sparse. Speculation swirled on the boards as to who would play the symbol of freedom and liberty. Brad Pitt? Leonardo DiCaprio? CHRIS FUCKING EVANS?! Wait, wasn't he ALREADY a character in the Marvel Movie Universe you ask? Of course he was- an abrasive, unfunny Human Torch in the two Fantastic Four abortions. But wait, isn't he abrasive and unfunny in every role he has had? Again, you'd be correct. For someone who quietly read on as Hack Brubaker half-assed a pathetic Steve Rogers return to the Marvel U, this cannot stand. Marvel's movie studio has made major inroads toward gaining legitimacy among Hollywood's major acting players. Pitt and DiCaprio may have been pipe dreams at best, but Chris Evans as Cap harkens to the days of Hasselhoff as Nick Fury. Dolph Lundgren as Punisher. Eric Bana as the Hulk. Foolish casting decisions made by lack of options. Evans has never put out that one performance critics can point to and say "this kid has the potential to be a capable performer of his craft." To leave such a important figure in the pop culture lexicon
in the hands of the star of blockbuster hits like Cellular and Not Another Teen Movie is shortsighted at best.
The most important in a long list of missteps with this project? The most embarrasingly ridiculous origin reboot ever attempted. Even when the Ultimate Marvel Universe debuted, the only origin to stay almost static was Captain America's. The story is patriotic, inspirational and displays the values on which this country was founded on and fought for. Why make Cap a modern day soldier who has to go through a generic film coming of age awakening? The movie was written in 1941 by Simon and Kirby, no reason to revamp what everyone knows and loves. Maybe Marvel will take a page out of Wolverine:Origins and make Red Skull and Cap brothers? We can only hope Marvel gets the reboot right in 5 years when they run out of crappy original ideas to alter the bedrock of their company.
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Completely agree about Evans! As someone who was very excited about the Captain America film its so sad to see that this was the direction they chose to go in. Then adding insult to injury by actually casting GOOD actors in the same film (Hugo Weaving and Stanley Tucci). Makes you feel sorry for the both of them who will have absolutely no charisma or talent to work off of. Sad. Great post!
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