1

I don't mean to sound racist but….

Wasn't Captain America white?

This is kind of like offering up the role of a live-action afro-samurai to Phillip Seymour Hoffman…

The Real Alex on Sep 8, 2008

2

There was a black captain america in the comics, and theres a younger version now in the young avengers. Will Smith is such a good actor I think I'd be able to look past the colour of his skin. Although when I picture Steve Rogers a lean blonde caucasian does come to mind. Also Nick Fury is black in the Ultimate universe so It isn't such a stretch for Sam J. to play him.

Nougat on Sep 8, 2008

3

He's a great action actor, while i wouldnt mind seeing him the play the part, but cant picture him as captain america

Pete on Sep 8, 2008

4

Captain America equals boring — even with Big Willie style

oh,hai on Sep 8, 2008

5

Exactly! CM was a white guy. Why would cast a black man to portray and white super hero character? That would just be a poor casting choice. If they are going to do this movie, please do it right.

It would be better to have an unknown or fairly unknown than an already huge star. No offense to big willie, he's an amazing actor but he is not right for this role.

K on Sep 8, 2008

6

Sure, Captain America is white in the comics and if the movie takes place in the same time as the comics it might not work to change that, but Will Smith really personifies everything I'd want to see in a modern Captain America. He is a great actor and a lot of people look up to him not only because of his stardom but also because of his values and integrity.

The main problem I see with this rumor is that Smith already did a super hero with Hancock. I'd love to see him as Captain America though.

Andreas on Sep 8, 2008

7

I like Will Smith but this type of casting is as off as the idea of Nicolas Cage playing Superman.

Frame on Sep 8, 2008

8

Will Smith can definitely pull it off. All you guys trippin on Cap being and remaining white, are definitely NOT representing the ideals of the Captain America character.
Lets ask Stan "The Man" Lee what he thinks.

Cyfer1 on Sep 8, 2008

9

I'm a black man and i just wanna say this…

while Will Smith is a great actor, i have to agree that it wouldn't fit for him to be Cap. reason being i heard the film was gonna start out in WWII or something and i {realisticly} don't think at that time they would have picked a black man for the super soldier project and turn him into a superhero…. but maybe i'm being too PC…

DDOT3 on Sep 8, 2008

10

Captain America is such a ridiculous character that anything done to shake it up even a little is more than welcome. Will Smith would be great in this role.

Pdorwick on Sep 8, 2008

11

Ok. Will Smith could be the worst person for this role. I'm not racist, but Captain America is white. I think changing that much from the original comic would be a TERRIBLE idea. Also, the whole Will Smith personality doesn't match Captain America at all. I do like him, but he's not for this part. Please let this be nothing more than a rumor.

Peter S on Sep 8, 2008

12

Will Smith would be a Dynamite Fit. Wouldn't bother me if Capt. America, or any Other Super Hero, was a different color on Film. It's all on how well the Attitude/Emulation of the Character is Played. Does anyone know who was the Real 1st Black Superhero in Comics was?? (Interested to know).

Scully on Sep 8, 2008

13

his personnality doesnt equate to a tight wad that captain america would have to be

Pete on Sep 8, 2008

14

I agree with Cyfer1, Cap really is supposed to transcend things race and politics and be a symbol for the best of America's ideals- racism isn't one of them. If the actor and script is good it really is irrelevant how closely the actor matches the hero's psychical type- unless you are one of those people that wants adapted movies to march in lock-step there with source martial. But I don't see much of a point to that. I go to a movie that adapts original martial to see something *new* that also keeps the core ideas of its source martial. Captain America being white was incidental to the era that he was created in and not essential to the character.

Staatz on Sep 8, 2008

15

A) This is a Rumor, that probably won't come to fruition. B) As much as people enjoy Will's movies this just isn't a good fit. This isn't like the idiots that were upset when Common was cast as Green Lantern, there's an actual basis for an African American member of the Lantern Corp. but changing the ethnicity of Cap just doesn't fit the character or time period. Granted Tuskegee experiments etc… were using African American Soldiers, but I doubt the "everyman" "Super Soldier" project would have gone the same way.

Rob on Sep 8, 2008

16

Okay, I don't know much about Captain America, but I think I like this. I like it when movies go against the widely accepted norms. And I definitely favor Smith over McConaughey even dispite his skin color not matching the conventional Captain America. I mean, Matthew McConaughey? Is that supposed to be some kind of joke? He plays the same narcissistic, self-involved douche in every movie.
What's the big deal, anyway? It's just a movie, and a comic book movie at that.

JL on Sep 8, 2008

17

#2 Ultimate Nick Fury is based on Samuel L. Jackson, they had his permission to use his likeness years ago, so it was very apropos for him to be utilized in Iron Man and the new series of Marvel Studios films.

Christopher on Sep 8, 2008

18

Wasn't Aaron Eckhart rumored? He'd be perfect…

Cedric on Sep 8, 2008

19

Will Smith is definetely a great actor but making Captain America a black man changes his entire character. I'm not being racist but WW2 America was a very different time and I don't think the US goverment would have picked a black man to undergo the testing process to become Captain America.

SlashBeast on Sep 8, 2008

20

The first several batches of Super Solider Serum were tested on black soliders, but only 1 case took. Then they tested it on Steve Rodgers. Also the new Patriot in the young avengers is his grandson or something like that. Also I am mostly for a while actor, but does it really matter? I mean look at I am Legend. If you read the book and the previous movies, the main guy was white, but did any of you care when you saw Will Smith play him in the new adaptation?

Syko on Sep 8, 2008

21

I like Will Smith as an actor but please, this is BS… a black Cap. I like Jet Li too, why not an Asian Superman while we're at it, maybe everyone on Krypton looked like Asians and Supes capsule crash landed in China instead of Smallville. I hope this stays as it is and nothing more, a Rumor!!!

Omega728 on Sep 8, 2008

22

"I'm not racist, but…"


That line always cracks me up.

Will Smith will do a fine job as Captain America.

Arslaan on Sep 8, 2008

23

Rumors had Leonardo DiCaprio as Captain America and THAT was just stupid. Will Smith is an excellent actor and would/could have the proper build for this. IMO, disregard the race of Captain America and just get the best character for it, if that is Will Smith, then I will be there for it.

Mike McRorey on Sep 8, 2008

24

Come on guys, yes, Captain America is white. But movie making is a business, and businesses need to appeal to a wider demographic. It makes sense that the studio is going to want to have a culturally diverse Avengers team. So if the studio is going to take some liberties with the race of one of the characters to better appeal to a wider demographic, who's the best pick? Captain America. Iron Man and the Hulk are already cast, and can you really see them throwing out a black Thor? I personally love the idea of Will Smith playing the Cap.

I think that Willie has always been a big summer blockbuster actor who just so happens to be really fuckin good at acting. So why the hell not!? When adapting a comic book character to film, certain liberties NEED to be taken. The mediums just don't line up as well as comic book fans would sometimes like them to. So if the change that they make to Captain America is that he's black, let it slide. Marvel has been making some great casting decisions as of late, and if the masterminds that thought of RDJ as Iron Man, and Ed Norton as the Hulk, think that Will Smith is Captain America, then let it happen!

Icarus on Sep 8, 2008

25

I think Jonah Hill should be Capn America.

Renaud on Sep 8, 2008

26

I would rather see him play black panther

dac_fan on Sep 8, 2008

27

Just like the remake of CANDYMAN is gonna be a whiteguy. Come on!!!

REAL6 on Sep 8, 2008

28

Yes! That would be genius casting Will Smith as Captain America. I grew up loving Captain America. Even watched those cheesy 70's/80's Captain America movies. I for one would love to see Will Smith in such a terrific role.

Come on… Will Smith and Robert Downey, Jr. together in Avengers! Sweet!!!

Art on Sep 8, 2008

29

Smith would make a great Captain America…the interpretation from the comics doesn't have to be so identical to the original envisioning of the character. I would think an experimental program such as the super soldier serum would be tested on a person a little lower in the peking order back in the early 1900's rather than a caucasian individual anyways.

Not to mention the political overtones of the country electing it's first black president (hopefully).

Peloquin on Sep 8, 2008

30

Jesus can everyone who opposes a black man playing captain america please google isaiah bradley?
He was technically the first captain america.

hayden on Sep 8, 2008

31

#20 yeah, but the character Will Smith played in I Am Legend is nowhere as iconic or well known as the character of Cap. America… so there's no comparison.

#26 Better yet, why not have Brad Pitt play Black Panther… that would make sense right?

Omega728 on Sep 8, 2008

32

Will Smith????????????? So much for Marvel getting it right. Damn! Talk about a huge leap in the wrong direction! Thank goodness it's just a rumor!

Pickle on Sep 8, 2008

33

As far as I know (and feel free to correct me if I'm wrong here with actual comic sources) but the very first Captain America was Steve Rogers.

An attempt by Project:Rebirth to re-create that experiment (the data was lost when the lead scientist was killed shortly after Steve was turned into Cap) resulted in Isaiah Bradley (a black man) developing similar abilities to Cap, and taking over his mantle for a period of time. His descendant is now Patriot of the Young Avengers.

Ok, comic book geekery aside: F**k Will Smith.

A black Captain America? That would be like if they made an X-Men movie where Cyclops was a girl. While it would make the whole Cyclops/Jean Grey romance much hotter, it just isn't happening. Why mess around with the character we all know and love? The only reason you'd cast a black man to play someone who has been white for almost 60 years worth of comics now is for pure shock value. It's the movie studio using someone's race as an advertising gimmick, which is far more racist.

Beyond the race issue, why Will Smith? If they did decide to go completely against comic continuity and cast a black guy, why not pick someone who can actually act? Maybe someone who doesn't insist on recording a lame rap song for every project he's in? Not to mention, could you really see Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark being inspired by and then following orders from Big Willy Style? I don't think so.

I don't buy this for one moment because Marvel isn't dumb enough to make this big of a casting blunder. It's a rumor, pure and simple.

Peter on Sep 8, 2008

34

just pick a damn good actor and get it done asap! i dont care who…just make it damn good…(nw i sound like a damn good actor too :P)

xcv on Sep 8, 2008

35

Race aside, Will Smith is approximately 143 times the actor that ANYONE else who has been mentioned for this role. They might need Will in this to get me into the theaters. Captain America is only one step ahead of Hawkman in terms of being the least interesting mainstream superheroes.

If it were up to me, I'd cast a Muslim in the role. That'd REALLY piss off the narrow-minded flag-waving rednecks I live around.

kevjohn on Sep 8, 2008

36

I agree with # 18. Aaron Eckhart would be the way to go. He has the look and definitely proved his acting chops in TDK which is what Marvel seems to be continuing to go for when it comes to casting their leads. Not the biggest Cap fan, but I'd have to say that Eckhart has the jaw to play him. I mean, that's all you pretty much see of him most of the time, right?

David on Sep 8, 2008

37

wow peter. you really don't know what a good actor is do you? will smith a bad actor? that's why he keeps getting roles right? and he hasn't made a song for a movie since wild wild west. actually there are only 3 movies he did that for…

yes steve rogers was the first. bradley stole the costume intended for rogers.

toolips on Sep 8, 2008

38

@toolips There is a vast difference between a "good actor" and a "popular actor".

Will Smith is a POPULAR actor. He's very likeable, he has charm and charisma. He's even managed to pull off some serious dramatic roles. But he's in no way a GOOD actor.

I wouldn't give him an Oscar for anything he's ever done. Would you? Wait, don't answer that - you probably would. And THAT is why he keeps getting roles.

What's next? Shia Lebeouf as Cap?

Peter on Sep 8, 2008

39

So, now what? a White Luke Cage??, I'm a big Will Smith fan and I don't meant this as racist, but I would like to see a more accurate film version on the comic, and I wouldn't think that the US would make a black man a Super Soldier on the times of WW2.

Apttp on Sep 8, 2008

40

i don't care who the actor will end up being, i just wanna know how much they're gonna fuck up the costume they make for him.

LeeMan on Sep 8, 2008

41

@ peter

you're an idiot

toolips on Sep 8, 2008

42

@toolips

Well, you got me there. Consider me put in my place. Well done, sir (or ma'am, hard to tell with the internet).

Peter on Sep 8, 2008

43

I don't mind it, but I really hope this doesn't turn out to be hancock 2.

Darrin on Sep 8, 2008

44

You all need to stop being so racist.
What? You all think only a white man can represent America?
Grow up already. Times have change.

White Man on Sep 8, 2008

45

Personally, I think Will Smith will do a great job in the role; I don't care that a black man is playing the role of a traditionally white character, it doesn't bother me at all. Howver, just because somebody wants to maintain the tradition of Captain America and have only a white actor playing the role isn't, in itself, racist. That reasoning is very subjective, so to claim that the person is racist in their view is incorrect.

Keith on Sep 8, 2008

46

I'd take Will Smith over Matthew McConaughey any day!

@ Peter

No, he's right. You ARE an idiot.

Joshua on Sep 8, 2008

47

i could totally picture this working. Will Smith is big money. For those saying this wouldn't be realistic….now im just saying BUT wouldn't it have made more sense for them to test the syrum on an African-American soldier or even an asian one for that matter if they wanted to cast Jackie Chan or something….it wouldn't be far-fetched for the gov't to mind sacrificing one of them

bigelowbeats on Sep 8, 2008

48

This is a rediculous rumor. Come on people. All I would see is the Freash Price as Cap, lol

He would have to buff up at least 30-40 pounds and how would a black dude end up in Germany.

mayhemstudios on Sep 8, 2008

49

Will Smith as Captain America? Awww HELL Naw!!!

MacGruber on Sep 8, 2008

50

I can't picture this working because it TOTALLY goes against the story of the comics! The super soldier serum was tested on African American soldiers before they gave it to a white soldier, this would work if they were doing an adaptation of Truth and Will Smith was playing Isaiah Bradley, but not Steve Rodgers, it just completely turns the story around!

Plus: Will Smith was JUST Hancock. How could he go from Hancock to Captain America? To casual movie goers that would look rediculous.

Kail on Sep 8, 2008

51

BLASPHEMY!

#17 your right on!

Scully…. please, come on!

Mulder on Sep 8, 2008

52

No matter who they cast…this IS Captain America…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWDyoO42qIw

Apparently his real name IS Steve Rogers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrqCYZO3Zyo

Viper on Sep 8, 2008

53

I agree with white man. cap can be played by some one white or black. Plus i don't know if its just me but marvel universe feels kinda split. theirs the comics and then the film universes. The films don't fallow the source material to close any way. other wise Gwen Stacy would be dead, Dr. Doom would rule Latveria, and the x-men would be wearing spandex. So it really is more about how good of an actor Will Smith is. Personally I think it could work just fine.

taylor on Sep 8, 2008

54

I like it but in the Avengers, Will kind of won't fit in. He makes his movies darker and deeper and he won't fit in while playing with Donmey and Norton.

Dave on Sep 8, 2008

55

51 comments and i still didn't get it what this entire thing has to do with "racism"… i mean i have no problem with will smith or whoever plays captain america (yes, skin color shouldn't matter) however i do prefer, if i could have my way on things, that movie makers stick to the comics…

as a comic fan, the greatest wish would be to see your favorite heroes come to "life", to see them move the way you see and imagine in comics… so if the movie is set in the time where captain america was created then i guess it would be best to stick to a white-skinned captain america, if otherwise, like the new versions of captain america as other comments pointed out, then have a dark-skinned captain america…

i know what matter is the character but at least give me the pleasure of seeing my comics COME TO LIFE…

miracle disease on Sep 8, 2008

56

I wouldn't care, heck, i think it would be awesome.

But him being black is sure to cause an uproar with the fans, so i doubt captain america will be played by a black dude.

Darunia on Sep 8, 2008

57

Another point as to why Will Smith shouldn't be captain america: The Fresh Prince of World War II

Kail on Sep 8, 2008

58

In my opinion Smith could be good in this but I'm not completely convinced, while I love most of his movies and I think he is a great actor, the writers will have to re-write some of the script to fit in with him being black and it could end up being a refreshing look at Cap and still work.

So I have no problem with a black Cap as long as the writers make it work.
However, as someone already said Aaron Eckhart would be super awesome cause he's personality fits Cap's better in my opinion, and after his Dark Knight performance I think he is just a good an actor as Will Smith.

Crimson Snake on Sep 8, 2008

59

This isn't a black v white thing, this is a why the f. do they screw around with comics thing. So would someone be pissed if Matthew McConaughey played Black Panther? Why are you racist, what about David Schwimmer as Hitler in the Cap movie since its in WWII? Why not are you anti-semitic?

Stick to the comics for shits sake. #9 was right, this is taking place in WWII would they deem a black dude to be far superior to their good 'ol boys back then? I don't think so. I guess if they decide to make Cap NOTHING like the comics hell make him a gay jewish black chick for all I care. But dont expect the die hard fans to like it. BTW I'm not a die hard fan of Cap but hes an icon, why screw around with that? What are they gonna do in HULK reboot 2010 make him pink?

Richard on Sep 8, 2008

60

i can see a black captain america! America is supposed to be the greatest, so why not give it to a black man. I am not raciest and i believe this is a good idea

sean on Sep 8, 2008

61

If the actor has the chops to create the character, I say cast him… Back in the day I thought they were so wrong about jackman as wolverine, but dude can act and add realism to the role. Something I'm happy to be completely wrong about.

I would not want to see MConaughey as Cap. He has chick flick, not action movie appeal. Ican't picture an actor that would make this movie anything other than ghost rider or Superman returns.

There are no brianers for roles like this such as Professor X, blade & beast, but I'm willing to bet a lot of the same people here posting their outraged opinions thought the same about Sir Ian (as Magneto), Downy jr, Bale & Ledger…

-just my take; you're entitled to yours.

jmoney on Sep 8, 2008

62

It's all about the COMICS… so stick with it!

miracle disease on Sep 8, 2008

63

Not to be racist, but the guy has to be white.

Ryan on Sep 8, 2008

64

i'd say just stick to the way it's written in the comics….and that is cap is WHITE!! not against will smith as an actor but to cast him as an icon such as cap would be outrageous. the story would be blown because they already said it was going to be in WWII and there weren't many blacks in that war in the first place so how could ONE sneak through and become a super soldier?!?!?

smith is a good actor but this has nothing to do with that it is completely about staying faithful to the comic books, cap was white and if you want to bring him to the big screen and think you are going to make any kind of money then STICK TO THE STORY!! making him black would alleinate a huge follwing of the comic and bring in fair weather fans or people that just want to see smith in another movie but the ironman numbers will not be there if this rumor is actually true. sorry but that's just the truth and not a rumor.

thejugfather on Sep 8, 2008

65

Funny how all you asshats keep saying "I'm not racist…" c'mon just say how you feel one way or the other it's all good.

Personally I think Will Smith does sort of fits the role of Steve Rogers personality and morality wise and he does have that clean cut yet ass kicker persona. I think I'd rather they stick to the white Cap, but their is a prescendent in the comics for a black Captain America and a plausible explanation for Cap being black.

In the comics there is 'Truth' the mini-series which tells the story of how 300 black soldiers were used as test subjects in trying to recreate the Super Soldier Serum many died in the process those that survived went insane with only one lone survivor Isiah Bradley. (Think Tuskegee experiment only more badass and tragic.)

PimpSlapStick on Sep 8, 2008

66

If I remember correctly, everyone bitched and moaned just like they are now about Heath Ledger playing someone like the Joker.

Huh… I wonder how that turned out…

chekur on Sep 8, 2008

67

#65 - I was just going to write pretty much what you wrote.

"I'm not racist but…" yeah right.

Smith would be awesome in the role as long as he takes the role seriously (like Bale & Downey Jr. have) and not how he portrayed Hancock (campy and over the top).

Mat on Sep 8, 2008

68

Smith is awesome in almost everything he does, the movie would be good and nobody would be disappointed after seeing it. Im glad this is just a rumor though, so I can hold out hope that Randy Couture will somehow be cast as C.A. He's the real Captain America.

babykicker on Sep 8, 2008

69

What about guy pierce? Lol someone said that they don't think there would be a black cap in world war 2? In the truth comic. I believe the super soldier program was first tested on a black man before it was tested on Steve Rogers. Wasn't will smith offered other superhero roles of white super heroes? Its funny like they forgot he's black. But someone made a good point I think will smith does kind of stand for all the same things as cap. Then again we could have another wild wild west but I don't think cap would suck as a movie it could play as war movie like saving private Ryan have fury and the howling commandos hunting red skull or baron zemo. For it to take place in modern day give it a die hard James bond feel. Just say that scientist died before the white test subject got to be injected into him lol I love it do it do it yes! I'd love to see smith with samuel Jackson and Robert doweny Jr awesome.

Samuel on Sep 8, 2008

70

I think it would work. I read a graphic novel back in the day about the experiments that lead to the creation of Captain America being used on black people first, due to the racial prejudices of the time. I forget the details, if you can't tell already, but if they're going from that angle, it'd be cool. But it'd also be cool to see retardedly patriotic Captain America fighting Nazis.

DCompose on Sep 8, 2008

71

I'm neutral on the idea of Will Smith as Captain America. He wouldn't be my first choice, but I wouldn't mind it if he got the part.

My dream pick for the role would be Matt Damon.

Drew on Sep 8, 2008

72

if he does get the part, and if he's playing the isaiah bradley captain america then all this race talk wouldn't even be happening…

jack on Sep 8, 2008

73

Here's a thing. I don't care if I sound racist or not…

I completly disagree with this (possible) choice. Captain America is white. WW2 was a different era, the powers that be simply would not have had a black soldier take the super soldier syrum. Stick with the comic. Captain America is white. Get over it.

I like Will Smith as an actor but when I look at him I do not think "He could play Cap." Watch 'Hancock', 'Men in Black', or 'Bad Boys'. Is that how you want Captain America to even remotely act? I don't.

Why not cast Luke Cage, Goliath, Storm, Blade, or even Black Panther with a white person?
If that happene people would call racism and go ape shit.
So why's it okay to make Captain America black?

If the part is given to Will Smith I will not see Captain America or The Avengers movies. I really, really hate to say that because I really, really want to see both those movies…but not if they're gonna fuck them up with stupid casting choices.

Jeep-Fu on Sep 8, 2008

74

Why should it matter who plays Captain America? Michael Clark Duncan portrayed the role of the Wilson Fisk aka The Kingpin very well. I've only known one person to have a problem with that and he is a co-worker of mine…who ironically said, "I'm not racist but…." LOL!! I mean seriously, which actor in Hollywood today could have played the part better than Duncan? Duncan has the physique of the Kingpin and even when he's laughing and having a good time he looks intimidating. I say whoever can do the best job at the part should get the role as Capt America. He's not one of my favorite characters, but I'd still like to see the movie if the previews can sell it. The movie would have to be very violent though. So whether he's Black or White, it's going to have to grab my attention if they want me to buy a $10 ticket. And in response to #67, I know what you mean about Will Smith taking roles over the top…but I believe he would play this one very serious.

Lee Jones on Sep 8, 2008

75

This is bullshit and I don't believe it for a minute. Will Smith is not Captain America. I don't see it happening, and I won't see it happening (in the theaters) if he is. It's too radical a departure of the character, and his Xenu-worshipping ass will not be receiving my money.

Rob Oh! on Sep 8, 2008

76

why does hollywood feel they need to cast black people in the role of white characters? i like will smith as much as the next guy but cap americas a white dude, in this day and age or not

means it would be a definite july 4th release though

harrison on Sep 8, 2008

77

*coughBarrowmancough*

snowy on Sep 8, 2008

78

Screw this cast him as the falcon if you must. or the panther or does this mean that THOSE characters could be played by whites ?

frankb00th on Sep 8, 2008

79

GOD plz …..

Nbizzle on Sep 8, 2008

80

No one here is racist, those people saying yeah right, grow up, this is about the comics.

Richard on Sep 8, 2008

81

This doesn't make sense from a fictional standpoint. In World War 2 Captain America was the poster boy for the American forces, no way in hell a black person would've been allowed to do that in that day and age.
To put it to perspective… would anyone have bought into a Nisei (2nd-generation Japanese-American) Captain America?

There are numerous characters I could buy as being of an ethnic group other than white, hell even another gender than man, as long as it fits the setting… but in Captain America's case, being anything other than a white man makes no sense from the setting given to us by the fiction.

Jay on Sep 8, 2008

82

Will Smith would be great for Cap…U have to start seeing pass the skin, there is a reason why most comic book heroes are white, most comics were written when been a black hero wouldn't have been accepted, plus the movie would be placed in modern time, and WS has the talent and charisma to be a great Captain America.

Elvis on Sep 8, 2008

83

Actually, I was just reading up on the Isaiah Bradley (Black Captain America) page on Marvel.com, and it seems that they could be going a couple different ways with this. Maybe he's going to be in Captain America, but not necessarily him. Cap & Black Cap could fight together in WWII. Or Marvel could be building the possibility of the Civil War in the Avengers movie, since Patriot, a nephew of Black Cap, fights on the side of Cap as a Secret Avenger. Just a few ideas to throw out there. And even if Big Willie were to be Cap, I have no problem with it, though it does stray from the comic book history. A black man is just as American as a blond haired blue eyed white man, let alone any other race. If you love the stars & stripes, and willing to die for her, a person of color could be more American than many people I know.

Rusty on Sep 8, 2008

84

I'm with rusty.

Smith's got the build, the chops and box-office draw to do it. SHOULD SKIN COLOR MATTER???

For all we know this could better than ironman or X2, but since he's black people are saying no. Why does Captain America have to be a WASP??? Laime. I thought we were further along than this.

mista dude on Sep 8, 2008

85

It's not about whether he COULD play Cap. Sure he could. Marvel could develop a sudden case of "don't care about the character's history" and cast him and I'm sure he'd do an okay job playing Will Smith (cocky, goofball, strong when he needs to be, etc). It's the same role he does in every movie. Only it's Will Smith if he was a drunk with superpowers, Will Smith if he became a cop, Will Smith if he went into a pseudo-steampunk western, etc…

However, it doesn't mean he SHOULD play Cap.

Captain America is white. Sorry to say that, but it's the truth. Look it up. He's white. He was a scrawny little white New York kid that loved his country so much he volunteered for experiments to try to get into the war. Period.

You mess with his race, or his backstory, and you're not making a Captain America movie anymore. You're making a blockbuster to try to suck every dime out of John Q. Moviegoer.

Show some respect for an American icon and be true to the comic, and to the character.

And for all the people bringing up Isaiah Bradley, skip it. It's not going to be Bradley - it's going to be Steve Rogers. The Captain America film leads directly into the Avengers movie, so it's the same character.

Finally - here's a good test for the casting of Captain America. I can't remember where I read it, but one guy was mentioning on his blog that Captain America was the leader of the Avengers and that you have to stop and think about what that really means:

Here is a guy with enhanced human abilities, but nothing too phenomenal. He's not bulletproof, he can't fly, no laser eyes, etc.
Yet somehow he's able to order around a near invincible Norse God (Thor), a billionaire packing more hardware than the military (Iron Man), and a giant that could crush him in a second and just happens to be a scientific genius(Giant Man). These guys obey his orders. They trust respect (and maybe even fear) him.

Can you see a Norse God that could rain lightning down from the sky and has destroyed countless Ice Giants in bloody battle willingly taking orders from Will Smith? I know I can't.

Rob on Sep 8, 2008

86

Nooooo!!! This isn't right, while I am not against a black Captin America, Will Smith isn't a good fit for the character. Captain America was a proud, serious character, while all of Will Smith's role are played with a type of playfulness that just isn't Captain America.

(Note: By 'All his roles' I mean his summer blockbusters, not his dramatic roles.)

MrSammich on Sep 9, 2008

87

He's Captain America…not Captain Africa!! How are they going to have a black hero/role model when black people at the time couldn't drink from the same fountain as whites or ride in the front of the bus?

Will Smith is a terrible idea and this is probably to get him to drop his potential lawsuit against Marvel for discrimination when he called Marvel racist for not allowing Hancock to be one of the Avengers

Marc Madness on Sep 9, 2008

88

has no one thought for a second that he may just be cast as Isiah Bradley, and it could be a small role. and if they do an origin story with Steve Rogers, and Isiah Bradley, with Steve being the "real" Cap, what would be wrong with that? lets just wait until we get some solid facts before we get our collective panties in a bunch. thats my two cents…

atg2040 on Sep 9, 2008

89

and just to prove my point…

http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/09/08/will-smith-is-not-captain-america/

atg2040 on Sep 9, 2008

90

i just hope it'll not be another Hancrap

lostboy_1 on Sep 9, 2008

91

meh…

L on Sep 9, 2008

92

The fact is not that the the Ultimate Nick Fury character was just black, but he was modeled after Sam Jackson. It fits to have Sam Jackson play the role of himself. As far as Captain America being black…interesting twist, but Steve Rogers was white. Will Smith is one of my favorite actors, but to have him play a white superhero is a little far-fetched. Black Panther on-the-other-hand was a black superhero and was a part of The Avengers. That would be a great movie!

Corb on Sep 9, 2008

93

I'm with several others on the whole historical aspect of this. NO WAY would a black man have been chosen for any sort of "upgrade" at that point in history. The Tuskegee experiments (as Rob noted) were directly OPPOSITE of that idea, and instead took healthy black men and infected and killed them. I'm a huge Will Smith fan, but this would be too unbelievable in the historical context of the story.

I think he would make a great Capt America, because I think he's a great actor, a very attractive individual, he'd look great in the tights and all…but the story would suffer from either being too unrealistic or they would change it to make it believable, and that would ruin the history of the comic book character.

RStewie on Sep 9, 2008

94

Hahah… Will Smith as Cap… Here's to still hoping for an Asian Superman!!!! Russell Wong could pull it off…

Omega728 on Sep 9, 2008

95

THE FIRST CAPTAIN AMERICA WAS BLACK!!!
They tried the serum on a black soldier first, to see if a human could survive. Please know your comic history before you comment people.

Malcolm Edgecombe on Sep 9, 2008

96

My reasoning against Will Smith as Captain America:

I can't imagine 1950's USA citizens treating black people as second-class citizens, if their most famous WW2 hero had been black. Where would that leave real-life heroes like MLK Jr and Rosa Parks' actions?

Unless he wore a full-body costume all the time while fighting the nazis, and nobody noticed he was black, or maybe they forgot about it after 10 years.

Luis M on Sep 9, 2008

97

What's next? Jim Carrey to star in the biopic of Don King…
It is NOT racial whatsoever except for the people that play the race card on a daily basis. This is an fine example of what is wrong with America. Apparently, by default you are a racist…

Now if they wanted to redo Spawn in a rebooted rated R manner instead of the crappy-may-as-well-been-rated-G-piece-of-crap, then Will Smith might work…

JohnnyFive on Sep 9, 2008

98

Will Smith can pull it off hands down. Matthew McConaughey fits the looks but Will Smith has the acting down pat.

Plus a black super soldier fighting the Nazis and going up against red skull… I LOVE IT.

They could even add in a twist where Red Skull tries to bring Cap to the Nazi side showing he isn't in it for the Nazi Ideals but for other things (occult etc etc).

Lots of stuff to play with.

Mo Sparx on Sep 9, 2008

99

weren't be just complaining about piccolo not being green …
http://www.firstshowing.net/2008/09/02/fresh-new-dragonball-trailer-screencaps/

does that make me a 'speciesist'?

casey on Sep 9, 2008

100

If they test it on black soldiers first that doesn't make them all Captain America. They were just experiments, that's it. So if they tested it on a monkey first, does that make the monkey the first Captain America? Even though the first serum was tested on a Black soldier, he is NOT Cap America, was he known as Captain America? No! So it's that simple, why are you guys even arguing about this?

Omega728 on Sep 9, 2008

101

Capt. America as a Black man…

If a person were to read through most of the comments that have been posted about this controversial topic you will see that the overwhelming criterion for whether or not Will Smith could play Captain America is the color of his skin. Even for you people who claim to be huge Will Smith fans and huge Marvel fans dont you think that you are being a bit of a bigot? Dont you feel that the Criterion for who should play arguably one of Marvel comics most succesful and iconic comic figures should be based on more than the color of thieir skin? The reality is, if you want to look at hollywood top grossing male stars Will Smith is right at the top.
I think that actor that plays Capt. America should based upon alot more then the color of a persons skin, How about the devotion of the actor to the character or simply box office appeal and movie quality. All of you are obviously moviegoers and have propably seen films likd ID4, Bad Boys, I am legend so you know that if Will Smith is involved with a film its going to have quality action, good special effects and a relatively good plot and character arc.
Basically what I am trying to get across to you haters is if you are going to hate, make it constructive at least! And if you are going to doubt on a black man your hating feels more credible when it is not one of the most succesful actors of all time black or white.

Nuff Said!! on Sep 9, 2008

102

In the comics Captain America was created as the poster boy for America to lift moral and help win the second world war. The super soldier formula was tested on black GI's but it failed. Steve Rogers was a week man with a strong desire to fight for his country. The formula worked and Cap was born. That's the story… period. Do you honestly think the 1940's American government would permit a black man to be the poster boy for their troops? The answer is sadly no. Therefore, if indeed Mr Smith plays Cap then it'd need to be set in modern times (which I don't like the idea of), rather like Iron Man in the recent movie (Iron Man was originally created by Tony Stark whilst injured in Vietnam in the 1963 comic). Personally I think Will Smith has all the qualities needed to play Captain America except one. He's black and if you're going to be loyal to the story America at that time would never allow a black hero for it's troops. Sorry.

Smiffy1 on Sep 9, 2008

103

@ Nuff Said, nobody is hating… if you did read through all the postings… you'll realize that the people who disagree with Will Smith playing Cap. is because Cap. is White… it's that simple! The character was created as a white male, not a black male.. just stick with how the character was created, that's all we're saying. It's not about the color of a man's skin or his race or how good he can act, it's about sticking to the creation of the character.

Would it make sense to make the Hulk Pink instead of Green? Would it make sense to have a White actor star in "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story" just because he's a better actor and birngs in more at the box office? I'll be making the same argument if they decided to go with a black costume instead of the red, white, and blue, so again it's not a racial issue here. There are plenty of good actors out there that can play the character better than Will Smith and fit the part too. It's not like he's the last actor out there… If they do go with Smith for this role, as someone mentioned earlier… it's mainly as a publicity stunt. Is that constructive enough for you or are you just basing your opinion on how much an actor brings at the box office?

Omega728 on Sep 9, 2008

104

Hey dammit, the Cap is a Honky not a brother!! Stop casting parts like that, you dont see Gary Busey cast as Re-Run or Duane or Mr. T or Muhamad Ali do ya!!!

Hulk on Sep 9, 2008

105

I was agreeing with all those who mentioned Big Willie would be a good fit for Cap Am until i saw…


"Wasn't Aaron Eckhart rumored? He'd be perfect…"


As much as a Will stan that i am… This statement, i absolutely concur with to the fullest.

BinYe East on Sep 9, 2008

106

I'd MUCH rather see Will Smith than Matthew 'shirts-off-all-the-time' Mcsnatchehey.

Black, white? Who gives a heck anyways?
Just make a damn good film, with a solid story, superior CGI and loads of Marvel lore!

Ian MacLatchie on Sep 9, 2008

107

Prior to Hancock I would have said yes but after watching that I don't know if I can see him in another superhero type role. I don't want to see Hancock part 2.

janet on Sep 9, 2008

108

Bruce willis as Cap. Will Smith as The Falcon.

tommyturner on Sep 9, 2008

109

@Omega 728

If another actor is casted as Cap America, to be real with you I will propably go out and see it. My attempt to bring constructive comments to this message board was prompted by the racially driven comments that were here before I came on.
But honestly man, you have to admit Black people and minorites in general are undereprested in movies and comic books and Will Smith is one of the only African Americans that have been acheive that higher level of superstar status and it is just offensive to say that in multicultural society that we live in a Black man could not play a fictional super hero because of the color of his skin.
If we take this very obtuse way of "casting" a person for a role because of the color of their skin then blacks and most minorities will not have any roles. Lets look at the role call here of the number of blacks that have appeared in starring roles in recent years in Comic book movies.
Wolverine
Prof X
Cyclops-
Nightcrawler
Rouge
Colossus
Jean Grey
Daredevil
Hulk X 2
Elektra
Punisher
Superman
Batman
And how many characters have been Black or any another Minority? 2
Blade- Wesley Snipes
Storm- Halle Berry
Dont you think their is a bit of an imbalance here? or would you suggest that thing simply keep things the way are and not give any oppoutunities to people of color?
I feel your pain though and understand that you want to hold on to your vision of the character but the reality is dog, that alot of these characters were created at a time where blacks and people of color were not represented at all. Times have changed and will continue to change so you will have to get used to it.
And to answer your question a Pink Hulk is simply ridiculous so is a fourty foot tall CGI one like in the first Hulk! lol

Nuff Said!! on Sep 9, 2008

110

@ Nuff Said,

If that's your case then all you really want to do is start casting more minorities into roles just because you feel that we need to have more diverse actors in these kind of roles??? Sorry but that's a real dumb reason to just cast a black actor as Captain America. Looks like you're the one who's turning this into a racial issue. If you want more diverse super hero characters then you should create one yourself or write to the people at Marvel, DC, Image, etc. to start creating more ethnic characters. Yes, I do agree that there's an imbalance with diverse ethnic superheroes, but that's no reason to just cast a black actor into a character that's suppose to be white.

Again, this isn't an issue of race here. I think you and other people who commented just made it that way. If the situation was reverse and Captain America was an African American character and they wanted to use Brad Pitt to play him, I'll feel the same way too… I wouldn't want them to cast a White actor to play the character just because Pitt is famous and can bring in money. This is strictly about staying as true as they can to the character (though we all know that Hollywood hardly ever does that). Especially with characters as well known as these. With any unknown character like Boomerang Man or so,… i could care less if they cast a Black, Asian, White, Brown actor to play that role.

Omega728 on Sep 9, 2008

111

WHAT ?

STARBUCKS A WOMAN ?

How very dare they!!!

Dr.Duvel on Sep 9, 2008

112

If Blade was cast with say Keanu Reeves there would be uproar. Why? Because Blade is black and to cast a white actor would mean that it was no longer Blade. Nothing to do with race. It's like saying Superman will be played by Danny De Vito. He's a little short and portly for the role but hey we can't discriminate against all the short fat people out there and he'll bring something different to the role. It won't work because he wouldn't look like Superman.

Smiffy1 on Sep 9, 2008

113

Oh and by the way there's Luke Cage, Black Panther, Firestorm, Deathlok, Goliath, Cloak, Steel, Falcon, War Machine, Bishop, Nick Fury (Ultimate Universe), Misty Knight but I do agree with you that until recently there were not enough black comic heroes.

Smiffy1 on Sep 9, 2008

114

Dont forget…

Black lightning!

Luis M on Sep 9, 2008

115

I don't know why or how, but I could see it. Even though I never cared for cap america. (he is kind of cheesy, which is why I could see W. Smith playing him) maybe he could pull it off. It's not the first time hollywood has changed shit to their own liking.

vu on Sep 9, 2008

116

@Omega728

When you use an example such as test monkey imediately after talking about Black people you sound racially insensitive-Now you may be Black, White, Asian, Latino but nonetheless I found it somewhat of a poor choice for an example-maybe guinee pigs or rats- Just a heads sup..maybe im being to senstive-but still sincere-

Now I agree to certain extent on keeping chracters true their origins-However, in light of Dark Knights success chracter/plot development and great acting is important and a must-
African Americans were tested for the Captain America Serum, so there was always a possiblity of Captain America being Black-now could he have motivated troops-Thats a good storyline-very much current, very much relevant and something the protangnist would have to work through in order to save the day-I mean Redskull was a Red-cmon, skin color should not matter when you fighting german nazis-Nazis hated everybody damn near-

Now I agree with Nuff Said Blacks are underminded in Comic roles and other roles in general but I love realism and of course, i want to remember the chracter on the big screen like i remember them in the comics- But this is 2008, lets a little bit open minded-if an actor can make you forget about skin color regarless of his/her skin color then thats great acting-if a hero can make you forgot about bigotry and racism reagardless of his skin color-Thats a Hero!

Now Im just tried of bigots and racist in general and alot of the earlier comments were just that-no substance at all-those should just be deleted-

I mean Captain Africa..cmon thats plain silly-

Now I bet Will can make you forget about skin color-just like ben kingsley played mahama Ghandi

2cents on Sep 9, 2008

117

@ 2cents,

Before you mentioned it, I never even saw/thought about it in that way… Again, those are the little things that people can blow up and make it into something that it's not. Anyways, I don't have to defend myself for that comment…

I'm pretty sure no one is arguing the fact that there's not enough minority/ethnic super heroes, and yes I for one would love to see more diverse ethnic characters too. Still that's not a good reason to just cast a black actor to play Captain America to satisfy the need of more black super heroes, or Asian, Hispanic, so on. Why don't we just start casting minorities into every super hero movie from now on then….. yeah, an Asian Superman, what about a Hispanic Thor, or an Italian Black Panther. Why not? If all you're concern about is trying to be more diversify….. If they really want it to be more diverse then they can always create new characters like Hancock… you don't need to take an existing well known character and miscast it to just spice up role. Anyways, as I've said before… this has nothing to do with skin color. I would feel the same way if they try to cast a White actor to play Blade.

Omega728 on Sep 9, 2008

118

@Omega728

You don't have to defend your comment but acknowledge how it could have been percieve-I'm not trying to blow it up because if i did want to blow it would have been a bulk of post-but by me bringing this time, you can now think about what you write before you offend someone-and yes, those "little things" can been blown up-word of advise homie-maybe you don't care-but if you pride yourself on integerity and some sort of legitimacy as a writer or blogger then you may want to change your perspective-try to grow-

but like i said i agree with you but my take was more leaning towards a different plot-and the ability for a great actor to make you forgot about skin color-thats my point-

I like authenticity in my comics movies just like you but everynow and then I was a breakthough perfomance-if brad pitt could play Blade-geez, i would watch and be amaze and not care one bit-thats acting-

2cents on Sep 9, 2008

119

@Omega728

You don't have to defend your comment but acknowledge how it could have been percieve-I'm not trying to blow it up because if i did want to blow it up or out of porportion it would have been a bulk of my post-but by me bringingit up this time, you can now think about what you write before you offend someone-and yes, those "little things" can been blown up-word of advise homie-maybe you don't care-but if you pride yourself on integerity and some sort of legitimacy as a writer or blogger then you may want to change your perspective-try to grow-

but like i said i agree with you but my take was more leaning towards a different plot-and the ability for a great actor to make you forgot about skin color-thats my point-

I like authenticity in my comics movies just like you but every now and then but I want a breakthough perfomance-if brad pitt could play Blade-geez, i would watch and be amaze and not care one bit-thats acting-

2cents on Sep 9, 2008

120

i was going to post and ask say that i'm waiting for someone to make a reference to skin color, but i see comment number 119 above the post box and it's already there.

will smith is amazing in everything he does so i wouldn't mind seeing him as capt. america. as i'm not at all a fan of the comics, i could watch the movie and still enjoy.

J: on Sep 9, 2008

121

@Omega 728
I would like to clarify my original position as too why I think that Will Smith should be considered for the role of CA.
1) Acting Ability- aside from Will Smith's obvious comical nature that will protrude in every role that he takes, He is a great actor that has great range playing anyone from a homosexual to Muhammad Ali.
2) Fan appeal- Will has enough superstar appeal to bring in any demographic to his movies.- which yes does translate into $$ in but not just sales franchise opportunities which will further add to the great Marvel Universe.
3) Why not?- I understand and have read your argument pertaining to wanting to stick to the comic book authenticity as much as possible. But the reality is homie that Hollywood and the studios are going to put whoever they can into the movie that will bring them the most papa (money).
This practice has been set in place before me and you probably were born.
So my question to you is why not?
If Marvel studios can put Michael Clark Duncan in the role of the Kingpin, Samuel L as Nick Fury,
Billy Dee Williams, Aaron Eckhart and Tommie Lee Jones as Harvey Dent. Kevin Costner as Robin Hood lol Why cant they cast Will as CA?
One more thing that i wanted to clarify is that I am pro-oppourtunity not anything else. I think that when the studios finally iron out who they want in this role and for what reasons I think that all the actors should have a Hollywood go. Meaning if Matthew McConaughey does great in screen tests and looks great in the CA outfit so be it. Literary to movie adaptations always have a Hollywood twist to it. Why create a glass ceiling where just because historically CA has been a white guy he CANNOT be a Black guy. I mean historically US presidents have always been White, but Obama is going to the next President, you know? Think about it……

Nuff Said on Sep 9, 2008

122

I'm tired of movie rumors! I'll never entertain the idea being that 99.9% of them are not true.

angela on Sep 9, 2008

123

@ Nuff Said,

I'm a big Will Smith fan too… if they end up casting him, I'll still be in line to see the movie, and I'm pretty sure it'll be an action pack movie like all of his other movies, but to me it wouldn't feel like a real C.A. movie. At the same time of course I know that Hollywood is all about trying to cash in the Big money. But I'm sure that they can cash in money using a well known white actor too, you make it sound like Will Smith will be the only actor to pull this off. But my concern isn't about money or the financial aspect of the topic here, it's about who will be the best actor cast to play the character of C.A.

I just hope you know that the reasons you listed there, I'm pretty sure there's other big actors out there that fits the profile and can do what Will Smith can do too, if that's all that you're looking for…. say Brad Pitt. 1) Acting Ability - He has (my opinion) 2) Fan Appeal - He has 3) Why not? I've already told you why not… because there's plenty of other actors out there who fits the PROFILE more and can do the same job Will Smith can if not better, so why would you want to change the ethnicity of the character just to satisfy your need or try to be different?

The characters you listed are mainly supporting characters and they're not main characters that are as popular or well known. When you say Captain America, Spiderman, Hulk, Superman, Batman, the public knows who these characters are. Duncan as Kingpin… who really cares or know a lot about Kingpin besides comic fans? Samuel as Nick Fury, there is a black Nick Fury if you didn't know, that Nick Fury character was based off of him, so why wouldn't that work and besides Nick Fury isn't a mainstream character? Billy Dee Williams…. come on, you hardly even see him in the movie and he didn't even turn into Two Face. Could you really compare these characters to the likes of C.A.?

If Obama does become the next President and they make a movie about him… do you think it's a good idea if they use an Asian actor to portray him? Because as you say about being more diverse, there's hardly any popular Asian politicians so why not do this to give Asians some props too…

Anyways, I think we're coming off at two totally different points here. You're more about representing other races into this mainstream and bringing in the money at the box office, but I'm just more about trying to be true to the character. So we'll probably never settle anything here.

Omega728 on Sep 9, 2008

124

this cracks me up, all these white people saying " I aint racist but.." Because you are afraid of saying that you dont agree with black men taking white roles. And I agree with you. It isnt right. You dont see one white man taking a black role, NOT ONE. you know why, because the black "community" would throw a fit and all the white people are scared of the threat of someone yelling racism. this world is so fukin stupid. well, I am white, and I disagree. Does that make me racist? No, my two best friends are black and hispanic. Remember people, OJ still walks the streets, nuff said.

whitey on Sep 9, 2008

125

Omega728

Firstly, I don't feel that Will Smith is the only actor that can play the role. The topic of this discussion single's out Will Smith for the movie. I did not arbitrarily pick him out for this discussion. As I mentioned before I do believe in equal opp for the actors. So Will, Brad, Matt, Asian actor, Mexican or Latin descent if they can play the role then I am all for it. We will see what the fans say about their performance.

Secondly, I think that you may be right we are on two different sides of the pendulum when it comes to race/ethnicity and because of that I don't think that we will be able to see truly where each other is coming from. I believe in equal opportunity for actors to get the chance to fill these roles and you feel that we should write to Marvel to include more diversity in their comics. Personally I feel that there is alot of diversity in the comics as it is, but when it comes to these main characters in films, they were created decades ago, so there is no way to rewind the clock.

Lastly, I am not about making money in the box office solely.However, I do believe that the more money a movie particularly in this genre makes (300 mil at the box office) the more chances their are for a sequel and cross overs etc.

In closing I think that you have some very valid points and appreciate the discussion because it was a discussion that needs to had more in our society.

See you at the movies Omega728…

P.S. This is to "whitey" Just for your info pimp, anyone that offers their friends ethnicity as evidence as too how they are not racist, sounds freaken pathetic and racist. Not only do you make yourself sound suspect but is obvious that you tokenize your friends as well. If you only knew how many roles were given too white actors over black ones then you wouldnt have made that ignorant comment, since we are on Will Smith, anyone remember "The Matrix"????

Nuff Said on Sep 9, 2008

126

I believe that we need to be open minded as consumers of film production. If someone is good for the role, then they should be allowed to play that role.

Now I'm not saying you should cast a black man to play Hitler - the role defines the race of the man. But for the most part, the comics that are being brought to the silver screen these days are from stories written by white men, for white men. So there is going to be an overabundance of white characters. That doesn't mean that in today's world a black man should not be given the opportunity to play the character.
A character in comics tends to have importance because he brings a certain dynamic or ability to the storyline. If the guy playing that character, can portray the characteristics needed to further the storyline, then he's the man for the job.
We cannot remain so closed minded as to not see past the color of a character's original drawing. Who is the man behind the mask, that's what a comic is about.

Having said all that - there are some AWESOME balck characters I'd looove to see on screen…Bishop anyone? Fuck he Rocks!!

I.

Ian MacLatchie on Sep 10, 2008

127

I hope this doesn't happen. I love Will Smith but I'm getting tired of people changing movie characters just because. While we're at it why don't we remake Wizard of Oz and use all Chinese midgets for the roles. Or how about Remake gone with the Wind and cast all roles with latinos?
This shit has gotten out of hand.
Someone mentioned how people would be in an uproar if someone cast a white actor to play Blade or any other black super hero. That is true. So leave Cap alone and cast him the way it was originally done. He was white.
This shit is ridiculous.

Obiwopkenobi on Sep 10, 2008

128

You do all know he's not been cast right? Now calm the f@ck down.

Smiffy1 on Sep 10, 2008

129

hey nuff said…. wow your a genius, you are able to see the hypocrosy within that statement, good for you, but what you didnt get was the sarcasm. people on here read shit and only see what they want to see and get enraged about it, just like everyday life. By the way, I'm not really a pimp, but thanks for the compliment.

whitey on Sep 10, 2008

130

like pulling strings

whitey on Sep 10, 2008

131

yo NUFF SAID, yo man the whitey is right. you peoples are all so ignorant, especially you man!! he's makin a point. man you all get on here and get so enraged and say the dumbest shit man. who cares, really, who cares. your being mocked bro! I'm african american, I may not be well educated, but I have common sense. More than you anyday.

Nugga on Sep 10, 2008

132

HA HA, sup Nugga my African brutha!! Yeah whitey go. You peeps gettin' played. The man did pull your strings…"NUFF SAID"!! What a cracka!!! HAHA. Like gittin slapped in the face aint it PLAYA!!

Charles the 3 on Sep 10, 2008

133

Hello, I am a Hispanic male and I am actually offended by just about everything I read on here, except for Whitey (the sarcasm portrayed rests in the name alone). It is very apparent he or she is mocking all the angry people who get on here and fight and make a big deal out of this subject. Just goes to show the nature of people, especially the enough said guy.

DSanchezpd on Sep 10, 2008

134

Well, let me say this: I prefer Will Smith over Matthew McConaughey, plain and simple. I like Will Smith. And the idea. *nod-nod*

Besides, if he does end up getting the role, it'd be fun to watch if nothing else. xD

Lauren on Sep 10, 2008

135

Yeah, NUFF SAID, don't even respond when someone writes stuff like that, all you did was prove the dudes point. He/She/It whatever, threw the hook n worm out there and you bit man. Too easily provoked.

mANNYrANNY on Sep 10, 2008

136

To #110… ARRRR you go!! I agree with this one, NUFF SAID is the one who be turning this into a racial issue, arrrrgh lets make him walk the plank!!
I be a pirate!! and a good one I be at that!!! Aint many pirates around these days. And as a pirate ARRRRGH, Id like to say that I am offended at everything said by one NUFF SAID. You be calling people ignorant?? ARRRRGGG, you be the ignorant one matey!! ARRRRGGG!!!!

My One-Eyed Willy on Sep 10, 2008

137

You are all right, I am a loser. And I have sex with chickens.

Nuff Said on Sep 10, 2008

138

@Nuff Said

…um…. *whispers* could you send me a side email

Ian MacLatchie on Sep 10, 2008

139

I find that comment on chickens offensive and narrow minded. Whats wrong with other farmyard animals? It's always chickens. I'm not a racist but some of my best friends are farmyard animals and I feel there is no representation for them as these sexual roles are always filled by chickens.

Smiffy1 on Sep 10, 2008

140

I think Nuff Said argument is, Why wouldnt Will Smith be able to play him? If ya'll only argument is the color of his skin then fine-Ya'll reasons is only skin deep-but other then what other reasons do you have? Will is talented enough and honestly could pull the job off- and I would not mind Blade played by Brad pitt-that dude could make me forget about Blade being Black-

Jus say i dnt want to see someone Black person playing a CA, regarless of his talent level as a actor-cause it wouldnt not be comic acurate-So in the end it is about Race-and it doesnt mean you racist but still, its about race- not talent-

2cents on Sep 10, 2008

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@ 2cents

I think the issue here isn't about race or talent, it's about character profile. Denzel Washington is a great actor, agree? He could probably play and do a great Abraham Lincoln character, but does that mean that he should play the character of Abraham Lincoln? No… because he doesn't fit the profile. Would you cast Kathy Bates to play Wonder Woman? Why not, she's talented right? That's all that matters to you… age shouldn't matter, or that she's a plus size shouldn't matter… is that what you're saying?

I'm pretty sure Will Smith could pull off a great Black Captain America, Action, Acting, and all that, but at the end… he isn't Captain America because he doesn't fit the physical profile of the original character. If they really want to do a Will Smith C.A…. they could do a spin off, where his character uses the same serum that turned C.A. into the super soldier, but don't have him play the actual C.A. character.

Omega728 on Sep 10, 2008

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@Smiffy1

You are freaken hilarious…..

The real Nuff Said!!

Nuff Said!! on Sep 10, 2008

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@Omega728

a better question would you rather have Will Smith or Matthew McConaughey play Ca?

Lets say you are a producer/Director/Fan

You've seen what Matthew and Will can do as a actors and the numbers he can pull.

The only physical issue is race-which equals no blonde hair flowing-
physically, their size are comaparable Will is probably taller-

Who would you choose and why-?

Its like movieStand instead of Lemonade stand-Would you be able to pull in a optimal amount of money on a hig budget possible high grossing movie? With Mattew? if Not mattew who would you choose, a new cat, Brad? Give me something solid

2cents on Sep 10, 2008

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@ 2cents

You want me to give you something solid? You haven't even given me anything solid yourself besides the fact that you think Will Smith is a good actor. Yes he's a good actor but there are other actors out there who are just as good and they FIT the PROFILE of the character more. As mentioned earlier, Eckhart would be great for this role, yeah maybe he's not the big blockbuster star that Smith is but I've already said that the financial aspect of this is not what I'm concern about. Was RDJr a blockbuster star before he did Ironman? No he wasn't and look how much Ironman took in. If that's all that matters to you then they should just hire James Cameron, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Angelina Jolie, all the big name stars to make this movie….. Right???

You want my reasons, read all of my posts again… obviously you read but don't take in the information. I've listed and explained all of my replies. Here's your reasons: 1. Smith is a good actor, 2. he can bring in the money… wow that's all the reasons why you would cast someone into a role. If that's the case then he should start in every Summer Super hero movie from now on… maybe he would've been a better Tony Starks or a better Batman than Bale too right? Your reasoning is ridiculous, you're so stuck on just having a Black super hero, that's the only base for your argument and you're the one who's making this into a color of skin issue, you're the one who's looking at ever little thing and try to make it into a racial issue, you're the one with the racial problem. As I stated, my argument isn't about skin or race… it's about getting the right best actor to fit the character profile. If you can't understand that then I don't know how else to say it….

Omega728 on Sep 10, 2008

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lol..why are you getting all upset…it was a legimate question.

The rumor is about Will smith, the other rumor was about Matthew? Just say Eckhart and keep it moving with your explanation-yes, its about race, cause if Will Smith was white, we wouldnt be having this discussion…Captain America can be whomever, whatever - and i already told you i would like it to be aunthentic but i got to play devils advocate because your tone and past posts suggest Will "CAN'T"do it because CA is White-i asked a question between two actors-and think im trying to snag you in a race war-

obviously, your bringing up race, for the reason why he couldnt do it because thats all you have to go on-

i'm not making race a issue because race is the issue-

Question is why can't he play Captain America-Your answer is cause CA is White-plain and simple just say it-quit trying to dress it up-im not even calling you a racist-

if Will was White, you would pick him before MAtt, right? I would..so lets move on..

The Subject matter at hand for this particular post is Will as Captain America-nothing else

and we are talking about the Marvel Fictional uinverse where anything can happen-cmon

Not something as historical as Abe Lincoln…understandable point but not valid and they would tell kathy bates to lose weight and maybe she would be considered-but she is not a relevent actress that can appeal to a wide fan base-robert downey is not a blockbuster star but a star who happen to be in a suprise blockbuster movie-and now is getting his dues-

And if my only two points are "Here's your reasons: 1. Smith is a good actor, 2. he can bring in the money" and yours is CAptain America is White and Smith is Black- It would make Sense- it wouldnt be acurate…blah blah race…blah blah race homie-Cmon-You have nothing Solid…

2cents on Sep 10, 2008

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@ 2cent

It's not being upset but it's pretty irritating when your asking me to repeat myself over and over…. I've already listed the reasons why I think Will Smith wouldn't make a good Cap A. Why are you asking me to repeat myself? If you wanted me to admit that it's because he's Black and not White.. I said that CLEARLY, read my post #103…. am I trying to dress it up? So again, read the posts before you comment…. so that people don't have to repeat themselves over and over again.

Yes of course the skin color is consider, that's why I said in my opinion he has to fit the Profile. Do you know what a character profile is??? I don't care if he's black or not… if he doesn't fit the profile, he doesn't fit the profile.. what's so hard that you can't understand that concept? If they decided to cast Jack Black as C.A. I would say no too.. why? Because he doesn't fit the profile… so are you going to say that it's a weight issue now? If they want to go with Jack Nichelson and I said no, are you going to say that it's an age issue now? Come on, your ridiculous man. You have no point to your argument and you don't seem to understand what other people say, when it's typed out clearly!

The topic for this post was "could Will Smith pull off Captain America??" and my answer was No. He can try to play the character but for me he will never be the character because he doesn't fit the original character's profile. So again, what's your point? You're the one who's going way off base and started considering how much money he could bring in and how much of a blockbuster star he is… what does that have to do with anything about him being able to play the character?

I'm pretty sure he'll be able to make his usual action pack summer film if he was cast.. but that doesn't mean that he'll make a good Captain America… Why? because he doesn't fit the character's creation/history/profile… does that answer your question? He doesn't fit the character's profile. Actor's are turned down roles all the time because they don't fit the character's role, people are turned down from jobs everyday because they don't fit the job description… get it? If someone said that you don't fit the part because they were looking for an asian character and you're white, are you not going to understand why they turned you down? So if I was hiring for the C.A. movie… the same concept applies.

You keep saying that this is a race issue, which it isn't… you choose to believe that it is. What it all comes down to is he doesn't fit the character's PROFILE. whether it's skin color, he's too fat, too skinny, too old, too young, whatever… he doesn't fit the PROFILE.

Omega728 on Sep 10, 2008

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Really, it doesn't fit in with the origins of the character, as a few people have said. sure, within canon they tested the serum on black volunteers, but even if they had worked (and in one case it did), they wouldn't have made a black man into the symbol of the American war effort in 1942. In the 1940s, America was a much less diverse, much more segregated society, so the government would want their big new symbol to be white. It's not an issue of the racism of the people who raise objections, it's an issue f the historical racism of the US government.

Rachel on Sep 10, 2008

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Ok so the profile in this case is Race…thats all im saying are you not understanding?

2cents on Sep 10, 2008

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2cents

Its kinda pointless arguing with Omega 728 dog, its obvious that when he says "he doesnt fit the PROFILE" he means that if a character is white in the fictional/ multidimensional/supernatural universe of Marvel. Then that same character needs to be casted by a white person. It seems like what you have is a battle between low creativity and open-mindedness. And trust me dog its way harder to open a mind up then it is to close one you feel me?

If I can direct anything to you Omega728, it is the fact that the topic of discussion is not just "Rumor: Will Smith Cast as Captain America?!" it is also "I hate to bring this up, but I think it'll be the most poignant area of a discussion: A Black Captain America." The topic of race and if a BLACK CA would work was inserted right into the discussion intro. It wasnt made an issue by 2cents or myself, it is the issue. And quite frankly you want to say its about the profile, its about the profile and Will doesnt fit. But you havent mentioned anybody not white playing the role. So it is obvious that the top criterion for your casting selection is the color of the persons skin. And that is fine, YOU cannot see any blackman in the role. This is America you are entitled to your opinion. But i hope that you are not the casting director in Hollywood because your creativity is lacking.

Original thought…. try it sometime.

The Real Nuff Said!!

Nuff Said on Sep 10, 2008

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In the ultimate comics when they were sitting around saying who should play them and for wasp they said Lucy liu and get wasp is white in the regular marvel where in ultimate she's what Korean? In world war 2 they wouldn't have a black man as a poster boy for the war? Correct how you fix that in the recruiting posters have a white guy dressed as cap but when the boys are shipped the meet the real cap who is black. And will smith can be serious I mean the ending of Hancock and I am lengend again serious and at no point in my opinion never over the top. And they can mix Steve Rogers origin and Bradley's. I see him mixing very well in an avengers movie really more excited about that then the cap movie love to see him fight hulk. Stray from the comics? Joker no vat of chemicles. Hulk not out in desert testing machine and rescues Rick jone (who hasn't been in any of the movies). Spider man dating Gwen Stacy first (actually no adoptation of spidey follows that spec. Spidey cartoon sorta does.) spidey having organic webbing. The change of skin of cap is more interesting then luke cage or black panther because America stands for something different a melting pot and a black man as the symbol of America is more powerful then a white guy to people around the world it shows how diverse America is or wants to be. As a black Steve Rogers it be his argument that even tho he was expiremented on against his will (or whatever) that he fights for the ideal of America and that's why he fights in the war and they could dress him up enough that in promo pics you can't tell he's black. Its fun its different and frankly that's right up marvel's alley (Harry Osborn on crack (or whatever drug he was on) Karen page having aids black cat being raped (if you read Kevin smiths spidey BC team up book) iron man drinking problem so changing cap into a black guy well wouldn't be to surprising honestly I bet mark miller wish he thought of it while on the ultimates lol) In the ultimate comics when they were sitting around saying who should play them and for wasp they said Lucy liu and get wasp is white in the regular marvel where in ultimate she's what Korean? In world war 2 they wouldn't have a black man as a poster boy for the war? Correct how you fix that in the recruiting posters have a white guy dressed as cap but when the boys are shipped the meet the real cap who is black. And will smith can be serious I mean the ending of Hancock and I am lengend again serious and at no point in my opinion never over the top. And they can mix Steve Rogers origin and Bradley's. I see him mixing very well in an avengers movie really more excited about that then the cap movie love to see him fight hulk. Stray from the comics? Joker no vat of chemicles. Hulk not out in desert testing machine and rescues Rick jone (who hasn't been in any of the movies). Spider man dating Gwen Stacy first (actually no adoptation of spidey follows that spec. Spidey cartoon sorta does.) spidey having organic webbing. The change of skin of cap is more interesting then luke cage or black panther because America stands for something different a melting pot and a black man as the symbol of America is more powerful then a white guy to people around the world it shows how diverse America is or wants to be. As a black Steve Rogers it be his argument that even tho he was expiremented on against his will (or whatever) that he fights for the ideal of America and that's why he fights in the war and they could dress him up enough that in recruiting pics you can't tell he's black. Besides marvel tends to do contravresy Harry Osborn drug od. Black cat rape victim. DD's girlfriend Karen page had aids Tony start alcholic a black cap is straight up their alley. And the reason thor iron man giant man and wasp follow cap is out of respect for his past deeds as a soldier and the bravery and courge he displays every time they go into battle together and his leadership abilities. So yeah I see will smith as cap.

Samuel on Sep 10, 2008

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Hey Samuel, why don't you tell us what you really think?

DCompose on Sep 10, 2008

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So casting a black actor to play Cap A. automatically makes that an original idea… WOW!!! How original… Why didn't anybody come up with an idea like that before? Sorry, but just because you want a black actor represented more in movies and you think that it'll be cool if Will Smith plays the part, doesn't mean he's right for the part. That's what you call original and creative? Please….

This topic is about a Black C.A., but if the topic was Adrian Brody as C.A., I will still be making the same statement, instead of the color of skin.. it would be because he's not built for the role, does that mean that I'm against skinny actors? No it doesn't. If by me not agreeing to this means that I'm not open minded and creative enough then I guess I'm not. I guess you would be ok with anybody playing the role, because you would be open minded to anyone.

If what you say is true then that means that you've never disagree with a casting choice before… right? If you've made an opinion about a girl not being pretty enough for the role or he's not tall enough, or he's too young, then that's you not being open minded right? Because why should we judge an actor/actress base on their physical appearance, that they're not pretty enough, tall enough, old enough. Seems like that's your way of casting for movies….. in that case then I really hope that you're not the casting director!

I didn't name anybody who could play the part? Like I said, read the postings before you comment.

You said that, and I quote "YOU cannot see any blackman in the role." Obviously, you can't comprehend what I've said, so it is pointless to talk to someone who reads something and it automatically goes out his ass. Take the time to read and try to understand and remember what you read before you make stupid comments like this…..

Read and understand what is written…. try it sometime.

Omega728 on Sep 10, 2008

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Omega728
Are you really trying to draw a comparison between a person being skinny to a persons race or ethnicity?

People haven't been lynched for being skinny!

If by happenstance Adrian Brody was rumored to play CA I am sure you would bring you would be in this forum to express your displeasure in the decision. Adrian however skinny he is, the possibility is always there for him to bulk up, change his hair color get some contacts to create that image that you cannot escape from of what CA should look like on the silver screen.
Just because a person does not at first fit the picture you have in your head of CA you should'nt rule them out.
Lets remove skin color from this discussion for a moment. I mean when you first heard about the Iron Man coming to the movies was Robert Downey Jr. the first person that popped into your mind or did you have to mull over it for awhile? And then when he did such a great job in the role were you one of the few people in America that did not like the movie?

If your answer "Yes, I envisioned Robert Downey Jr. in the role" then your a freaken pychic! but if your answer is "no, the idea grew on me and once I saw the movie I was convinced".
Then that my friend is the kind of open mindness that I am talking about. A willingness to accept a break from conventional thought or societal norms.

And yes casting a black man or any other minority to play such and Iconic hero in American culture to me is creative! Because it deters from traditional ideas, rules, patterns and is a symbol progressiveness
I personally was not convinced that RDJ could do the job because of his movie resume and the type(by type I mean method actor) of actor he is. But yes I was convinced after I saw it.

And I understand that you are getting hot and heavy overthere but ease down on the verbal attacks unless you are truly are getting so frustrated with the conversation that you cant attack the argument only the man.

The real NuFF Said

Nuff Said on Sep 10, 2008

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Well Even if Ca