Rumor Control: Will Smith Not Offered 'Captain America'

We warned you yesterday not to put too much stock in what Derek Luke said regarding Will Smith's potential casting as Captain America. For starters, he said "I heard," which is usually suspect, and for another, why would Derek Luke have the scoop on that? Late last night, Harry Knowles of Ain't It Cool News confirmed that there's nothing whatsoever to that rumor. "Marvel never offered the part, nor did they approach or entertain a conversation about Will Smith for Captain America." So there you go. Harry adds, "I'm sure they have a few parts that they'd like him for, just not Captain America," which, of course, stands to reason. But Harry and I disagree over the value of this particular rumor. He apparently thinks Smith is a lousy choice for the role, and I happen to think it's probably the best casting for Cap I've heard yet. Not everything these comic book publishers do turns to gold: Punisher, Daredevil and Elektra, and arguments could certainly be made that two Hulk movies, both Fantastic Four movies, and the most recent Superman flick wouldn't make the varsity squad. Knowing that, and firmly believing that Captain America is not a slam dunk (along with the company's Thor), I think Marvel needs the biggest star they can find. Also, consider what he heard about the storyline when the project was announced: This might be a period piece, going back to the character's origin after WWII. So the look and feel will be much different than a Batman movie or even Spider-Man, to a degree. So if you've got someone in mind who delivers more people to theaters at this point than Will Smith - and someone who is a more believable action hero - I'm all ears. But I don't think you're going to find anyone. So he's not blond. Big deal. It's fiction.

Comments

[Rick]

Tom Cruise...pre Oprah

[Asur]

http://www.digitalpimponline.com/strips.php?start=0&title=movie

[Masked Patriot]

So he's not blond? He's not white?! It's not a race thing... I think he's an OK actor (Will Smith). But he's NOT Captain America. The Cap is your average white, blond hair, blue eye, man of the 40's. Will Smith will ruin the story and I sure as hell wouldn't see it if he were the Captain.

I'm still very much on the fence about Nick Fury being played by Samuel Jackson too. That's NOT Nick Fury the image I see when I look at Sam. But, I think he's a damn good actor.

You need to find a middleground for what's best and what looks best. But no, Will Smith is not your best choice. If it were me in charge of the casting... I'd find some unheard of actor to take to the role and pound it into the ground with perfection. Just like Mark Hamill did for Luke Skywalker.