After all the speculation, supposed confirmations, and outright wild hope, the role of Steve Rogers has been cast. It’s official: Chris Evans is Captain America, in the upcoming “The First Avenger: Captain America” film. For those who might be unfamiliar with the actor, he recently appeared as the protagonist of “Push”, starring opposite Dakota Fanning. He’s been in other films, of course, but what might be strangest of all — specifically regarding the Marvel Universe — is that he was Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, in the two modern “Fantastic Four” movies.
So, given that we know that Marvel is planning to tie all of these burgeoning franchises together — Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark’s Iron Man will be in the Avengers movie, as will the Thor character in the upcoming movie, and of course Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury — it seems to go directly against their plans. Obviously, if they include the Fantastic Four at all in this connected universe, they’ll have someone else play the Torch, but it would still be kinda weird.
Also — and this is pure geekboy stuff, so be forewarned — I’ve always imagined Captain America as older, or at least seeming older. Chris Evans, though he may have some good acting chops, is still too fresh-faced for my taste. Cap needs to look like a seasoned soldier; it’s the Super Soldier serum that keeps him vital. Perhaps the best thing about Chris Evans is that he’s still relatively unknown, or at least not a huge household name, so audiences won’t be carrying a lot of expectations for him.
Parents: beware the flood of merchandising toys that will erupt when “The First Avenger: Captain America” hits! I will say, it is refreshing to have a superhero that kids can actively look at as a role model: he’s all-American, he doesn’t use guns, and he’s a firm believer in Right and Wrong. We could do worse (I’m looking at you, Wolverine)!
