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May 21st, 2010
09:48 AM ET
'Captain America' to be filmed in London?
How’s this for irony: the forthcoming "Captain America" film won’t be shot in America. Not exactly patriotic, but the comic book icon, who’s superhero costume is made up of the U.S. flag, will be shot overseas instead of in Los Angeles because it’s more economical. Marvel Studios begins shooting “Captain America: The First Avenger,” which stars Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson and Hugo Weaving in July in London, where the story is partially set. But the studio, which was acquired by Walt Disney Co. last year, decided it was easier to do things this way because the story is set in Europe and will feature several scenes in London, but those tax incentives sure sweetened the deal.
Marvel Studios co-President Louis D'Esposito, who oversees physical production, tells the L.A. Times that he strongly considered Los Angeles as the shoot location – at least for the stage work. “I actually had location scouts here to see what could be done,'” he said. “But it would have required so much visual-effects work and set construction, it didn't make sense.” D’Esposito told the Times that Britain’s film incentive, which offers a 20% to 25% payable tax credit on qualified expenditures, was another factor. Marvel could not apply for a tax credit from California’s program because the film’s budget, which is about $140-million, would make it ineligible, he said. California's program excludes films costing more than $75 million. |
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Ever since Chris did a bit spot on Robot Chicken with Julian McMahon, I can't read something on him without laughing. Loved that he and Julian reprised their roles of Human Torch & Dr. Doom in that skit. All I can hear is Julian saying "It's the Fantastic Flamer !" and Chris shooting back "I'm the Human Torch you a– !"
All that aside, lets hope he does justice to the character. Good luck to you Chris.
A little history (according to Marvel Comics):
4-F reject Steven Rogers aka Captain America, was created in a secret lab in NYC in early 1941, after wards he operated as a stateside spy smasher until Pearl Harbor and went overseas to the ETO (European Theatre of Operations), under the disguise of Private Rogers where he fought on the frontlines of nearly every major battle of WWII. Until early May 1945, he vanished in the North Atlantic where decades later, he was found by the Avengers, he was frozen but thawed out and still young as he was in '45, became a member of the team, still fighting on into the 21st century.
I'm looking somewhat forward to the movie, I just hope they keep the costume as "Classic Captain America" like in the comics.
Every report of this story in every news outlet has reported the alleged "irony" of Captain America being filmed in Britain, when a flip through the comics or a simple Google search would reveal that the original story is set In Europe during World War 2.
It's almost as if, I don't know, the corporate news media invents controversy. Imagine that?
Quit your whining American's,whats your problem?
Why is it ironic to have a WWII movie filmed closer to where WWII took place? What kind of ignorant people post things on here? I cant understand why this would be a problem to film in London. Captain America is an American Soldier that fought in Europe during a war that took place in EUROPE!!!!! learn history before you talk!
Wow... someone said "public relations disaster"... I'm pretty sure Captain America is a fictional comic book character. Pretty sure.
Just try to give the box office those "fictional" dollars when you want to see the movie....
Nice work, California! Tax everything that moves and pretty soon nothing does.
what's the big deal? there doing it to save money it all makes sense who cares where the movie is made, as long as it is good is all that matters
This isn't something new. Director Joe Johnston revealed this months ago that they were going to start shooting in London by the end of June. What I don't understand is even though there are tax incentives, the British Pound is worth more than the American Dollar. So I wonder what the overall net savings or even cost is be by filming there instead of in the U.S.
Also I have gone on the Universal, Paramount, and Warner Bros. studio tours and all the tour guides say, "Why go there when we can build it here in the backl ot or sound stage" Why can't they rebuild certain London streets in Hollywood? Or even up in Vancouver where they rebuilt pieces of the Brooklyn Bridge and Golden Gate Bridges for Fantastic 4 and X-Men 3, respectively.
It makes sense. The only scenes that would take place in America would be the ones where puny Steve Rogers is going through the top secrte project to become Captain America, and that all happened at a secret military base (you could film that in a stage anywhere).
WWII was fought in Europe and the U.S. used England and the North of Africa as their stepping stones to that mainland, so it makes sense for them to film in London.
The only thing that worries me about this movie is the casting choices. Still not sure they cast the right actor for Cap, but I guess Marvel was looking ahead at the budget restrictions for an Avengers movie. Too many big name actors would make that movie impossible to film.
ah yes..England.......Where any boy can grow up to be Queen.
So ummmmmm.
If this movie is set in World War 2 and include scenes in ENGLAND what is the big deal???
I agree with good stuff, there was only ONE battle on American soil during World War 2.
Maybe the folks making the film are TRYING to be as realistic as possible???
Just saying...
What battle was fought on U.S. soil? Hawaii wasn't a state yet so technically there wasn't one... yes it was a territory... but not U.S. soil....
Yes, I believe that the only ground battles were fought on American territory such as The Phillipines, Guam and such.
That is shameful. This is going to turn into a real public relations disaster for the studio and this film.
the story is rumoured to be set in WW2. i wasnt alive back then so i only know of one battle that actually happened on american soil...
Gives all those British actors a chance to practice their American accents.
The Irony, indeed.
Tax incentives... well that goes to show everyone how some people will become sellouts for the right price.
What a disgrace to the Captain America name.