Tatum, Phillippe Now Rumored for 'Captain America'

Finally, a little bit of star power has descended onto The First Avenger: Captain America. I'm no Ryan Phillippe devotee, but the news (by way of HitFix) that Phillippe is being considered for Cap is much better than the possibility of John Krasinski from The Office. Still better news: Channing Tatum has joined the fray, as well I'm not really a fan of either guy, frankly (that goes for Chris Evans, too, who has also been mentioned), but Marvel really needs a name people recognize for the lead role. Even before the project looked like an albatross around Marvel's neck, I thought a star would have been more appropriate than an unknown. Tatum might be the best bet, thanks in part to his recent success with Dear John. He's also something of a physical presence, I think we can agree, and the role definitely needs that. Is he a fantastic actor? No, but can you name me a candidate for this role who is? Then why not go with a guy who's competent in the fight scenes? Whichever actor lands the role will likely star opposite Hugo Weaving, now rumored for the villain, The Red Skull. Another reason you might look at a more fluid physical actor is if the script is garbage. That way, you can trim the fat and load up on action sequences, and based on what we've heard about the screenplay, nobody would confuse it for Chinatown. It also helps director Joe Johnston, who proved with The Wolfman that he might be OK so long as there are no words being uttered by the characters. I had hoped Marvel might use this time and the bad reaction Wolfman received to shop for another director, but that apparently isn't happening.

Comments

[anybody]

What about Josh Hartnett? He's not been in too much lately and although I didn't like him at first he started to grow on me, especially with his great turn in Lucky Number Slevin. This way you get a name, a physical enough presence and a guy who can deliver the lines better than a cardboard cutout like Tatum.

[Get The Big Picture]

Hartnett apparently was among the first to turn down Green Lantern, which would have been better for him. I dunno. I agree with you about him, though.

[Charcole]

Channing Tatum has no presence. I don't care if he has abs and a six pack! There is no presence there what so ever. We need someone who can command the screen. This is the guy who is supposed to lead The Avengers. I like Hartnett also, but doesn't really command the screen either.
Maybe an unknown is best, because I really can't think of someone in the younger age bracket who should be a leader. Or just go a little older! Robert Downey Jr. proved that an older guy can bring in the crowds.

[Get The Big Picture]

In an ideal world, yes, but remember, Cap is really only in the first half of his own movie. Then it's all The Invaders, for some stupid reason.

[SEAN]

People are being a little harsh on Channing...

Acting chops he not have but he has potential, is very young, & has worked with big stars, big budget movies, big name directors/co-stars, given all that it aint half that bad....

I'd rather not see him comic book movie route, but I dunno who should play the role, its obviously difficult otherwise there would have been a decision already

[nick soapdish]

I think you really need someone with some presence on the screen. someone that RDJ's Tony stark would listen to from time to time. I don't think that would be plausible with an actor too young or with someone with no charisma like tatum.
I agree with Charcole. Move the age bracket up a bit.

[J.R]

Hey Colin you were awesome when you did your weekly stuff on the Mike O'meara show. Have you ever seen Sons of anarchy on FX. What about that guy Jax?

[Tyler D]

Give me Chris Evans. He was by far the best part in the Fantastic Four movies, even better than Jessica Alba not talking in tight clothing. He would be excellent for Cap America and has face recognition, and will get more from The Losers