Lyzsi SinclairP.s. "Comic Hollywood"...
After writing the first part, I realised I'd left out something that I had aimed to point out about the Comic Book/Hollywood marriage – the fact that the same actors are being cast in multiple different comic book roles. It's something I started to research into after it was announced that the actor Chris Evans would be playing the iconic Captain America in the up-coming Marvel film. At first I have to admit to being a little annoyed – particularly because Chris Evans is an actor who has been in practically the most comic book adaptations, (second only to Terence Stamp, whose CV includes “Superman”, “Wanted” and “Elecktra”).
Chris has starred in “Fantastic Four” and “Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer” as Johhny Storm (another Marvel film), and is also in future releases “The Losers” and “Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World”. I mean what does he have that is so special..? Or is it simply that he is the best guy for the job? There are so many actors out there, perhaps the studios feel that without a big name, there'll be no audience for a film – but we all know that's wrong. As long as a film doesn't completely destroy the source material, then there will be an audience willing to watch. If it does destroy the source material then heck – it doesn't deserve to make money!
The more research I did, the more I was surprised just how bad this issue was. I mean sure I knew a couple of names, but nowhere near this amount (and I'm pretty sure I don't have them all). I thought I'd share the information, so here is a brief run-down of the actors who have scored some of those sought-after comic book roles:
There are also many others including Matt Frewer, Jason Flemyng, Halle Berry, James Marsden, Jessica Alba, Parker Posey, Patrick Stewart, Peta Wilson, Alan Cumming, and Morgan Freeman. I know what you're thinking – a lot more than you were expecting right?
As I prepared this article there also came the news that the actor Terrence Howard was being considered to play Luke Cage in an adaptation of yet another Marvel comic book character. For those who aren't sure where they've heard that name before, Terrence was in Marvel film “Iron Man” as Col. James “Rhodey” Rhodes, close friend of lead character Tony Stark. Due to several different issues (money being suggested as the major one), he was replaced in “Iron Man 2” by the actor Don Cheadle, (a much better actor to bounce off of Robert Downey Junior in my humble opinion). With the money issues, and the fact that he's perhaps a bit “boring” (again my opinion) to play such a strong outright character with some serious power behind him; this is again something that makes me want to get down on my knees and BEG Hollywood to just give other actors a try. There are so many people out there who want to make it, and going with a big name isn't always going to work if it harms the film's success. I think I even question whether Hollywood care about the source material, or if it really is just all about profit..
So my P.s. Simply boils down to this:
Thank you all again for reading my “Comic Hollywood” articles. I hope you've enjoyed them, and I will aim to continue to keep you all up-to-date with comic book adaptation news, as well as all the other interesting going-ons in Cinema-land. Flix Out.
Chris has starred in “Fantastic Four” and “Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer” as Johhny Storm (another Marvel film), and is also in future releases “The Losers” and “Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World”. I mean what does he have that is so special..? Or is it simply that he is the best guy for the job? There are so many actors out there, perhaps the studios feel that without a big name, there'll be no audience for a film – but we all know that's wrong. As long as a film doesn't completely destroy the source material, then there will be an audience willing to watch. If it does destroy the source material then heck – it doesn't deserve to make money!
Chris Evans can now add the role of Captain America to his CV...
The more research I did, the more I was surprised just how bad this issue was. I mean sure I knew a couple of names, but nowhere near this amount (and I'm pretty sure I don't have them all). I thought I'd share the information, so here is a brief run-down of the actors who have scored some of those sought-after comic book roles:
Ryan Reynolds - “Blade: Trinity”, “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”, “Green Lantern”, “Deadpool”.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan - “Watchmen”, “The Losers”.
Josh Hartnett - “30 Days Of Night”, “Sin City”.
Samuel L. Jackson - “The Spirit”, “Astro Boy” (voice), (As character Nick Fury) “Iron Man”, “Iron Man 2”, “The First Avenger: Captain America” (and many others to come).
Nicolas Cage - “Ghost Rider”, “Astro Boy” (voice), “Kick-Ass”.
Jon Favreau - “Batman Forever”, “Daredevil”, “Iron Man” and “Iron Man 2”, (as well as directing some comic book adaptations).
Megan Fox - “Jonah Hex”, “Red Sonja”.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan - “Watchmen”, “The Losers”.
Josh Hartnett - “30 Days Of Night”, “Sin City”.
Samuel L. Jackson - “The Spirit”, “Astro Boy” (voice), (As character Nick Fury) “Iron Man”, “Iron Man 2”, “The First Avenger: Captain America” (and many others to come).
Nicolas Cage - “Ghost Rider”, “Astro Boy” (voice), “Kick-Ass”.
Jon Favreau - “Batman Forever”, “Daredevil”, “Iron Man” and “Iron Man 2”, (as well as directing some comic book adaptations).
Megan Fox - “Jonah Hex”, “Red Sonja”.
There are also many others including Matt Frewer, Jason Flemyng, Halle Berry, James Marsden, Jessica Alba, Parker Posey, Patrick Stewart, Peta Wilson, Alan Cumming, and Morgan Freeman. I know what you're thinking – a lot more than you were expecting right?
As I prepared this article there also came the news that the actor Terrence Howard was being considered to play Luke Cage in an adaptation of yet another Marvel comic book character. For those who aren't sure where they've heard that name before, Terrence was in Marvel film “Iron Man” as Col. James “Rhodey” Rhodes, close friend of lead character Tony Stark. Due to several different issues (money being suggested as the major one), he was replaced in “Iron Man 2” by the actor Don Cheadle, (a much better actor to bounce off of Robert Downey Junior in my humble opinion). With the money issues, and the fact that he's perhaps a bit “boring” (again my opinion) to play such a strong outright character with some serious power behind him; this is again something that makes me want to get down on my knees and BEG Hollywood to just give other actors a try. There are so many people out there who want to make it, and going with a big name isn't always going to work if it harms the film's success. I think I even question whether Hollywood care about the source material, or if it really is just all about profit..
Terrence Howard (Left) in "Iron Man".
So my P.s. Simply boils down to this:
Hollywood please take the wonderful source material and do your best with it. Please stop casting big names just because you think you'll profit more. Go out on a limb and find an unknown – or even just a lesser-known actor. As a plus side for you Hollywood, it'll probably be cheaper...*insert cheeky wink here*.
Thank you all again for reading my “Comic Hollywood” articles. I hope you've enjoyed them, and I will aim to continue to keep you all up-to-date with comic book adaptation news, as well as all the other interesting going-ons in Cinema-land. Flix Out.
