
It seems that the mad rush to get cast as the iconic Captain America has officially begin. At Comic-Con's panel for the BBC's popular Dr. Who spinoff, Torchwood, star, John Barrowman let it be known that he wants a crack at the shield and blue tights of the First Avenger himself. That's right, "Captain Jack" is looking to trade-up for Captain America. (Although, according to Billy Joel, he wants to "get you high tonight" and "take you to your special island.")
Was he joking? Was he hiding truth amidst what may have been perceived as sarcasm? As the openly gay, dual US/UK citizen declared to the audacious crowd that was filled with Dr. Who/Torchwood fans: "You know what I want to play? Captain America" before adding that it "so won't happen."
While it may have been perceived as such, it's not that much of a joke. Spun-off from and tethered to the Doctor Who banner, the edgier and more explicit Torchwood continues to gain popularity here in the States, and sooner, rather than later, the studios are going to have to take notice. (Especially if Dr. Who's David Tennant lands the role of Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit.)
The bottom line, as MTV accurately points out, is that he has the look, the build, and adding to that sentiment, he's about the right age (42). Captain America, while having that "blonde, all-american" look, is also imagined as someone who has seen his share of battles over the course of years. While he may be young in the origin story, by the time we get to the crossover in The Avengers, he cannot be played by someone who looks like a college student. He'll be free from his frozen slumber, probably a lot more grizzled, in a world that he will no longer understand.
Sure, John Barrowman may star in a show whose main character is a time-traveling crime-fighter that has sex with anything with a pulse, while featuring plot lines that seem at times like a big-budget "skinemax" film. However, seeing him become Captain America wouldn't be as much of a stretch as one might think. While thus far, no names have even so much as graced the rumor mills, I have nightmares (horrible ones that defy description) of news depicting Ben Affleck getting the role. (If you've seen Daredevil, then you may understand.) All things considered, John Barrowman = Okay by me.




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dragonsky1
I was planning on skipping Captain America when it finally came out. But if Barrowman got cast, I would have to go see it. I love Torchwood and Doctor Who, and John is a great actor. He suits the role perfectly. And I would have no problem seeing him in tights.. :)
Dalimey100
John Barrowman would be a fantastic fit for this role. He is by no means an unknown (ps3 Darklighter). Doctor Who and Torchwood are two of the highest rated show in the UK, AND he first established his reputation as an actor in both the london and broadway theaters. He would be without a doubt well suited to this role.
His dual citizenship or sexuality have no bearing on his acting ability and what he could bring to the role of Captain America.
So all in all I'm all for it, and I think they'd make a wise choice in picking him
Dr_Killswitch
Barrowman was born in Scotland but raised in Illinois.
hostelowner
Well i watch this guy on Dr. Who all the time, haven't really watched Torchwood so i don't know but putting that aside he's a pretty good fit.
He looks the part and he's a hell of a great actor.
ComplexedOne
I would love to see Barrowman play Cap. There are few other actors that are already established that really could do this, plus for the people who aren't in to Torchwood, they'd get the treat of finding this amazing actor. This seems like a good idea to me!
MegaMark26
he'd be a good bucky/winter soldier/new captain america. he's no steve rogers/captain america though.
esotericsorrow
He was born in England, but was raised here in the states!! Just an FYI! He's the best fit that I've heard of, glad to see he's interested.
Goldenarmz
it would just seem odd, captain AMERICA .. amercias hero during the war blah blah... being played by a non american.... .but he does look like he could play him. I say Matt Damon! lol .
elasticviper
I can imagine people complaining that he'd be a terrible Capt. America because he's gay
He'd be great
PS3Darklighter
I am all for casting unknowns but sometimes a known actor is perfect for a part. That was the case with Patrick Stewart as Professor X, with Robert Downey as Iron Man, it was the case with Samuel Jackson as General Fury and it's the case here.
IcemanMX
I think Mr. Padilla should play Captain America.
-M
BigDogW
they need to find an unknown to play Captain America not some person who wants to play him
BigDogW
he should play captain Britain and leave captain america a to real american actor like Hugh Laurie (wait his is British too)
PS3Darklighter
Knowing that he wants to play Captain America I cannot think of anyone else who would be as good. This is like Patrick Stewart saying "I want to play Professor Xavier" in that the casting is PERFECT.
I know some people may have a problem with a british (or half british or whatever he is) actor playing Captain America but I say GET OVER IT HE'S PERFECT!
Also. . . Justin Hartley as Hawkeye for the avengers movie. . . make it happen marvel.
Displaying 1–14 of 14