John Barrowman as Captain America? Never Gonna Happen.
Comic Book Movie News, The First Avenger: Captain America (2011) Movie — By Nix on July 25, 2008
So Comingsoon is currently floating this rumor that John Barrowman, star of the BBC’s Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood, was just asked at Comic Con if it was true that he was currently up for the role in Marvel’s mega movie, “The First Avenger: Captain America”, playing, of course, Captain America. Barrowman (who is Scottish, but has a flawless American accent) said that Cap was one of his favorite comic book characters, and that he would love to play him. And in fact, he admitted that he had talked to his people about landing the role.
Here’s the article from Comingsoon:
John Barrowman, the star of “Torchwood,” was just asked moments ago at the San Diego Comic-Con panel if there was any possibility that he would be playing Captain America in the upcoming feature film.
He smiled and gave the stock answer that he’d love to play the character and that Captain America has always been his favorite comic book superhero. Clearly, though, the notion did not take him by surprise and he ended up admitting there had been discussions with his agents and meetings on that very issue.
All fine and well, and I actually think Barrowman, with blonde hair, would be a DEAD RINGER for Steve Rogers, but it will never happen. Why, you ask? Because as fine an actor as he is, and as great as he would probably be in the role, John Barrowman is also an openly gay actor.
Now think about the headache Marvel Studios would have trying to explain to the American public that an openly gay actor was playing one of the biggest icon of American fiction. Sure, Hollywood would probably love to do it, if just to piss off Ma and Pa Middle America, but Marvel Studios can’t afford the hoopla. Not with the budget they have in mind for this thing, and not to mention the “Avengers” movie. That’s TWO movies they have to explain!
Although as a fan of Barrowman (especially his work on Doctor Who — who doesn’t think Captain Jack rocks the crap out of sci-fi?) I would love to see him as Captain America. Alas, business will dictate that he doesn’t get the role, or even be considered for it. Which is a shame, as you’d like to think America in 2008 (or 2010, when the movie is scheduled to be release) could look past someone’s sexuality and just see talent, but then you’d be living in fantasy land. Either that, or you’re making your living in Hollywood.
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44 Comments
I wouldn’t mind. He is a great actor that can adapt to roles very well. Just look at his character in Torchwood. From happy go lucky boss, to angry kick ass avenger (climax of the episode ‘Countrycide’ for instance).
he can be whimsical, serious and vulnerable and play it very well.
No arguements here, he can be the Cap’.
As much as I would like to see an unknown do a Captain America movie, its too much of a risk and it would be disrespectful to all the other A-list actors coming on board that have paid their dues in Hollywood. People love to mention how great Christopher Reeves and Christian Bale did as basically unknowns but what they fail to realize is that it wasn’t much of a risk because Superman & Batman already had close to 60 years more or less of “Household Name” history each way before the movies came out. Some characters should or could be played by unknowns Cap on the other hand is an iconic character that has over 50-60 years of history but guess what he aint a household name(yet) like Batman or Superman. The average person doesn’t know who Captain America is. Let an unknown like Mark Valley(perfect choice) do Capn’ America t.v. series,it could be like “24″ meets “Mcguiver”. Brad Pitt is the closest there is to the “All American” guy and to Cap. Brad Pitt is a humanitarian and is “Internationally Known”,an unknown won’t do well domestically and deffinately NOT internationally.He’s too old you say,well so is too RDJ then besides, we live in a technology age were they can make Brad Pitt look like he’s 17 yrs old. So no more wrestlers and unknowns. That just won’t fit right with this already A-list cast and it would be highly disrespectful for Captain America.
I’m slightly mystified by the notion of disrespect here. So unknowns are inherently worse than A-listers? Then how does anyone ever get discovered?
I struggle to see why any A-lister would take offence to losing out against an unknown. If the unknown is good, or better for the part, then that’s that. Of course it doesn’t work like that – like you said, too big a risk – but I don’t think that’s a good thing. I think it’s a shame.
Thor Should be the only character in the Avengers’ line up that SHOULD be cast by an unknown. He is the difficult character to cast and his totally character(stature) should not be compromised. He is a god or an inter-dimensional being so he should seem out of place. Now as far as Hank Pym no unknowns for him either Leonardo DiCaprio is perfect for the part. Watch him in The Aviator.
As great an actor as he is, I think we need someone who can better look the part of a body builder, like John Cena, Triple H(yes I realize people think he would make a better Thor, but just think he has the right look for Cap), or even someone like Brandon Fraser, who has been mentioned as a potenal canadate for the role. Remember that the actor also has to look the part like Thomas Jane did with the second Punisher movie.
WOW, John Cena…What an idiot…He can’t act his way out of a paper bag.Brendan is way too old now. Thomas Jane is crazy, Triple H I won’t even dignify.
I am really sick of the stupid vapid comments that border on racism and bigotry
Torchwood, Doctor Who and Barrowman fans are voracious and devoted. The shows and the man tend to inspire that. So saying ‘it sucked’ is a bad idea, dissenters. At least say ‘I don’t enjoy it’ so you can have the moral high ground in debates about freedom of speech (trying to say that an opinion is an absolute is quite equal to saying your opinion should be disregarded).
I am in two minds, personally… I get the point that he is no Sir Ian. But I’d love to see him take a crack at it. And… well… comic books are not exactly devoid of silly and camp. And his name is Captain America. Maybe it’s just because I’m British and the notion of that degree of patriotism makes us feel vaguely uncomfortable and hide behind our tea cups, but I’m not sure how seriously you can take him.
But it is all moot, because this article is probably right.
There is a reason why they don’t use American actors to play very iconic British figures such as the Queen even though she is non-fictional. America isn’t an exception,Captian America Stands for what the priciples that America was founded on he is a symbol of America that is why some people find it offensive for a non-American to portray as America’s iconic symbol. Using an American born actor shows respect to the integrity of the character but also because of what he represents.No green card holders or anything like that should be playing as Captain America. There are plenty of American actors that can do it. All of the other actors playing as The Avengers or etc. could be played by whoever from where ever as long as they fit the character. The Same thing goes for Captain Britain. It would be stupid and disrespectful to cast an American as Captain Britain(when clearly Daniel Craig would be perfect).
What are you talking about? Daniel Craig is British!
Anya since you like John Barrow-Man so much.Let John Barrow-man “Take a crack” at playing as Captain Britain if they ever portray Captain Britain in a movie. OOOOh I’m sure he’d like to “take a crack” at that and Barrow- that man.
@ wicked fabala: yes I know Daniel Craig is British thats why I said that he would be perfect. To me it would be a slap in the face to have somebody like Tom Cruise, Brenden Frasier or even an American unknown to play as Captain Britain. Just imagine how stupid,disrespectful and unnecessary that would be when there are good British actors out there(like Daniel Craig) that could and should do it. No non-British actor should play Captain Britain and no non-American should play Captain America. It’s just that simple.
Christian Bale played Batman, and Ioan Gruffudd played Mr. Fantastic! No one had a problem with them!?
John has an American accent. He lived in the US for a good part of his life.
@wickedfabala.It just goes back to what I was saying that any comic book characters can be played by anyone from whatever background as long as they respect and fit the character right. Ioan Gruffudd was a horrible Mr.Fantastic,Julian Mcmahon was even worse as Dr.Doom and Jessica Alba not only was horribly miscast but her performance was weak also and yes people who are true fans and have been reading The Fantastic Four for years hated their performances. Christian Bale plays an awsome Batman he just needs to stop doing that stupid voice when he’s in the suit. Patriotic icons should be portrayed by people of that particular country. It has a lot to do with Pride for your country. Captain America represents the ALL American. It comes down to more than just acting, the actor must embody the essence of Captain America.A Foreigner just can’t do that. Its like letting a green card holder who wasn’t born in the U.S.,although raised here become The President of The U.S.A., that just aint gonna happen. The same is true for Cap.True Captain America fans understand. No disrespect to you.
Hmmmmmmmmmmm perhaps mentioning the government is not the greatest reference to representation of “all American”, or I hope that is the case.
Batman and Mr.Fantastic are indeed American characters BUT they are NOT Patriotic Icons. That is the reason why there isn’t anything wrong with casting non Americans do portray them
Personally, I would love to see John Barrowman as Captain America. He was really good in “Doctor Who” but he really impressed the hell out of me in “Torchwood” This is an actor who walks into a room and you know he is in charge. He really projects absolute authority and is just a damn good actor. Now sadley he won’t even been considered for the role and it’s not because he is gay. Believe it or not I think audiences could deal with that since he doesn’t “project” being gay. But rather I think it’s because he doesn’t have the star power of Edward Norton or Robert Downey Jr. Sure, with in small and specific circles he is well known but he isn’t a house hold name for most Americans. However, stranger things have happened so who knows.