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Rumor: Will Smith Offered Captain America

Posted on Monday, September 8th, 2008 by Hunter Stephenson

UPDATE: So, Harry Knowles says there is no truth to the rumor. Ohlalala. I do think Luke’s quote is trivial, but we’ll see…

Not much to go on, but during an interview with MTV, actor Derek Luke (Miracle at St. Anna) said that “[Marvel] offered Will Smith Captain America” and added that “it just shows you how times have changed.” Other actors recently rumored for the Marvel character include Matthew McConaughey (thankfully, not happening) and Brad Pitt (who’s also been mentioned for Thor).

Entitled The First Avenger: Captain America and set for a May 6th, 2011 release—just weeks before The Avengers—Marvel Studios President of Production, Kevin Feige, confirmed over the summer that the film will be a WWII period epic. On a recent /Filmcast, I was the only one who thought this movie would not underperform at the box office, believing it possessed similar potential to Iron Man. And compared to Superman—a character that’s even more alien in the context of today’s blockbusters and trendy manchild masculinity—Captain America seems like a smarter cinematic outlet to address the current political climate and state of the nation for a wide audience.

As for Smith in the role, I think it could work. He has the iconic stature down, and is generally seen as an all-American everyman a la Tom Hanks. Of course, this is where I’m supposed to blabber on about race and if it would be accepted by the mainstream, but personally, I think it’s lame and pointless to do so. “It just shows you how times have changed.” Maybe if you’re 30+, but I disagree with that statement per casting a film like this. I grew up watching this dude on TV after school (I’m not doing the theme song, don’t worry). Smith is one of the most successful actors of all time, why would he not be up for the part? Because it’s not Black Panther or a Green Lantern or Blade or an alcoholic superhero who flies? Laughable.

Discuss: Will Smith for Captain America (not just Isaiah Bradley)? Some commenters are equating the hypothetical casting to reeinvisionist history. Agree? And Clint Eastwood and Spike Lee, please sit out on this comment sesh, thanks.

To the reader who emailed me, no, I do not think my laughing at Candyman being recast as a white guy is hypocritical. Ha. Candyman was the son of a slave who was tortured for his relations with the white daughter of a plantation owner. Different.

Comments

Tyler

First Of All; I Am Not Racist... Will Smith Is Most Likely The Greatest Wholesome Actor In Hollywood Right Now(And Personally My Favorite)

But Like Others Have Commented Before Me... It's Not About How Far We've Come; It's Not Meant To Be "Politically Correct"... This Is Captain Frikkin' America People, He's An Out Standing Comic Book Idol For All Ages Who Have Known Him With Only ONE FACE... Steve Rodgers: All(1940's era)American Idol... The Race Issue Would NEVER Fit For A Black Man To Be Given GREAT Super Human Abilities And Be Recognized Heroically In The 1940's War-Era, When Everything They(White People)Did To The Race Was Degrade Them And Tell Them How Different And Worthless They Were(Mind You These Are Not My Views Nor Do I Take Pride In That Part Of U.S. History)

Will Smith Would Never Do In A Period Story Of That Of Captain America's, And(In My Mind)Would Make It A Big Whoppin' FLOP And A HORRIBLE Mark In The Great Actor's Career...

Thank You All For Listening And If You Want To Continue On In A Friendly Debate By E-Mail, Then Just Say So And I'll Pass Along My Info... Thanks Again! Bye:)

P.S. I Vote Brad Pitt :)

Bucky B

I just figured out why the Captain has that mask on!!!!!!!!!!

Natepack

It actually makes sense that Captain America would be black, If we were worried about historical accuracies. Obviously the government would have, and according to the comics, did, test their serum on black men before giving it to Steve Rogers, i.e. Isiah Bradley. I'm not saying to make the movie about Bradley I'm just saying that I could see Steve Rogers being black.... also think about all the extra drama that could surface throughout the story if Cap was a minority at that time.

Andre

Why not go all the way to cast Angelina Jolie as the Captain? Now that's what I call 'revisionist', 'TOTAL revisionist'. I still think Alexander Skarsgaard as a perfect choice.

iProtestant

derek luke got this idea from me:

http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2008/06/captain...

"i think will smith should play capt. america.

Posted by: iProtestant | Jun 16, 2008 7:29:32 AM"

it's still not a bad idea. so what if it's a bit revisionist. if smith played it as a black man from the 40s (it's a stretch, i admit) it would be good.

capt. america is a black man? in 1940s america? could be fascinating stuff.

Andre

Will Smith? The day Will Smith plays as Captain America, that's the day everything ended. Anyway, I've watched Generation Kill, and I believe Alexander Skarsgaard as a suitable prospect to play Captain America.

RGISNTHEHOUSE

if captain america is white just have a white actor play him. not that big of a deal people.

Vlad

Seems a little late to comment now, but oh well...

@ Lewis - I need to learn how to write? You need to learn how to read. So because I don't agree with Will Smith playing the national hero and propaganda tool of the United States government in the early 1940's in a period film that makes me a racist? Because you do agree with it that means you aren't one? Two words...flawed logic. I'm white and my wife is white...I guess that makes me racist too. You caught me!!

@ Matt - I'm aware that Steve Rodgers is Captain America. I think you read Lewis' reply and confused what he said with what I said.

ajt8503

Let me just say that I've never read any of the comic books but I am a fan of comic book movies. If it was going to be set in the present then I would say hell yes let Will Smith do it because I see him as being very All-American just like Captain America is. But since this movie is going to be set during WWII then I feel if you want it to have a historical feeling then I think that a caucasian actor would be a better choice.

[R3D]

ummmmm.... whats next a male Wonder Woman? i mean come on people Captain America is Steve Rodgers do that story. Don't waste my time with a re imagining. Plus Smith has Hancock ffs. I say do a Bourne like thing where Steve Rodgers was really a Nazi creation with flashbacks and shit of being experimented on, before being taken by the Americans. Making Captain Amercica a black man with his origin story.... which btw they need to do right. Doesn't make sense to have him as an African American in the European theater. a Black Green Lantern works. Do that, and when they make a Black Panther movie I swear if its someone in black face you'll all scream racism

marlow

@rooster

Thanks.

The letter G

@marlow

"Smith tells Rush & Molloy, "You don't have to be Jewish to be a friend of Steven Spielberg. You don't have to be a Muslim to be a friend of Muhammad Ali. And you don't have to be a Scientologist to be a friend of Tom Cruise." So what is Smith, anyway? "I am a Christian. I am a student of all religions."

rooster

@marlow

no its not true. i think he said it wasn't for him

Blackstar

Ok... well, if we have "come so far", why don't we offer him the role for Wonder Woman?

marlow

He is too old and too big a star, it would be a Will Smith movie not a Captain America movie. So I keep hearing the rumor on the internets he's a scientologist, does anybody know if this is true.
That would be enough reason to not pick him for Captain America if it were. I don't remember Steve Rogers being part of a cult before becoming Cap.

Frazz

all the people opposed to this have no clue about isaiah bradley do they?

Pat

WHAT?!!! HELL NO! I am seriously floored... If they do this, Captain America will be only the second DC or Marvel comic movie that I havne't seen (the other being electra) I don't want to sound racist but this is like making Superman black. You can't take someone who has been ingrained in our minds forever and just change it and think it will work. Captain America is an icon. Changes like this don't happen often but when they do, they fail. These movies and comics are products so I'm gonna use the first analogies that come to mind... Crystal Pepsi and that Green Ketchup. Both failed because they were the exact opposite of what people accepted for something that they've had all their life.

the comments by the person "Hunter is an idiot" are spot on. With any luck the outroar will make them withdraw the offer.

Pat

link me to that all you want anthony but it's a different Superhero. Just like Steel isn't the real Superman. Not to mention Captain America was created in the early 1940s and Isaiah Bradley was created in 2003. Nice try but you fail. Prehaps you'd like a movie about Obama's life... with an asian or white playing the part of Obama? Because that's exactly what you're saying here. oh and for the record, I've dated 2 Black girls

Baron Von Cheddar

I don't mind the idea of Sam Jackson as Nick Fury. Most up-to-date comics people know the "Ultimate" Nick Fury was tailor-made to him. And Sam sells Fury far better than most other actors out there regardless of skin color (sorry Hasselhoff but its true).

Unfortunately, Cap/Steve Rogers' history is linked to the political and social atmosphere of 1940s America. The actor playing him will need to be perceived as young, white, wholesome, patriotic and in prime physical condition. As well, in light of the failings of Brandon Routh's Superman, he needs to be able to carry the whole movie. Most of the names touted around for this role are unfit in one or more of these categories.

Anyone recruited for this role will need to make a Heath Ledger-like transformation to fit the character.

Bryan

Smith as Capt. A is a horrible idea.

As horrible as Bale playing John Conner.

Next they should cast Jackie Chan as James Bond ...
perhaps Michael Clarke Duncan as the next Spider-Man ...
perhaps Vin Diesel as Thor ...
perhaps Jet Li as The Hulk ...

...

Dave

This could actually work dramatically if they approach it from the angle of Will Smith's Captain America being experimented on without his knowledge. Suddenly Captain America is forced to come to terms with the fact he was used not that he was a wiener who chose to potentially be tough. How would you feel if you found out your superpowers were the result of experiments done without your knowledge that could have killed you? Though that may make it hard to believe that he would be Mr. Patriot.

Jeffrey L. Wilson

This is utter BS if true.

I'm black and enjoyed the concept of "The Truth", but by god, I want Steve Rogers, the picture of Nordic superiority, to be my Cap.

Besides, Will Smith would just be Will Smith, which would RUIN cap.

Lets hope this i rumor only.

Jeffrey L. Wilson

Apparently, Anthony, you did NOT read what I wrote. I'm a) Black, b) stated that I read about Bradly. The rumor didnt say that Smith would be playing Isiah--it said Cap, which, I assume, would be the one we're most familiar with. Settle down.

Peter

If you wont do it, I will.

"Let me tell you story all about how, my life got turned upside down..."

Oscar

Stupid. Let's think about this. If this movie takes place in WWII, still the time of Jim Crow, why would the US military and government pick a black man to be "Captain America?" A super soldier/living propoganda? It doesn't make sense, it doesn't jive with the logic of the time this movie takes place. America was a racist place at that time.

BTW, there have been multiple Green Lanterns, and there are other black superheros.

GOOFRIP

Well, to be honest, I don't think he should be Captain America. But then again, I don't really care because in the end whether they choose Will Smith or Leonardo Decaprio/whom ever, I'm still watching it. Now, about changing the character for Candyman, that's just brutal.

Crusher Creel: The Livin' Mace

As a black guy who HATED the concept of "The Truth," (sullying the legend of Captain America with revisionist garbage, plus Kyle Baker's artwork was a JOKE) let me put in my .02: Will is NOT CAP, sorry. Cap is a white guy. Remember the guy who used to be "Keen Eddie"? He would have been my choice. Brad Pitt wouldn't be bad either. Both are probably too old by current Hollywood standards, though. If this was 2002-03, I'd say Frankie Muniz as Bucky. Now I'm not so sure. They'd probably go with the Ultimate version where Bucky wasn't Cap's sidekick at all but a photographer.

Tony

I think Smith is the perfect role for Captain America.

jj gonzo

Are you F@#KING kidding
me MARVEL??? WILL SMITH sucks!!!
AS much as I want to see CAP
on the silver screen , I do not
want the "truth" story line told!!!
I have told you people that
NEIL McDONOUGH is the ULTIMATE
captain america!!! don't mess this up
I HATE YOU WILL SMITH!!!!

Matt

THIS WOULD NOT WORK!!! Captain America was the symbol of patriotism, national pride, and propaganda in WWII times. People looked up to, admired, and respected him. If this is a period piece set in the 1940s, how could he be black? This is pre-civil rights movement! It would incorrect and laughable to show 1940s america idolizing a black man.

BTW, Vlad, Isiah Bradley is not Captain America. Steve Rodgers is captain america. Steve rodgers is white. Isiah Bradley was a black man who they tested the super soldier syrum on. BIG difference.

McLovin

The thing I'm worried about most in this movie is rather than dealing with the Captain America storyline they're going to go far too much into racial relations in the 1940s than they needed to. I don't want to see this possibly great movie ruined by stupid plot holes being filled with political agenda. Politics+ Superheroes isn't a great movie. This is why, if Will Smith is cast in Captain America, I will not see it.

Lee

I feel like I need to dig up the comments I made when McConaughey was rumored for Steve Rogers.

F*CK NO. NO f*cking way, cmon people. If anyone really thinks this is a good idea then you've either never read a comic book or watched Will Smith in Hancock.

He'd cheese this thing to hell. It would essentially screw the hell out of the Avengers plan and summarily send the fanboy world into a friggin tailspin.

I refuse to believe these rumors hold any merit. Marvel might have made a play at him to star as a young Nick Fury? Maybe? that would be cool, maybe show him with the Howling Commandos. And they fight with Captain America but to actually have Will Smith as Steve Rogers would be epic stupid. Yes I said Epic Stupid.

The story of Captain America would be pretty much gutted in order to wrap it around Smith's big ass ears.

Has anyone of you actually thought how damn stupid he'd look with the mask on + those dumbo ears? lordy that would suck more than the X-Men Costumes. Oh wait Smith already wore that uniform in Hancock.

stick to original IP Smith, he's a great actor and has done a good amount of top notch work but this is not the roll for him.

Ryan

I can see both sides to the idea of a black or white capt. I think you can get a good story out of both scenarios, so as long as the story is good then go for it. I like the idea of getting a talented fairly-unknown actor for the role... for either a black or white capt america. When i see will smith on the screen, all i see is will smith, and i think that would totally deflate my suspension of disbelief. Doesn't matter how good of an actor you are. Some people just can't melt into roles as well even if they're great actors/actresses.. and will smith is one of them. So no on the fresh prince, but up for anything as long as the story is good.

gah

@Hunter

in ACTUAL Marvel continuity, the first Captain America was black cuz they didnt want to test the serum on a white man first. So....

Batzarro

Yeah, Mr B, you stole the words right out of my mouth. In pure movie cannon, it hasn't been established exactly what, if any, the relationship between the public and Captain America was. As far as Ironman and Incredible Hulk go, no mentions of "I remember Captain America" anywhere. Now, if they tested the formula on black folks first, and the formula was destroyed after the last test subject was innoculated, It wouldn't be stretching the story much to say the last test subject, Steve Rogers, was, in fact black.

That said, it's likely not happening. Wich is sad, because Will Smith+WW2+Marvel Superhero = Best movie ever.

dlb

I've seen wild wild west and independence day back to back

the only difference was that the squirly dude roles were switched

dlb

come to think of it I would prefer Will Smith over someone like Tom Cruise

ajadoniz

worst casting ever. And NOT just because he's black.

filmboy

most likely will smith will turn it down maybe he will play ayounf nick fury lol also the Ultimate Nick Fury is black i wouldliketo see will smith to play luke cage or black panther

charles

He just did Hancock. But whatever.

jimbo stewart

Expect this rumor to be shot down in a matter of days (I hope).

Chris

I get the iconic part and all, and you have a point, but....eh. Too much feels off bout Smith as Cap. He has this and that as positives, sure, but there feels like too many negatives. Would I watch it in theaters? No, probably not.

I dig the idea of Pitt more than anyone I have yet to hear of.

Justin

Right on.

Hunter is an idiot

"Smith is one of the most successful actors of all time, why would he not be up for the part?"

Because he's not suitable for the part, which is the #1 most important reason. Being a good actor doesn't mean you're suitable for every single role in existence. What next? Denzel Washington as George Washington? Kiefer Sutherland as Frederick Douglass?

"Because itâ€™s not Black Panther or a Green Lantern or Blade or an alcoholic superhero who flies? Laughable."

Laughable? What I find laughable is the idea that one can slot any actor into the role of a pre-existing character and expect people to cheer, or that the character would somehow make sense as a result. And no, it does not make sense to cast Will Smith as Captain America, anymore than it'd make sense to cast Jackie Chan as Black Panther or Marissa Tomei as Magneto. Will Smith simply does not fit the role. And making Captain America black for the sake of A) Political correctness, and B) for the sake of shamelessly milking off of Will Smith's fame is a gross disservice to the character. Captain America deserves better and so do his fans.

Gart, Bo

As long as will smith doesn't turn capt. america into will smith, like he does with most his roles, we'll be fine.

Ev

It works. I'd buy it.

Kip Mooney

Like I commented before, Will Smith can do anything, so therefore he can do Captain America.

Jack M.

i'll take the job if they're just pullin names out of a hat

Sam

Wait isnt Brody a ignorant jack-ass? Did I miss something? If not this is the worst and stupident comment you can make, welcome to the year 2008 punk ass.

Will Smith, Captain America, I say lets do it. Look at Sam Jack as Nick Fury, hes a good fit. I guess well see in 2 to 3 years.

Mr. B

Hee. I can see it working.

I think it depends on how Marvel wants to take the story. Imagine that while all of the Posters and propaganda reels of Captain America in WWII were telling a lie (stand ins and such), that the real person was secretly black. It then becomes a story about racism at the time and a man's struggle to fight for a country that is biased against him.

It would also add to the culture shock of Captain when he arrives in the future. He would have missed the Civil Rights movement and everything.

He's a character so whoever owns the rights to him can write him how they want. Regardless of how outraged the purist get (like Huey Freeman's "Adventures of Black Jesus" but better).

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