'Captain America' Has a Director!
Filed under: Action, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Deals, Scripts, DIY/Filmmaking, Newsstand, Comic/Superhero/Geek, War
At last, First Avenger: Captain America moves forward! According to The Hollywood Reporter, Joe Johnston has landed the job of directing one of the most beloved superheroes in Marvel's canon. Get this -- he's been in talks for this for two years straight, and most of the plans currently swirling around Cap originated then, thanks to Johnston. So he's certainly put his time in on the character. At the present time, no writer has been hired, but the pitches are pouring in, so expect another announcement soon. The movie is still scheduled to be released May 6th, 2011.
Johnston probably isn't the most glamorous or obvious choice -- but, arguably, he's handled patriotic themes of Americana well in October Sky and the overlooked Hidalgo. But perhaps the biggest credit to his name when it comes to Captain America is The Rocketeer, which is nearly what a Captain America film should be. I liked what I saw of The Wolfman, and it could be that a big Marvel film is the one that Johnston's been gearing up towards. And that's exactly what Marvel's Kevin Feige thinks, too. Says the Man of Marvel: "This is a guy who designed the vehicles for Star Wars, who storyboarded the convoy action sequence for Raiders of the Lost Ark ... you can look at pieces of his movies and see how they lead to this one."
But we all know the truth -- the movie we want depends purely on who they cast as Cap. The man to wear the red, white, and blue is what will make or break this movie. Nevertheless, feel free to praise or criticize Joe Johnston, the man they call director, below. (Plus the guy did a pretty solid job on Jurassic Park 3! -- Weinberg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-10-2008 @ 7:39PM
Consequence said...
Johnston has had an eclectic career to say the least, but I think you are absolutely right about The Rocketeer being the film that matters.
I saw parts of The Wolf Man at Comic-Con 08 and it looked pretty amazing--although that could have been entirely due to Benicio del Toro's performance--so you're also right that the casting makes all the difference.
I actually wasn't keen on JPIII but then who can really compare to Spielberg? I guess we will just have to wait and see what Johnston makes of this...
Reply
11-10-2008 @ 10:35AM
Herff said...
I think this could work. As you said, a lot depends on who they cast as the Captain. I'm not encouraging the rumor mill, but has anyone heard anything about possible choices for the role?
Reply
11-10-2008 @ 10:58AM
jfarley said...
As long as it's not Brad Pitt.
I would look at Justin Hartley from Smallville (Oliver Queen)
He's the right build, look and approximate age (mid-late 20's)
Reply
11-10-2008 @ 11:09AM
Flonne said...
A fine choice for director! :)
Like Herff said, it's depends on who is cast as the Captain. I want someone who looks good in the suit and can pull off what makes the Cap so great, and not just another pretty young face.
Damn, wish I could think of a good choice. :P
Reply
11-10-2008 @ 11:39AM
Paul Nicholson said...
I honestly don't think the casting will matter as much as the screenplay. Lots of actors in Hollywood could pull off Captain America. He's not as super complex or conflicted as Batman, Ironman, or Hulk.
But the screenplay could really screw it up. If they try to go too dark and edgy or if they make it a cheesy smaltz-fest. It'll be a tough balance to strike, much like what DC is wrestling with around Superman.
Reply
11-10-2008 @ 5:04PM
Herff said...
While I still contend the casting of the captain is a big issue, given he will be the lead character of his own film and most likely the leader of the Avengers, I have to agree with you on the script. No matter how many talented people you get involved in a movie production, if the script sucks, the movie will suck. Plus once the script is written it could have a big affect on who they actually cast.
11-10-2008 @ 12:23PM
Mr. R said...
I hope he fights Germans in the 40´s. I couldn't stand a modern day Cap going after terrorists and driving a Prius...
Reply
11-10-2008 @ 1:01PM
John R said...
As long as Cap uses the same moves in "Marvel vs. Capcom"
"CHARGING STAR!!!!"
Reply
11-10-2008 @ 5:59PM
Adam said...
It's supposed to be a period piece which should be awesome. The first film should be about building the legend that is Captain America so that when he is thawed out in The Avengers you can easily see how this is the guy who will lead the team and is truly the spirit of the Avengers.
As a huge Cap fan myself, I personally haven't found someone I liked more for the role than Simon Baker. What do you guys think?
Reply
11-11-2008 @ 1:22PM
Paul Nicholson said...
Mirrors my comment below...Not sure Captain America could be played by an Australian...or could he?
11-14-2008 @ 1:04AM
roger said...
i have almost every copy of the comic cap has always been my favorite avenger i vote nathan fillion but he may seem a little old for the job love his little speech in serenity reminded me of cap then
Reply
11-11-2008 @ 1:18PM
Paul Nicholson said...
Here's an interesting question: Does Captain America have to be "American" meaning US? What if they pick a Canadian actor?
Reply
11-11-2008 @ 9:33PM
Alexa said...
Mark Valley!
He totally looks the part, and he graduated from West Point and served in Desert Storm.
Reply