It was almost six months ago when I first heard this internet buzz about >Channing Tatum being considered (by rumours – not studios) as a suitable Captain America. And now
MTV Movies Blog caught wind of Channing once again talking about the buzz that he might be a good candidate.
After last year’s “Stop Loss”, three of Tatum’s next major roles feature him in various iterations of the US Military, including “Dear John”, “G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra” and “Pinkville”. Could Tatum’s public perception as the homegrown American soldier extend to the Marvel Universe in Joe Johnston’s “The First Avenger: Captain America”?
Sounds like he is comfortable with the elbow room in a typecast of “Homegrown American” and it wouldn’t be the worst career move. Of course when asked, he responded that if Will Smith wasn’t already offered it, he would love to start talks. I hope that he picks up a comic book between now and then so he knows that Cap is not a hip talkin Philly rapper, and that Cap says “YESSIR” and not “Hellnaw”.
Back when I first heard of this, I wasn’t exposed much to Channing at all short of his announced involvement in the G.I. Joe movie as Duke. Since then I have changed my assessment of him as a “dancer in a Ricky Martin video” and considering his career choices, he might be involuntarily grooming himself up for the role.
And I think that his military roles actually DO help him.
We woudn’t have thought of Chris Pine as Green Lantern, but then he is getting positive reviews in his portrayal of Captain Kirk, and his (apparent) ability to play a strong maverick who inspires loyalty with the charisma to lead is becoming more acceptable we suddenly think it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have him play Hal Jordan.
I think that Channing (as buff as he is) could stand to put on a few pounds of muscle, and he could be a convincing Captain America. He has shown he has the soldier look down, so it makes sense. Scrawny Tobey Maguire ripped it up to be a convincing Spiderman, so why can’t Channing? I am not in that camp that insists that Cap be a massive Liefield steroid junky, but he could put on some bulk.
But this is all just wild speculation since buzz might say he is a good choice, but the studios likely heard about him talking this talk in November and his agent isn’t on the phone.
