So let me get this straight. Captain America is The Human Torch, and The Green Lantern is Deadpool? Is there a shortage of appealing actors willing to play two of the most recognizable comic book characters ever, that the producers had to use actors who were already associated with other comic book characters? No offense to Chris Evans and Ryan Reynolds, two actors who have definitely earned these roles, but perhaps there are others who could have fit the part as well. I’m not saying that these two respective actors are not good choices, but here are my issues with them playing these characters, as well as some suitable replacements.

Chris Evans: Captain America

First off we have Chris Evans as Captain America, a role that at least to me, seems a little outside of his comfort zone. As far as I’m concerned, Chris Evans’ perfect roles are characters that behave as some type of comedic relief, whether through their actions or through a smart aleck attitude, such as The Human Torch. As bad as the movies were, Evans was great for the role, as he almost perfectly embodied all of the cockiness and impetuousness of the character. My problem here is that unless Evans has been choosing his past roles based on his interests over his acting skills, I might have trouble viewing him playing somebody as honorable and courageous Captain America. Its not to say that I don’t think Evans has the potential to make this movie great, but I think he also has the potential to put it on par with other duds like Spider-Man 3.

Alternative: Gerard Butler

Sure, he might be known as King Leonidas from the movie 300, but Butler has the personality to really bring the Cap alive. With his stern persona and admirable composure (assuming he still has his 300 body), Butler could have been a valid fit for the role.

Ryan Reynolds: The Green Lantern

This one was a bit tougher for me, as I’ve always been a Marvel guy and my knowledge of The Green Lantern is limited, but from what I know The Green Lantern, or Hal Jordan, is kind of an arrogant guy who is also capable of being the hero type. Its a tough call here though, as Ryan Reynolds might be capable of pulling it off. Looking at Reynolds’ track record though can cause some doubt. Many people may recall that he was the original Van Wilder (lol) and most recently, the king of wise cracking, Deadpool. Which is where my problem stems from. Reynolds was great in his limited time as Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (good enough to get his own spin-off), but Deadpool and The Green Lantern could not be any more of opposites in my opinion. It could be just me, but I love Reynolds as a wisecracking funny guy, and I’m almost discouraged to see him taking on a slightly more serious character, but who knows, maybe he will bring some comic relief to the ever so burdened Ringed Wonder.

Alternative: Josh Duhamel

Personally, I would have loved to have seen them follow the John Stewart storyline with Will Smith as The Green Lantern (the guy can do anything), but since they chose to go with Hal Jordan, I’ll settle for Josh Duhamel. When he’s not hiding from Fergie or making chick flicks, Duhamel is a pretty respectable action star (Transformers 1&2). Some of you may disagree, but some of those battle scenes in the Transformers series were pretty intense, and Duhamel was pretty convincing with being able to keep his cool under pressure. I think he could play the Green Lantern no problem, plus he kind of looks like Hal Jordan.

That’s all I have to say, I’d love to hear your opinions on whether you think the two chosen actors are good choices, as well as any alternatives you guys can think of.

“Hate the Ideas, Not the Person Behind Them”