February 2nd, 2011
05:50 PM ET
British invasion spreads to superheroesWith the announcement that Henry Cavill has been cast in the next big screen incarnation of "Superman," the realization hit us like a ton of bricks (erm, steel): The Big Three of the superhero set are currently being portrayed by Englishmen. Holy bangers and mash, Batman! To recap: Christian Bale is the reigning Batman and Andrew Garfield is set to star in 2012's "Spiderman" re-boot. What's next? Hugh Grant as a floppy-haired, befuddled Hulk?
Don't get us wrong, we are giant Anglophiles here at the Marquee blog. We can't relate to anyone who's never seen "Ab Fab" and we're all drinking tea right now. But think about this: J.K. Rowling insisted that all cast members of "Harry Potter" movies be British. Do you think that those who defend truth, justice and the American way - even if only on celluloid - should also pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America? What do you think: Best man for the role and nationality be damned or U.S.A. all the way?
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Who cares where he's from... All I know is Henry Cavill is an awesome actor, and he'll do a great job playing superman. Loved him on the Tudors, and can't wait for Immortals to hit theaters later this year, and of course now that he's playing Superman, can't wait to see him in it too.
Proud to be an American... oh...and yes we own space too, so Superman is American!!! Lol
I don't care who plays these characters so long as they do the character justice. Henry Cavill is a great actor and I am looking forward to seeing what he does and its not just because he is an incredibly good looking man... although he is that as well.
Wait... @ Atlanta Roofing, are you actually suggesting that the main characters from Twilight should be cast as Superman and Lois Lane? Because that is literally blasphemous.
Superman is a fictional character, a comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon.[1][2][3][4] Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective Comics, Inc. (later DC Comics) in 1938, the character first appeared in Action Comics #1 (June 1938) and subsequently appeared in various radio serials, television programs, films, newspaper strips, and video games. With the success of his adventures, Superman helped to create the superhero genre and establish its primacy within the American comic book.[1] The character's appearance is distinctive and iconic: a blue, red and yellow costume, complete with cape, with a stylized "S" shield on his chest.[5][6][7] This shield is now typically used across media to symbolize the character. [wikipedia]
I often had found comparisons that Edward is a mix of Jesus and Superman. Also the new Superman comics modeled the character to look like Rob so I was very amused and happy about this news. I also read on ONTD that Kstew supposedly is contending to play Lois Lane. That will bring things full circle, even if I doubt that the rumor is true. We will know more about it by now if it was.
Clearly space is part of America, hence all aliens are American
Good lord some of you people are idiots. The only thing American about Superman is that he lived there. He was created by a Canadian and the character was an alien! The actor playing an alien is British, get over it!
When modern mythological characters that embody/represent the American Way such as Superman has for decades we hold those truths as our own as Americans.Growing up as children we admire those modern mythological comic book characters because they demonstrate and display heroism,bravery,courage,humanity and patriotism.The "Outsourcing" of an iconic traditionally American mythological comic book character strikes a chord within many that grew up reading Superman comic's and watching his exploits on the silver screen and tv.Perhaps in the age of I-Pod,I-Pad and I-Phone,I may be wrong,but I believe those truths and character still make us unique within all the world.George Reeves and Christopher Reeve will always be Superman in my book or I-Pad.Outsourcing Superman just stinks period!
Who cares!! As long as they look good in their tights!!!!!
I personally think the Heat, Celtics, and Lakers are overrated. As much as the NBA hates thr small markets, SPURS will win it this year! They have the best record in the NBA right now, yet knowone is talking bout them...just how we Spurs fans like it! GO SPURS GO!.....oh and yeah, the person who best fits the role should get the part in a movie.
Anyone remember: Truth, Justice and the AMERICAN Way?
Nevermind, Kitty did mention it.
Funny. No one seemed to complain about an Aussie (Hugh Jackman) playing Wolverine. Or a Welshman (Ioan Gruffudd) playing Mr. Fantastic. Or an Englishman (Alfred Molina) playing Doc Ock. And no one seemed to mind Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes. Bottom line: get over yourselves, Yanks. Actors are actors; such versatility is what makes them great. (And you can stick it, comicfan; Canada's own Ryan Reynolds is about to make a fantastic Green Lantern. Take that, eh!)
I can't see me playing Spiderman. I can't wear tights. I have GOUT & I won't be running much! Carletta won't let me go out at night either...Not even to fight criminals. She could care less and don'tuh givuh dayum about no crimes! If you call me to ask for help she will cuss yo azz out! UMF
USA is anything but truth and justice...open your eyes. Casting a Brit was a better choice in that regard.
The Coolest Superheros Vehicles is here http://www.moviesfan.eu/news/item/322-the-coolest-superheros-vehicles
The fit american actors are either too old or can't act or female.
I think Superman is probably one of the Hardest characters to cast. Reeves was definitely the closet they came but it seems the Routh and Cavill are to young looking. It may work with Cavill if they do a origin story like Batman Begins but I gave no idea what Bryan Singer was thinking with Superman Returns. Plus Zack Snyder is directing and he's done a great job with comic book/graphic novel adaptations
Who cares?
I say we get Camereon Diaz to be Aquaman and Danny Devito to be Wonder Woman!!!!!
I wonder how people would react if a Mexican had gotten the part?
I don't care where the heck they come from. As long as the acting is good, god bless!
Like someone here said already, Clooney almost killed the Batman franchise, so if it takes a briton to get it right, then go right on ahead and cast said briton.
It's a movie. As long as the parts are played well, who cares about the nationality of the actors?
I love Henry Cavill!!!
Kind of ridiculous with this British invasion.. Not cool.
Don't worry well be outsourcing our government pretty soon.
i thought roth wasnt a bad superman. i thought that dude fron dear john would of been a good superman channing tatum i think his name is
This is "Globalization" plan and simple. The producers want to insure that the movie will be a box office success around the world, not just in America. The best way to do that is to get an actor who is from another country. Boom, now you are guanranteed to have Americans view this movie, afterall this is SUPERMAN, and secondly you get the international community because you have an international actor. Just business, nothing personal. It is the way of the world now. We are not alone!!!!
Don't blame George Clooney for ruining Batman. That responsibility lies squarely on the shoulder of director Joel Schumacher. Clooney has proven to be a solid actor when given good material to work with. Batman & Robin was probably one of the top 5 worst movies ever made.
Henry Cavill will fail as snyderman! This movie is DOA! http://www.snyderssupermansucks.blogspot.com
1. Superman was created by a Canadian
2. Superman ain't human therefore NO association with any country
3. Christian Bale ain't from England he's WELSH
4. Brandon Routh played Superman and look what happened?
Heath Ledger – AUSTRALIAN OSCAR WINNER...
Yes but he's still british!
Superman was not created by a Canadian. Learn your facts real deal.
Yeah, and Christian Bale is English actually. I read that somewhere on the internets, so it must be true.
If you're going for nationality-only casting, it's going to be really tough finding an actor from Asgard to replace Chris Hemsworth as Thor... Just hire the best actor for the role!
where is emilio estaves when u need him
I agree with tobey.... I loved toby as spiderman. And christopher reeves will always be Superman!
Yo, the name of the country is the United States; America refers to the continent on which it is located. Who wants to be known as a United Statesian? We prefer to be called Americans. It is not an ego trip. So stop projecting your inferiority complex on U.S. As per the superhero thing: Clooney was clueless and looney as Batman. Bale is very good. Reeves has Superman locked down. But lets face it people, an actor who can portray a larger than life character is hard to find. Its not just looks. We have to shop around.
Holy racial stereotyping Batman!
Its not the best man for the job. The production team is mostly British..so they're swayed to go that way. I guess better that than the whole cast being Jewish.
have superman man portrayed by a Jew is excellent.'it's what Jerry and Joe would have wanted..both being jewish and all..and that superman (an alien...who is technically an illegal alien) was supposed to represent the immigrant experience in america. remember Clark Kent is the disguise superman is who he really is. and if remember my comic correctly the best superman stories where ones where he felt a discount with his adopted home. so who better to bring this depth to the role then some one who has experienced it.besides according to "legend" joseph goebbels denounced the last son of krypton...as a Jew.
ps stan lee and jack kirby were also Jewish and used that as an underlying theme in their works as well. it pops up
in very interesting ways..the doctor who created the super(and then captian America) was a Jew and so is Ben grim and shadow cat..even the most compelling super villain magneto is a Jew. and that's what makes him so interesting, having experienced the holocaust, he is driven to prevent it from happening again.
so
Superman is a guiding light for all mankind. It's irrelevant who plays him, or spiderman – or any other superhero – so long as the idea they represent – that of higher morals, values and bravery despite any obstacle, is accurately represented. That whomever plays them can be a rolemodel for generations to come, regardless of nationality or culture.
You have to ask yourself, honestly – what would Superman or Spiderman think of this conversation? How would they choose, if this was a comic?
We need an Hispanic superhero. The Brown Lantern.
American casting choices? if Channing Tatum would get his act together maybe we can a decent performance out of him. Maybe if Ben Affleck gained like 30 lbs of muscle he could work. I see Jon Hamm in this role too. He's very Superman. Michael Pitt is possible if he died his hair darker...or got a tan haha.
Precisely! Superman stands for truth,justice and the American way,not truth,justice and God save the Queen! It's insulting that again equally talented American actors were dismissed once more.Especially with a character such as Superman.In a time when many are coming to grips with unemployment,the economy and the impact of outsourcing of work to other nations America is feeling the pinch.Casting a British actor in a role that was portrayed by a list of American actors originally is a sign that times have really changed and we have lost ground in reality and the world of "Superhero's" also.No offense to our brethren from across the Pond agreed,just a sign of the times I guess.
since these were American born characters...they should be played by American born actors.no offense to our British brethren !
Timberlake??lebouf?? Dude superhiro do you even watch movies next your going to be suggesting kim kardashian play wonder woman and and batmans robin should be justin bieber
man u guys r a trip. All fightin over superheroes really? Cmon now i thought we had better things to do wit our time lol.
Yes...like making snarky comments in an ENTERTAINMENT blog.
Please don't make ignorant comments. Great Britain is England, Scotland and wales.. Therefore a person from any of these 3 is british! So saying a Scot or Welsh person played a Brit, is dumb! You mean an english person. Britain and england english accents are NOT the same thing! Brit simply describes a person from one of 3 countries..
omg, are you people BLIND?? just take a good look at henry and admit that you would enjoy watching him if he was in a coma, that's how gorgeous he is!! it's about time hollywood opened their eyes and cast someone you'd actually dream about after the movie!! Go HENRY CAVILL!! you're the best thing that happened to Superman!!
Isn't Superman not even American? He's from a different universe, isn't he?
If it's entertaining – I'll slap my money down and consume.
What really concerns me is how out of touch movie studios are with their viewers. Which is why I now view every movie I see with a grain of salt.
G
Yall are so uptight in this comment section. Relax, its ENTERTAINMENT. There are countless wars going on that yall could be racist about and weigh in on... Or epidemic diease outbreaks... Who plays Superman (and the nationality of his creator) should be grains of sand on a beach in the grand scheme.
Besides, I'm not so sure the comics gave the superheroes American addresses...
I know some did, but Gotham? The booming Metropolis Superman protects?
Where on the good ol' USA map can I find their cities?
I thought Tobey was perfect for playing spiderman. Spiderman is g@y and so is Tobey.
The part of Sal Paradise, the protagonist of the American classic On the Road, has also gone to a Brit. I'm wondering if the performances of these characters change when the actor didn't grow up here. Christian bale is a phenomenal batman, bur even with the American accent down, the films have kind of a sleek, euro vibe, no?
Rowling recognized that it's much harder for Americans to do British accents than for Brits to do ours. And not all were British – Michael gambon played a brit even though he's Irish.
The best got the job, how much more American can you get...
People are also forgetting that we lost the Green Hornet to a Canadian. You can't have a white person play Nelson Mandela and you can't have a non-American play the role of an American Superhero. There are over 300 million Americans, I'm sure there is at least one that fits the role.
Andrew Garfield is an American. Born in the U.S. of A. to a British father and American mother.
I think they should try a afican american actor for the job.
Yes..."afican" American actors should always be used for EVERY part in EVERY movie! Except for the next Tyler Perry movie. That should be an all white cast, headed by George Clooney, with Betty White as Madea. BRILLIANT!
Where as I don't think superman would work to well as a man of colour they definitely need to do a Green Lantern movie with The lantern being John Stewart instead of Hal Jordan or Kyle Rayner. John Stewart was one of my favourite Lanterns
@Jcvd LOL that's great...
It's Spider-Man, not Spiderman.
'Nuff said.
Bale has a history of playing great American parts – he is superb as Batman.
JK Rowling can pick and choose who she wants in her film. She's JK Rowling after all.
As for Superman, I have to say I'm not feeling this guy. I don't think he could ever channel the inner Clark Kent nerd with a gorgeous face like that. Brandon Routh looked the part, but the script was a joke.
I don't care if a Brit plays an American superhero, but I think Garfield and this guy don't quite fit the parts they've been casted for.
First of all, he's not a real person. He's a character in comics. Second, that character is an adopted son to our planet and to the ideals of this great nation. He's a beacon (in story form and to the reader) for all mankind to aspire too. That being said, who ever can deliver those qualities on screen should get the part and we should all be thankful it's not Nicholas Cage.
Turn about is fair play. Rene Zellweger as Bridget Jones. The English have just struck back. The US should counter with Charlie Sheen as James Bond. Check! English then counter with an All British Cast in Star Trek. Check! Then the US does a Beatles biopic with the cast from the Big Bang Theory. Checkmate Mo Fos!
What about iron man the new capt america and the green lantern. We haven't lost all of them. But I would have liked to see the man of steel played by an American.
Green Lantern is played by a Canadian not an American
Tom Welling IS Superman He has been playing the role longer than any other actor. At least an American was cast for the role of Captain America !!!!
Superheroes,really?
Of course you're ignoring the fact that Garfield, acording to IMDB, was born in LA, thus American. Ignoring Robert Downey Jr, half the cast of X-men, Avengers, etc. Other than that, you have a point.
Boo Hoo Americans are crybabies!!! Best men for the job. End of story!!
Well at least he is North American ; )
Ryan Renolds is Canadian
I was about to say that as well
I said it before; as long as they play the character as an American, let the best actor win. But the reverse should be true. Let an American play James Bond, etc., if the actor is capable. After all, a Brit hasn't always been a proper fit for Bond. Wasn't Connory a Scot and Brosnan an Irish?
why should he play the part like an American? Your assuming Superman was American – he was not and you are assuming he was from America and he was not. Metropolis was based on Toronto. So the actor should play Superman like a Canadian.
Ok here's thing though, metropolis may have been inspired by Toronto but the fictional city of "Metropolis" is in the United States but to further push the point of a nationality playing the character of Superman, it ought to be a kryptonian.
We all know (now anyway) that Metrpolis was based on Toronto. But what about Smallville... last time I checked that was in Kansas, which is practically the smack dab center of the US of A. Also, anyone who has really looked into the history of superman knows that while Joe's art direction was important superman was just as much, if not more a product of Jerry's experiences coming from an immigrant family, to the US.
If superman was portrayed like a canadian it would be lame. Usa all the way.
Dont't forget that Robert Downey Jr. is playing Sherlock Holmes. Wait, he is also Ironman, Ed Norton was the Hulk, and all the folks that playd the Fantastic Four, and one of them is Captain America, Ryan Reynolds is the Green Lantern. Much ado about nothing.
Actually Ioan Macgruffud who played Mr. Fantastic was another welshie.
And Ryan Reynolds is Canadian.
And the Green Hornet is played by Seth Rogen who is also Canadian.
christian bale is not english, he's welsh. england, wales and scotland are different countries that make up the geographic island of great britain.
That is true. He is British though and most Americans get that all wrong.
Christian Bale is English. He was born in Wales to English parents = English.
Anyway, these are the best actors for those roles, so who cares where they are from.
I'm pretty sure Andrew Garfield is from L.A. Just sayin'... not relevant to this blog.
Lol he lives there now but he's English born and raised
Why is this even an argument? Acting in a major motion picture is like any other job...the best man for the job will get the job, regardless of where he is from. People are being plain ridiculous with the whole "truth, justice, and the American way" means that Supes only defends the United States and leaves the rest of the world out in the cold, to fend for themserlves. That's not what Superman does. He is the greatest defender of Earth. Yep, that means all countries, races, religions, etc. Maybe the whole creed of "For truth, justice, and the American way" is the code that Superman lives by, because he was raised in the US, but he uses his beliefs to defend mankind, not just America. And further, Superman isn't really from Smallville, Kansas, USA...he's from Krypton. He isn't even human. People are morons. *sigh*
Lol Clooney did not do alright. You just must not have seen that movie recently. George Clooney basically broke the franchise.
There are great american actors who can play roles made for americans. The problem is most of them are drug users and spend more time at parties than at work. They give out academy awards to anybody.
Javier Bardem, Kate Winslet, Daniel Day-Lewis..........these actors are anybody???
Contrary to popular American belief. Superman was actually originally drawn by a Canadian and Metropolis was based on Toronto – not New York!
At least someone knows their History. Most Americans like to think everything in the world is about them bit it rarely ever is. That's right fellas Superman was originally Canadian. The US of A just needed his help more
Dk, you obviously don't know your history. Superman was drawn by a born Canadian. Yes, kinda. It was a team effort and Jerry (the writer) was American. And they were both living IN America when THEY created superman. So, superman was born in America.
DK...you DO see the irony in your statement, right?
He may have fully developed there but he came from Shuster's experiences in Canada and Metropolis was based on Toronto which is a Canadian city that he knew well from when he was a paperboy. I just resent the fact that the Author is far to gung ho on an American playIng Superman when Superman wasn't a fully American idea.
No 5inPfs I don't.
Apparently, he first drew Superman while still living in Canada and I think it is fair to say that he who drew him, created him.
@ Gweilojoe. You're wrong. Superman was created by both Joe and Jerry. Not just Joe. He might have made the appearance and costume. But Jerry created the character. If you read comic books at all you would know that the writer defines the characters not the artist. Plus he did not create Superman in Canada because the first superman they came up with looked like Jerry and I don't think he drew a guy that looked like Jerry before they even met. Get the facts.
LOL..no, I guess you don't. Too bad, it's quite amusing.
5inPfs – I know what your implying but there is no irony in what I said. Americans think everything is about them. Just look at this article. And where as Superman is part American he is also part Canadian. I just like to see respect where respect is due
this could be the worst article I have ever read
Outsourcing American Superhero's like American jobs! Even potential American actors can't get a job playing an American Superhero! Pretty bad when "Caped crusaders" have to break out cardboard signs that say "Will work for Heroic Deeds" at the local Home Depot!!!
I gotta go with super on this one, except the george clooney part. I think he did alright. Now arnold schwarznegger as mr. Freeze? 'everyone, chill'? That had to be the worst casting ever
Umm? Ashton Kutcher as superman are you kidding? He weighs like 90 lbs. None of those guys have the build to be superman.
Justin Long, Justin Timberlake, Paul Walker, Ashton Kutcher, Shia Lebouf, Josh Duhamel. Anyone of them could have brought the role to live.
You should not cast movies
sorry billy, every single person you named would be horrible for that part. never go into the show business.
Maybe for an SNL skit, but that's about it.
Why cant we get a decent native american actor in a mainstream movie like this? afk for a pow wow
USA-Keep the damn citizens hired/jobs here-END OF STORY !!!
We should focus more on the lost of manufacturing jobs. We don't make anything here anymore. People seem to be missing the big picture here. Its just a movie that doesn't really effect our everyday lives. Get outraged about something important for god sake!
Like Super said. Whoever is the best for the role gets the part. Who cares where they are from?
I find it hard to believe that in the US of A, there are no ACTORS quilified to play a superhero? Hmmmmm!!! Men of America, whats up?
liked tobey as spiderman christian is fantástic as batman reeve will always be superman
Maybe if Bale wasn't GROWLING the whole time he would have been a decent Batman!
Are you kidding? The best man for the job gets the job. Period. Otherwise we get stupid stuff like George frickin Clooney as Batman. Clooney for christ sake!
Your right clooney sucks