I think I can safely assume that most of us want to see our favorite comic book characters portrayed on the big screen in live action adaptations, correct? The problem with this is the “unnatural way” these characters are drawn and created. This was brought about briefly in a comment on the John Cena as Cap post and there is real truth to that statement. Don’t get me wrong I love the big brutes that these guys are. I mean they ARE unnatural if you think about it. I mean they have been altered in some way by genetic testing, evolution, magic, etc. In some way their human form has been altered to an unnatural state. The problem with putting that on the big screen is finding the actors who have the “look” and the acting chops to portray these characters. You would have to cast body builders and wrestlers for every major character with the exception of a few like Spider-Man. And I think I can safely assume that most of us would NOT be ok with that.
I know a lot of people were very angry when Chris Evans was cast as Captain America citing that he wasn’t a good actor or big enough or had the right look. Let’s face it, this is a big screen adaptation of one of the comic book world’s most beloved heroes. How do you get that casting perfect? I think you have to be open minded to the fact that it is very difficult to cast actors with the right “look” and so far the casting for the Marvel films has been pretty good. Why can’t we trust them on this one? Thor is the perfect example. Even though the movie looks amazing and Chris Hemsworth put on quite a bit of weight for the part, he still isn’t near the size of Thor in the comics, but the movie still looks like it’s going to be a blockbuster!
The look and feel of a character changes with the overall scope of a movie and we can't expect it to be perfect, but it can be pretty damn good. Besides, how many different writers have taken on the characters in the comics? All our favorite heroes have had several different writers and minds create their stories and it changes with every person who takes on that character. They try and stick to a basic outlook but add their own vision to them. We need to trust that these new writers, directors, and most importantly the actors who play these characters will give it their own vision while staying true to the character. I think we need to stop looking at these actors and the characters they portray with an unflinching critical nature and allow ourselves to accept that Marvel and the people they hire to do these movies know what they are doing. I mean we aren’t there during screen tests and we aren’t there for the script writing or the interviews with potential directors. Once Marvel started to take more control of their franchises with the releasing of Iron Man, the level of the final product was elevated. Let’s trust that they know what they are doing, and if the day comes that one of these Marvel movies is a complete flop and is a horrible product then we can be more critical. But until that day comes, let’s just enjoy what is out there now and look forward to what is yet to come!
Now I know there will be plenty of opinions on this. I definitely look forward to them. I know I can’t appeal to everyone, yet I just thought I would take a chance and address my feelings but any criticism or thoughts would be great. Lay them on me, I always appreciate an honest opinion! Oh and be gentle this is my first article :)
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