Are We Spinning Our Wheels?

First, big shout-out and thanks for the link in Zap2it’s From Inside The Box’s recent post speculating on the casting choices for Steve Rogers. Sure, I’m not a fan of them leading off with McConaughey, but who would be? (Anyone else raising a fist to the sky and yelling “MCCONAUGHEEEYYY!!!” through gritted teeth?) But they do mention other contenders, including America’s Actor, Jon Hamm. And Jon gets equal coverage to McConaughey, so that’s pretty good. It’s also good to know that Jon Hamm is absolutely whipping the other contenders listed in the poll they have going over there.

A fellow who linked to us on Twitter had a nice observation that I thought should be addressed. Even if we, as Jon Hamm fans, demand and advocate for Jon Hamm’s casting in the “The First Avenger: Captain America,” due out in July, 2011, does Jon even want it? A good question, to be sure. Are we wasting our time here?

I’d argue with a cautious, “No.” Look, Jon Hamm is a respectable actor who has obviously proven to have a great deal of range in the comedy and drama genres. The important word there is “actor,” which in Hollywood often translates into “happy to have a job.” At this point, of course we can’t say definitively if he wants the gig, which would likely include at least two sequels and prominent role in “The Avengers” due out the following year. But as a working actor who had his major breakthrough less than two years ago, perhaps it’s not a bad idea to join major superhero film projects that are attached to Robert Downey’s career rebirth, Sam Jackson’s turn as badass Nick Fury, and Edward Norton’s interesting take on the Hulk, and whoever the hell is playing Thor. So, the question might be, would Jon Hamm want to join a bunch of A-Listers in Marvel’s craziest movie gambit since “Daredevil?” The answer is likely the same as a different question: Is Jon Hamm an actor?

The man can do what he wants, either way, so let’s have fun putting a public face to this fantastic casting idea. And if he sends his goons to my secret loft hideaway in the midwest to shut me down, I won’t put up a fight. The e-mail address is on the contact page, so I’m just a few mouse clicks away.