New Supes is...(part 2)

[yojoebro82]

The Captain said we could feel free to start a new topic if we actually wanted to discuss the new Superman so here it is (please, just no one even mention Superman Returns).

 

I was reading this article about how all the superhero rolls are going to Brits and Aussies:

http://movies.yahoo.com/news/movies.reuters.com/american-superheroes-missing-hollywood-reuters

 

I thought it was particularly interesting when one fanboy proclaimed he would not see a Superman movie with someone other than an American playing him.

 

What do you all think of this?

 

I agree Supes should be American through and through. If the character on screen is trying to hide a British accent and waving the British flag, that is obviously a no-no. But, personally, I'm OK with any actor playing him as long as they can pull off the roll accent-free and the story is true to the character (See Bale's Batman, Jackman's Wolverine, etc).

 

As for not watching a Superman being played by a non american, better go ahead an ebay all those DCUC Superman figures. Their country of origin is ALSO non American.

[cjflan32]

The Captain said we could feel free to start a new topic if we actually wanted to discuss the new Superman so here it is (please, just no one even mention Superman Returns).

 

Why? The "truth" is we all have different opinions on Superman Returns and those of us still around to talk about it can handle other people's point of view.

 

I was reading this article about how all the superhero rolls are going to Brits and Aussies:

http://movies.yahoo....llywood-reuters

 

I thought it was particularly interesting when one fanboy proclaimed he would not see a Superman movie with someone other than an American playing him.

 

What do you all think of this?

 

I agree Supes should be American through and through. If the character on screen is trying to hide a British accent and waving the British flag, that is obviously a no-no. But, personally, I'm OK with any actor playing him as long as they can pull off the roll accent-free and the story is true to the character (See Bale's Batman, Jackman's Wolverine, etc).

 

As for not watching a Superman being played by a non american, better go ahead an ebay all those DCUC Superman figures. Their country of origin is ALSO non American.

 

It's acting. A British actor should be able to handle playing an American icon. Though I doubt he will be made a symbol of American values so it shouldn't be a big deal.

[Dragon66]

From what I have seen of his work, he is a good actor. It always seems easier for a British/Scottish/Irish/Ausralian actor to play a role with an American accent than vice versa.

[featofstrength]

I was reading this article about how all the superhero rolls are going to Brits and Aussies:

http://movies.yahoo....llywood-reuters

 

I thought it was particularly interesting when one fanboy proclaimed he would not see a Superman movie with someone other than an American playing him.

 

What do you all think of this?

 

I agree Supes should be American through and through. If the character on screen is trying to hide a British accent and waving the British flag, that is obviously a no-no. But, personally, I'm OK with any actor playing him as long as they can pull off the roll accent-free and the story is true to the character (See Bale's Batman, Jackman's Wolverine, etc).

 

As for not watching a Superman being played by a non american, better go ahead an ebay all those DCUC Superman figures. Their country of origin is ALSO non American.

 

It's acting. A British actor should be able to handle playing an American icon. Though I doubt he will be made a symbol of American values so it shouldn't be a big deal.

 

Superman's half Canadian on the Shuster side anyways...

[Rockzilla]

I can't say I'm thrilled with the choice of Cavill, but he is a far better actor than BJ Routh.

 

 

[Jangonate]

Hhhmmm, could an American actor play James Bond?

 

I'm cool with the casting decision. I think he has the look. Can't wait till we start getting pics of suits and what not, though I know that's a ways down the road.

[Rollo Tomassi]

I don't see how anyone can demonize an actor's performance before one frame of film has been shot.

[featofstrength]

I don't see how anyone can demonize an actor's performance before one frame of film has been shot.

 

I felt the same way when they announced "Corky Romano"

[Doom Saber]

I have noticed that are casting a lot of brits as superheroes. For instance, Andrew Garfield is british and is playing Peter Parker. However, him, Bale, and the guy playing superman all look the part, so there shouldn't be a problem with that though I can see why people are mad.

[Doom Saber]

This topic reminds me of how like how certain asian groups complain when an asian from one ethnicity plays a role of another. With that said, I guess no matter who is casted in whatever movie, someone is going to hate.

[MasterJailer]

Hhhmmm, could an American actor play James Bond?

 

 

 

Barry Nelson, an American actor, was the first to play the role of James Bond. He did so in a television movie during the mid-fifties, I believe. I've never seen this production and I'm not sure if this version of Bond was intended to be British or not.

[yojoebro82]

Hhhmmm, could an American actor play James Bond?

 

I'm cool with the casting decision. I think he has the look. Can't wait till we start getting pics of suits and what not, though I know that's a ways down the road.

 

I agree with what you said about the Supes casting.

 

As for your Bond question, if he can pull of the accent, looks the part, and is a good actor, yes!

[Wheeljack35]

I guess i'm the only one who didn't have a problem with Superman Returns or Brandon Routh

[Capt.S.G.Wiseman]

The topic was, and is now about the NEW SUPERMAN and the new direction Zack Snyder is taking this franchise. Any ideas about that would be on topic.

 

Discussing why past Superman films failed in the past is considered OFF TOPIC. ...

 

Any new info, or opinions about what you want this film to be are very welcome in this thread.

[Wheeljack35]

The topic was, and is now about the NEW SUPERMAN and the new direction Zack Snyder is taking this franchise. Any ideas about that would be on topic.

 

Discussing why past Superman films failed in the past is considered OFF TOPIC. ...

 

Any new info, or opinions about what you want this film to be are very welcome in this thread.

 

Like it or not people will always talk about previous Superman incarnations.

 

Hell we all want Chris Reeve but there is no way that will ever happen again

[Jmacq1]

Heh, I can almost guarantee you that if Christopher Reeve were just starting as Superman today, and someone popped up a picture of him in the original suit he wore in his movies, you'd have fanboys crying from one end of the internet to the other that he's "too scrawny" or "needs to seriously bulk up" or "looks gay." It's just the nature of the beast at this point.

 

Anyway, as for a Brit playing Superman: They're actors getting paid to act a role. While I do believe that casting the "proper" national origin/ethnicity can be a bonus for certain roles (mostly the roles of genuine historical figures), most superhero roles (with the possible exception of the "national" heroes) aren't among them. Superman isn't kind, just, and responsible simply because he's American. He's kind, just, and responsible because he's a good person that was raised by good people, immaterial of their national origin. Ma and Pa Kent didn't stick an American flag in little Clark's hand and spend 18 years telling him "Rah rah America we're the greatest!" They taught him about the fruits of honest labor, about being kind to your fellow man, and about using your gifts and talents responsibly. More importantly they accepted and loved him unconditionally despite his strange origins and abilities. These virtues are not exclusive to Americans.

 

Superman fighting for "Truth, Justice, and The American Way" was a great sound-bite during the Cold War but you know what? It didn't even exist until the 1942 Radio serial, and even then it disappeared when World War II started turning in the US favor, only to be revived during the Cold War in the 1950's George Reeves television series. In the old Max Fleischer cartoons (the first on-screen incarnation) he fought "A never-ending battle for truth and justice." In the 1948 serial he used his powers "in the interests of truth, tolerance and justice." The 1966 cartoon had him fighting for "truth, justice, and freedom." Lois and Clark brought it back to just "truth and justice" and I don't recall people making a political stink about it at the time. Another funny bit of trivia? If you look back at the earliest Superman stories from Siegel and Shuster...Superman is seriously a borderline Socialist. He was big on "redistributing wealth" to poor people during the Depression, often facing down corrupt slumlords, politicians and businessmen as often as he faced down "super-villains."

 

What is "The American Way" anyhow? Not to get too political, but it seems like even the people of our country can't agree on just what it is.

 

So anyway, I'm fine with Cavill. He looks good, he's a decent actor from what I've seen of him on The Tudors. 8-10 years ago I would have said cast him as Dick Grayson/Nightwing, but he looks to have grown up into "Superman" well enough. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to write up my "Rachel McAdams for Lois Lane" and "Jon Hamm for Lex Luthor" petitions.

 

PS: On a side note, much of my information on "what Superman has fought for" was gleaned from a New York Times article you can find here if anyone's interested, though it's mostly re-iterating what I said above.

[CaptainTriumph]

Hhhmmm, could an American actor play James Bond?

 

 

 

Barry Nelson, an American actor, was the first to play the role of James Bond. He did so in a television movie during the mid-fifties, I believe. I've never seen this production and I'm not sure if this version of Bond was intended to be British or not.

Yes he did. It was Casino Royale made in 1956 for Climax! theatre.

 

But they did call him Jimmy Bond and he played him as an American. He really wasn't the Bond that we know and love.

[featofstrength]

The topic was, and is now about the NEW SUPERMAN and the new direction Zack Snyder is taking this franchise. Any ideas about that would be on topic.

 

Ah yes, thanks for the reminder that, no matter who plays Superman, there's still a 100% chance of suck with Zack Snyder at the reigns. The so-called "visionary" director of "300" (or "Boobs, Pecs, and Freaks: Homoeroticism For Both Sides of the Fence.") and "Watchmen" ( Visionary Zack -Make the blue weiner more prominent! Dang, that woulda looked great in 3D and, oops, ran out of money to do more convincing old-age makeup! - Snyder)

 

Time will tell but, as far as his past projects go, I'd rather not exchange Superman's heart for more slo-mo fight sequences and a movie that I get all I need to from in the trailer.

 

Though I will admit i didnt see his talking owl movie...how many slo-mo moments were in that one?

 

What is "The American Way" anyhow? Not to get too political, but it seems like even the people of our country can't agree on just what it is.

The American Way, which died during the early 1960's, is pre-Crisis Superman kicking a Tojo(or any other sterotype "minority") in the teeth for "actin' a fool."

[CaptainTriumph]

The topic was, and is now about the NEW SUPERMAN and the new direction Zack Snyder is taking this franchise. Any ideas about that would be on topic.

 

Ah yes, thanks for the reminder that, no matter who plays Superman, there's still a 100% chance of suck with Zack Snyder at the reigns. The so-called "visionary" director of "300" (or "Boobs, Pecs, and Freaks: Homoeroticism For Both Sides of the Fence.") and "Watchmen" ( Visionary Zack -Make the blue weiner more prominent! Dang, that woulda looked great in 3D and, oops, ran out of money to do more convincing old-age makeup! - Snyder)

 

Time will tell but, as far as his past projects go, I'd rather not exchange Superman's heart for more slo-mo fight sequences and a movie that I get all I need to from in the trailer.

 

Though I will admit i didnt see his talking owl movie...how many slo-mo moments were in that one?

So I take it your not a fan of Zack Snyder?

[yojoebro82]

Well the only Zack Snyder movie I've seen is 300 and I have to admit I loved it. You'd have to hope he'll go a bit less.....over the top(?) with the testosterone in Superman. It's just not the same kind of movie that 300 is. With Nolan in charge of it, I'll just trust that he found the right director and lead man for the movie. If he didn't feel they were right for it, they would not have been hired.

[featofstrength]

With Nolan in charge of it, I'll just trust that he found the right director and lead man for the movie. If he didn't feel they were right for it, they would not have been hired.

 

When asked if he was a god, Nolan said "Yes."

 

I know im in the minority here, but I'm no fan of his either.

 

Spinning top, my ass...let's hope Superman is a bit more imaginative.

[Wheeljack35]

Heh, I can almost guarantee you that if Christopher Reeve were just starting as Superman today, and someone popped up a picture of him in the original suit he wore in his movies, you'd have fanboys crying from one end of the internet to the other that he's "too scrawny" or "needs to seriously bulk up" or "looks gay." It's just the nature of the beast at this point.

 

I was 12 when the first Christopher Reeve movie came out.The only Superman we had to compare was George Reeves....and that was from the 50's at that point in time Chris was a refreshing change

[Jmacq1]

Heh, I can almost guarantee you that if Christopher Reeve were just starting as Superman today, and someone popped up a picture of him in the original suit he wore in his movies, you'd have fanboys crying from one end of the internet to the other that he's "too scrawny" or "needs to seriously bulk up" or "looks gay." It's just the nature of the beast at this point.

 

I was 12 when the first Christopher Reeve movie came out.The only Superman we had to compare was George Reeves....and that was from the 50's at that point in time Chris was a refreshing change

 

That's all well and good, but my point was more about the nature of the internet/fandom than Christopher Reeve's ability to pull off the role. You also didn't have the internet back then...because I'm betting there would have been plenty of people making those exact claims (especially since by many accounts Christopher Reeve really WAS scrawny when he first won the role).

 

Superman, and in all truth most superheroes in general are IMPOSSIBLE to cast "perfectly." There will always be a contingent that hates any casting decision made (Even Bale as Batman and Ledger as Joker have plenty of detractors). The reason for this is simple: Superheroes are perfect. Physically, morally, often intellectually. I don't mean to imply that the characters don't have flaws, but more in the sense that they are idealized in ways that no actual human being could ever hope to emulate. Nobody can ever truly "bulk up" to the level that comic-book superheroes traditionally have without becoming rampant steroid abusers, because real people aren't built that way.

 

Add to that the sense of "ownership" that the most fervent fans feel over the characters they're passionate about, and it often becomes nearly a no-win situation where the "hardcore" fanbase is concerned. That's why movies are geared towards general audiences, who will normally be happy with "good enough" as opposed to segments of the entrenched fandom who demand absolute perfection and decry any decision that does not mirror what THEY would have done if they controlled the property as "crap" sight-unseen.

[Wheeljack35]

 

That's all well and good, but my point was more about the nature of the internet/fandom than Christopher Reeve's ability to pull off the role. You also didn't have the internet back then...because I'm betting there would have been plenty of people making those exact claims (especially since by many accounts Christopher Reeve really WAS scrawny when he first won the role).

 

 

Not only the scrawy looking features but the facial features

 

This new guy is prejudged for the way he looks but he can bulk up a bit

 

I will wait to see him in full costume, appearance is half of it and then we need to see how he acts to find out the rest

[ARROW]

Add to that the sense of "ownership" that the most fervent fans feel over the characters they're passionate about, and it often becomes nearly a no-win situation where the "hardcore" fanbase is concerned. That's why movies are geared towards general audiences, who will normally be happy with "good enough" as opposed to segments of the entrenched fandom who demand absolute perfection and decry any decision that does not mirror what THEY would have done if they controlled the property as "crap" sight-unseen.

 

That "sense of ownership" thing has always puzzled me. Ownership implies that something will be DONE with the thing....not just holding in place or crystallizing it.

Fandom doesn't do anything with creations like Superman--all they do is consume them--which I suppose is where the hallucination comes into play.

Even as a creator working on stuff like Superman, I don't feel like I have ownership of the characters.

If anything, I get to play with them for a bit, but they are NOT mine. Most pros are like that.

 

Maybe its a sense of custodianship there, but its certainly a step up from just fannish consumption.

I think that is why most fans are simply ignored in the process (which incenses them, of course) but that is how it is.

 

To that end, I don't have a problem with this new casting. I think the guy looks the part.........we'll see in time if he can act the part. I don't think he has to step into Chris Reeve's boots--because there's been several different Supermen since Reeves so there's freedom for his own interpretation.