Jon Hamm Should Play Captain America Invades the Conan Rally

Hey everybody, welcome back to the Hammblog! We’ve been off on our nation-wide tour to spread good word about casting Jon Hamm in the upcoming Captain America movie, so we haven’t had much time to post here in the last few months.

I wanted to share with you all the greatest success yet of the tour. Today, hundreds of fans of talk show personality Conan O’Brien gathered in NYC, Seattle, LA and Chicago to rally behind their favorite late night host while his tenure hurtles to a premature demise. If you haven’t been keeping up, The Jay Leno Show has been canceled and it is all but a done deal to put Jay back at The Tonight Show and serve Conan his walking papers. Fans across the nation have pledged their support for Conan as the behind-the-scene battle between Conan and NBC rages on, with over 250K having joined the “I’m with CoCo” Facebook group.

I attended the rally to serve a dual purpose: support Team Conan as a gesture to NBC that they have once again bungled their programming schedule and disappointed audiences, and spread the word about Jon Hamm being the single greatest actor who should play Captain America. It was a rousing success, as folks took pictures, I did an interview with Chicago public radio, and our sign can be clearly seen in the back of the local ABC news broadcast.

If nothing else, I would hope that Conan would see a picture of our sign and get a chuckle out of it. He’s made me laugh for so many years, I’d be honored to make him laugh even once.

Here are some pics of the signs!

A Hamm-less ‘Star Trek’ explodes this Summer season!

Well, here we are. The sci-fi tentpole “Star Trek” reboot from director J.J. Abrams has been in theaters for only a few days, and it is well on it’s way to obliterating the box office receipts of the previous ten Trek films. Critics adore it, fans approve of it, and audiences are flocking to it.

Poor “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” started strong last weekend, but had a steep dropoff of nearly 70% in the second weekend. While it is a decent popcorn actioner, the story lacks the heart, depth, and broad appeal that Star Trek apparently has, so look for the space exploration adventure to hold a bit steadier than “Wolverine” for its second week.

Not much Jon Hamm or “Captain America” news this last week, but I wonder if the critical smash “Star Trek” remake could have used a little more charm from somewhere….

Eh. Well, maybe.

Marvel Movies Update; Bad Timing for Hamm?

Comingsoon.net dispensed some details about the Marvel properties getting the Hollywood treatment through 2012 after listening to Marvel’s quarterly earnings call this week. Kenneth Branagh’s “Thor” starts filming in Q1 2010, and Joe Johnston’s “The First Avenger: Captain America” will start filming in summer 2010. Cast confirmations will be coming sooner for “Thor” than for “Captain America,” it seems. So figure that Steve Rogers will have a prominent role in “The Avengers,” what with him being the leader of the team, and all that. And whoever stars in “Captain America” will probably jump right into “The Avengers.”

The Tiny Cast of Mad Men

This may not play so well for our guy, Jon Hamm, depending on how his “Mad Men” schedule works out. Season three of the series about 60s-era Madison Avenue advertising execs just started filming a week ago, and it will premiere on AMC in August. If a fourth season is a go and films on the same timetable, it is possible that Jon Hamm would not be able to film Mad Men in the spring, then leap into Captain America, then film The Avengers, and then back to a possible fifth season of the show.

Anything is possible, of course, but it is something to keep in mind. The good thing is that we still won’t have casting news of Captain America easily until Autumn of this year. Let’s just keep spreading the word and being positive. Don’t forget, Jon Hamm Should Play Captain America!

Jon Hamm Versus Will Smith

Welcome to “Jon Hamm Versus,” where we will take a look at possible contenders for the lead role of Steve Rogers/Captain America in the upcoming film “The First Avenger: Captain America,” slated for release on July 22, 2011. Next up, we look at the powerhouse blockbuster-making man-of-the-year Hollywood VIP movie star Mr. July, Will Smith.

Will Smith’s name has easily been tossed around for the role of Captain America/Steve Rogers since about 1996. And it’s pretty safe to say just about every Hollywood studio has put the Fresh Prince’s name at the top of their casting list for nearly every greenlit script since then. It’s just like when you’re a kid and you put “President of the United States” at the top of your fantasy list of jobs you would like to hold. And like the problems most studios face, odds are if you don’t have enough cash you’re not going to get the top job.

The benefit to Will Smith is that he has the A-List clout to do basically any movie he wants at any time. If you look at his IMDB page, there isn’t one completed project in there that you haven’t heard of. Meanwhile Samuel L. Jackson has six times the credits and his Q rating is probably has a two-digit percentage disadvantage to Smith’s.

So could Will Smith make Captain America? Sure, if he wanted to. But as past evidence shows us, it’s basically a heavily passed around rumor. He’s already had modest success as Hancock, which should also have a sequel in the next few years. Plus, Smith likely doesn’t want to get tied down to a specific character in a franchise. Would the “true fans” accept a black Steve Rogers? I think so. There would be some unrest until the movie actually came out, like how goofballs complained that the heroes in the first X-Men movie weren’t going to wear their ‘traditional’ costumes. But then the movie came out and the change worked and no one gave a crap that Wolverine didn’t go around killing dudes while adorned in a yellow Spandex costume. Comic book purists (read: white folks) would accept Will Smith eventually, but I will concede that he’s likely the only black man they could see in the role. Sorry, Omar Epps.

Anyway. Like Brad Pitt, Will Smith commands top dollars and does not put him as the favorable candidate in this battle. Meantime, Jon Hamm merely has a Golden Globe and a SAG award, and still only nets about 3 millions viewers a week for “Mad Men.” The “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” easily had 20 million viewers a week for five seasons. Like Brad Pitt, Will Smith is the height of his career and has many years of success still to come. Jon Hamm is on an upward trajectory, already with drama and comedy under his belt. Hollywood action star is the only thing missing from his résumé.

Jon Hamm wins!

Debbie Schlussel is on board. Join us, won’t you?

Well gang, an important moment in our short history together has now occurred. Jon Hamm has received an official endorsement to play Captain America by none other than Debbie Schlussel. Most folks already know who I’m talking about, but for the rest of you, here is a little info. Debbie Schlussel is the popular conservative political commentator and pop culturist. She is a force to be reckoned with on the radio airwaves and in her columns. A highly educated public figure with a law degree and an expertise in radical Islam, among a long list of other qualifications and accomplishments, she understands the importance of getting Captain America/Steve Rogers just right for the big screen.

She wins big points for being the largest public figure to date to back Jon Hamm as Captain America in a recent blog post. She lays waste to the other “contenders” with an acidic but succinct tongue, calling people like McConaughey (McConaugheyyyyy!!!!!!) “too goofy and unheroic,” Paul Walker “too surfer-boyish and brainless to play a hero,” and Jon Cena “too wrestler-ish and not polished.” And she says Jon Hamm is “my personal choice–suave, debonaire, confident, has that polished superhero look and a snarky sense of humor. This “Mad Man” could definitely be Captain America.”

So this is it! With Debbie Schlussel getting things rolling, it won’t be long until this snowballs into an indomitable force that cannot be ignored. Studio executives and Hollywood fatcats will not be able to turn a blind eye to the brilliant casting suggestion. Jon Hamm Should Play Captain America, and soon the whole world will know it. Get on the train before it is out of reach!!

Reminder: Free Comic Book Day is May 2, 2009

I mentioned it before, but this is a reminder to people of all ages to go take advantage of Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 2, 2009. Most of the thousands of specialty comic shops around the world will be participating, so there may be an opportunity to grab a free book in your own backyard. If you’ve never read a comic before or if it has been years since that last time, there will be oodles of interesting things to enjoy. Not all comics are Batman and Spider-Man, so be sure to check out some of the other offerings from the smaller and independent publishers and artists. Many specialty stores have tons of undersold old comics, too, so you could literally get hundreds of pages of colorful art and story for a few bucks. Be sure to browse around and check out those discount bins!

Find out more about Free Comic Book Day here, including what books are being offered, a locator for participating stores, and info about the medium of comics, among other cool things.

If you happen to be in the Scranton, PA area, I recommend checking out Comics On The Green for all your comic needs.

No word if Jon Hamm will be taking advantage of Free Comic Book Day, but next time I see him, I’ll ask him about it.

Jon Hamm, Friend of the Environment

Well, I can’t say that I’m surprised. With eco-awareness decidedly “In” and celebrity roasts of Ruth Buzzi “Out,” it makes sense that America’s Actor, AKA Jon Hamm, would attend the celebration of the National Resources Defense Council’s 20th anniversary this week. The fest included some of the most powerful and influential eco-celebs around, including Ed Begley Jr., Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Steven Bochco. And Jon Hamm, with longtime girlfriend Jennifer Westfeldt, shared their secrets about how they conserve energy to help save the planet.

Jon Hamm Enjoying Nature

From the news report at Mother Nature Network: “There are a lot of options to take in your life and not be wasteful and selfish. If you put other people and the environment first instead of yourself, it’s a lot easier to make those decisions that decrease your impact on the environment.” Toward that end, Hamm and his girlfriend Jennifer Westfeldt watch their consumption. “We don’t use a lot of air-conditioning. We open windows. We have a relatively small air-conditioning bill, and we’re trying to get it smaller every day. The fact that we’re in California and there have been a lot of initiatives put forth to do that is great. We’re trying to take advantage of that as much as we can.”

If Jon Hamm isn’t channeling Steve Rogers here, then I don’t know what’s going on. Every person can do their part to put other people first, ahead of their own self-interest? What type of person says something that? Oh yeah, I forgot… every superhero in the universe! Somebody please get him in a meeting with Avi Arad! Cast him in “The First Avenger: Captain America” before he takes an indie gig to maintain his actor’s cred.

We all know he is not the first celebrity to back environmental issues, but when push comes to shove, it will be interesting to see where he comes down on laws concerning Green regulations.

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.

Jon Hamm Versus Jerry O’Connell

Welcome to “Jon Hamm Versus,” where we will take a look at possible contenders for the lead role of Steve Rogers/Captain America in the upcoming film “The First Avenger: Captain America,” slated for release on July 22, 2011. For round seven, we consider Hollywood powerhouse Jerry O’Connell.

Everyone here knows who Jerry O’Connell is, and just about everyone here probably likes him a great deal. There are many important facts about Jerry that make him a super heavyweight in this battle. First, he’s been acting since he was 12 (we all know he and River Phoenix famously battled with Wil Wheaton for more screen time in “Stand By Me“). Second, he’s had siginificant roles in a number of television series, like “Sliders,” “Crossing  Jordan,” and Holy Good God did you know “My Secret Identity” had 70 episodes??? Ahem. Third, he’s appeared in a number of successful films, including “Jerry Maguire,” “Scream 2,” and he had an inspired cameo in “Can’t Hardly Wait,” and all three were important films of the 1990s. Finally, and most importantly, he’s married to Rebecca Romijn, one of Barker’s Beauties who appeared in three X-Men movies and could likely have the ear of every executive at Marvel Studios any day of the week.

So, with television and film credits that makes every wannabe in Hollywood green with envy, with a marriage to the most influential and beautiful guest star on Just Shoot Me, with the youth and charm of most lead actors in a movie about college freshmen, why not cast Jerry O’Connell? Two words: Matt Le Blanc. Like Matt Le Blanc, Jerry O’Connell has that comfortable feel of a TV star who you’ve welcomed into your home hundreds of times before. He’s no superhero, despite attempts to convince you otherwise with things like “Lost In Space.” Think about it. We’re all happy to see see O’Connell or Le Blanc in our homes, but neither of them could don Superman’s cape or Spider-Man’s webshooters.

Could you imagine if they made a Captain America movie in 1985 with superstar Ted Danson? It nearly makes sense, but at the same time it isn’t quite right. Luckily, Jon Hamm has added the leading man credits on television and the perfect supporting roles in film to make him the unshakable best bet of this face off. Sorry, Jerry. But a supporting role in these films is NOT out of the question.

Jon Hamm wins!

Where It All Began

For ten cents, American, back in 1941, you got 45 “thrilling pages” of action and adventure, featuring Captain America! At this point in time, the bombing run at Pearl Harbor was still nearly a year away; the U.S. was not yet engaged in the war with Nazi Germany. But Jack Kirby and Joe Simon at Timely comics created Captain America, which represented their view that the U.S.’s involvement in the war as inevitable. The hero represented “American” values and a moral authority in the battle against evil. The pulp of those days would serve as rallying propaganda against the Hitler and the Axis powers.

The cover you see above is where it all started. Perhaps 70 years later, in July 2011, we will see the greatest interpretation of Captain America in motion pictures with “The First Avenger: Captain America.” With any luck, Jon Hamm, America’s Actor, will be in his red boots.

More to come!

Hey gang, the crazy weekend is just finally getting over for me (Yes, I know it’s Tuesday evening…). More posts are coming about Jon Hamm and the reasons why he will make the best Captain America out of all the choices out there.

In our continuing series, “Jon Hamm Versus,” we’ve already run down six other candidates, and we will knock many more contenders as the summer season heats up. Comments are open all over the blog, and don’t forget to check out our Polling Central page. You can also leave a word of support to Jon Hamm himself (As small as the Internet is, he’s bound to come across it some time!).

The blog will thrive with folks like yourself who believe this is the man to get behind the shield! Don’t forget that Jon Hamm is America’s Actor, now and forever.

Jon Hamm Versus Brad Pitt

Welcome to “Jon Hamm Versus,” where we will take a look at possible contenders for the lead role of Steve Rogers/Captain America in the upcoming film “The First Avenger: Captain America,” slated for release on July 22, 2011. Today explore the possibility of superstar A-lister Brad Pitt going to war.

Brad Pitt’s name has been bandied about for years as a great casting choice for Captain America. He’s the best looking man in the U.S. (possibly the world), and shouldn’t Steve Rogers be a handsome guy? Of course he should, but there are a few things that would make it difficult to get Pitt in the lead role. For one, he’s a megastar who commands boku bucks for every picture, but Marvel probably can’t afford to pay him $150 million dollars for at least a four-picture deal over the course of 8-10 years. Also, Brad Pitt will be turning 46 in December, which isn’t necessary a huge liability. But making him look younger will just have audiences remember what he used to look like. Go ahead, tell me you didn’t think you were watching old footage of him in “Thelma & Louise” when he was supposed to be 20-something in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” Getting older isn’t a bad thing in general, but today’s Pitt is radically different than yesterday’s.

The humanitarian family man probably doesn’t need a superhero franchise on his acting resume, anyway. He’s at the height of his career and can basically do whatever he wants. Jon Hamm, on the other hand, is a rising star in Hollywood. Representing the best wartime superhero ever on screen would only make him brighter. Marvel would be crazy not to snatch him up.

Before Davy Jones and then later Brad Pitt, I didn’t think there were any shorter names in Hollywood. Then Jon Hamm, America’s Actor, came along. Watch out, audiences.

Jon Hamm wins!

Jon Hamm Fans, You Are Not Alone

As soon as Marvel decided it was going to go nuclear with releasing Iron Man, Iron Man 2, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America, The Avengers, Thor, and Ant-Man as Marvel Studios films over the next few years, casting suggestions have been flying all around Internets. But it takes the right visionaries to put these films together, and of course it takes the right actors to fill the tights, as it were, of our favorite superheroes. Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark was inspired casting. Edward Norton as Bruce Banner, good but not redhot. Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, a stellar choice. Ben Affleck as Matt Murdock wasn’t my favorite. Everyone loved Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier. Others may have found Nicholas Cage as Johnny Blaze a bit silly. Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker was just about as perfect as you can get.

Casting Steve Rogers requires a well-tuned perception into what makes a man a hero. An actor who can portray weakness and frailty, but then later demonstrate confidence and strength, will win the role. Cap is a hero who becomes a leader because of the men and women who need him to fight. Very few gentlemen have the ability to capture that character, but one leading man in particular has what it takes.

We are not the first to say these simple words: Jon Hamm should play Captain America.

What is important is the first part of that sentence. We are not the first to say this. All across the Internet, Jon Hamm’s name has been popping up as the underdog casting choice.

• The first one to publicly suggest Jon Hamm is likely this commenter on a Slashfilm post about Cap’s Shield showing up in the Iron Man movie. This is in May of 2008!
• Thomas over at his The Movie Blog makes the first truly coherent argument to cast Jon Hamm as Captain America in August of 2008, and he comments on this Variety.com entry that likens Jon Hamm to the next George Clooney in October. Thomas’s post is required reading.
• Brilliant humorist and McSweeney’s contributor Andrew Bridgman briefly posts his recommendation in September 2008.
• Jon Hamm’s name gets tosses around as a possible contender for Green Lantern on Ain’t It Cool News, but commenters suggest he would be better suited as Captain America in early October.
• Over at Screen Rant, commenters also point out Jon Hamm’s appropriate WWII-era looks, also in October.
• Further support for Hamm-as-Rogers is seen at FlimFlam.net.
• Commenters on a JoBlo.com post about Johnston’s directing assignment bring up Jon Hamm.
• A post about the film and the casting choices over at the IGN message boards also includes support for our guy in November.
• The same day as the IGN post, Pajiba’s Dustin Rowles discusses the film’s director Joe Johnston and supports Jon Hamm because, quote, “Why the fuck not, you know? He just looks like a Steve Rogers, doesn’t he?”
• One lone commenter suggests Jon Hamm amid a sea of insane suggestions over at Film School Rejects.
• Geoff Boucher at the LATimes blogs that he’s heard such buzz on the Internet on March 13.
• Finally, critic/writer/entertainment writer Scott Mendelson cross-posted his case for the casting across three blogs, and also gives credit to Thomas’s argument at The Movie Blog.

This is not a complete list by any means. Many other voices have spoken about this in chat rooms, comic book stores, and slumber parties across the globe. JHSPCA is the place to bring these voices together, so all supporters of this brilliant casting suggestion have a place to go and be heard daily. Remember, you are not alone.

Come back every day and participate. Link to us on your blog, Facebook, your Twitter feed. Tell a friend or teacher or minister about us. Jon Hamm and the fates of “The First Avenger: Captain America” and “The Avengers” may very well depend on it.

Not Enough Hamm in Your Diet

Lately, it seems you can’t do a Google News search for Jon Hamm and not find his name popping up in some sort of review for “Mad Men” or some blog dedicated to his future acting jobs. Well, over on Jaunted.com, a pop culture travel blog, in their article about in-flight movies that are not worth seeing, they mention one of the stunning problems with “The Day The Earth Stood Still.”

That's a good point!

The Sleepy: Since no one saw “The Day The Earth Stood Still” in theatres, United, Delta and Continental probably got a great deal on the 1950s sci-fi remake in which Keanu Reeves plays an alien. But really, this film suffers from what most movies and television shows today lack: Not enough Jon Hamm. Since Jon Hamm is actually in this movie, this is an extra-dire case. Also, do we really care enough whether Keanu decides to save the world? Snooze.

Indeed, most television shows and movies suffer from not enough Hamm. With critics and pop culture bloggers the world over clamoring for more from America’s Actor, why not cast him in the lead role in a franchise tentpole summer blockbuster film like “The First Avenger: Captain America?” It would mean piles of cash! The studios need to jump on this guy before he’s commanding Ryan Reynolds-type paydays.

Jon Hamm Versus John Hodgman

Welcome to “Jon Hamm Versus,” where we will take a look at possible contenders for the lead role of Steve Rogers/Captain America in the upcoming film “The First Avenger: Captain America,” slated for release on July 22, 2011. Today we examine the possibility of author/actor John Hodgman taking on the Steve Rogers role.

John Hodgman, one of the elite American intelligentsia, has implanted himself into the consciousness of American media/comedy devourers for the last few years. Ask one person, he’s the PC in the Mac vs. PC commercials. Ask another, he’s the celebrated author of two brilliant books. Ask still another, he’s the hilarious Senior Expert personality on the Daily Show. Ask some other dude, he’s the guy who travels the land with musical funnyman Jonathon Coulton. Ask still even another guy, he’s the guy who shows up as Mr. Know-It-All in things like Baby Mama and TV’s Battlestar Galactica. Ask an additional man, he’s a public radio personality who guest-writes for the New York Times. Ask another fellow, he’s a McSweeney’s contributor. Ask a guy named Bruce Campbell, he’s a literary agent. Ask maybe even one other person, and he’s potentially the perfect casting choice as Steve Rogers, AKA Captain America.

We here at JHSPCA absolutely do not agree with that last fellow, but we also don’t deny the remote possibility that Hodgman may in fact appear in a film from Marvel Studios. Hodgman exudes confidence and complete knowledge at nearly every event he attends or in every acting role his assumes. While he doesn’t have the physique, acting experience, athleticism, or chiseled American hero looks, it is not impossible for Marvel to back a guy who would be “unknown” in the mainstream but have the “geek appeal” that would attract comedy nerds, literary fans, and sci-fi dorks. In our opinion, it would be much cooler to see Hodgman play one of the scientists who developed the Super Soldier Formula, which transformed debilitated Steve Rogers into the U.S.’s finest specimen of humanity and strength.

Hodgman, if they call you in to play Steve Rogers I will concede that you are the best choice for the role. But if they call you in to play a scientist or doctor, well, I’ll say say that I’m the one who called it first!

Someone start a blog called HodgmanShouldBeCastInCaptainAmerica right away!

Meantime, Jon Hamm wins!

Jon Hamm Versus Justin Timberlake

Welcome to “Jon Hamm Versus,” where we will take a look at possible contenders for the lead role of Steve Rogers/Captain America in the upcoming film “The First Avenger: Captain America,” slated for release on July 22, 2011. Next up, America’s Actor – Jon Hamm – squares off against singer/songwriter/dancer/actor/producer Justin Timberlake.

The year? 2000. The place? Your local Top 40 radio station. The song? “Bye Bye Bye” by ‘N Sync. As the biggest boyband of that era, ‘N Sync had a meteoric rise to the top, busting charts and exhibiting dance moves no human had seen before. “Bye Bye Bye” was the hit single off their third studio album “No Strings Attached” and is the song now most associated with the group.

[YouTube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JoJqID-wJY]

What also happened in 2000? Actor extraordinaire Jon Hamm makes his on-screen debuts on two network series and a feature film. I don’t think anyone here doesn’t remember “The Hughleys” successful episode that featured Jon Hamm as Buzz, which hit the airwaves a full five weeks before “No Strings Attached” dropped. Later that August, “Space Cowboys” was released to theaters, the hilarious film about over-the-hill astronauts who get another crack at adventure in the cosmos. Jon Hamm appeared as Young Pilot #2 in the movie that would gross about $90 million domestically. Finally, he portrayed Jackson in the pilot episode in ABC’s series “The Trouble With Normal,” which saw early cancellation later that season.

Since those pre-9/11 days, Justin Timberlake soared even higher than his bandmates and became the de facto male pop star of his generation, and Jon Hamm became an household-name actor adored by millions of fans and critics alike. These titans of media each could bring something unique to the role of Steve Rogers: Timberlake with his poppin’-fresh dance moves, Hamm with his extremely nuanced acting ability. But the one thing Hamm does not have to worry about is promoting an album or a worldwide concert tour. Rumor has it that Justin Timberlake has a new album due in 2009, and that should keep him way too busy to headline a Captain America movie, let alone co-star in the ensemble actioner “The Avengers” which will come out in 2012. Justin Timberlake is a superstar in his own right who has proven he does not need another boyband to hold him back. JT could never return to being a team player as an Avenger, but Jon Hamm has shown he can play well with others with his many television series credits.

Jon Hamm wins!

Weekend Report: Boston

Nearly four days went by without any new posts from the gang here at Jon Hamm Should Play Captain America. I apologize. As senior editor, I should have had more information prepared to keep the weekend fresh and fun for every loyal follower of the Hammblog.

I spent a few days in New England to attend to some personal business. As always, I kept my eyes open for Jon Hamm. I always want to be ready to talk business with him and let him know how our cause is going. I was also on the lookout for celebrities and studio executives. But it was a quiet weekend, with nary a Hollywood fatcat around. And it’s a good thing, too, because I was ready to confront anyone with any influence about getting Jon Hamm into the new Captain America movie, “The First Avenger: Captain America.” As readers of JHSPCA, you understand that this is an advocacy blog with one specific mission in mind. So, you must  be as vigilant as the rest of us here. If you see a celebrity, screenwriter, or Hollywood producer while you’re out getting your daily mochaccino, it is your duty to let them know about JHSPCA and how strong we are becoming. The segment of fans in the Jon-Hamm-As-Steve-Rogers camp has a voice, and that voice shall be heard!

Be sure to report your Jon Hamm sightings and interactions with him to us!

Jon Hamm Versus Seth Rogen

Welcome to “Jon Hamm Versus,” where we will take a look at possible contenders for the lead role of Steve Rogers/Captain America in the upcoming film “The First Avenger: Captain America,” slated for release on July 22, 2011. Next up, Jon Hamm takes on funnyman Seth Rogen.

You can’t throw a rock into the crowded streets of Hollywood without hitting some shmuck talking about the new Seth Rogen movie coming out, or one of Seth Rogen’s favorite movies, or potential casting news regarding Seth Rogen. He’s part of the Judd Apatow crew, storming through Hollywood and changing the landscape of entertainment at every turn.

Now, I happen to like Seth Rogen as a writer, and as far as I know, Jon Hamm has not sold a successful screenplay. I like Seth Rogen as a performer, and while Jon has done his fair share of comedy, Rogen is face of comedy today. Rogen has the comedic timing and charm to pull off a leading man role, as his box office receipts have shown us. So as casting news for “The First Avenger: Captain America” heats up, Seth Rogen’s name will inevitably be tossed around.

Can Seth Rogen play Captain America? Should Seth Rogen play Steve Rogers? Do audiences want Seth Rogen behind the shield? No, No, and if they have any sense, No!

Everyone loves a shlubby everyman, but that’s an archetype that does not fit into the superhero mold. Seth Rogen might make a fun sidekick or even a snarky villain, but he’s no Steve Rogers. Captain America is the ultimate soldier, who with fights with heroism, confidence and unabashed patriotism. Captain America is the type of guy people look up to, the one they aspire to be but know they could never be. The bar is raised far higher than what anyone could reach. It’s pretty safe to say that if people wanted to be Seth Rogen, most of them figure they’d have a decent shot if they tried.

Finally, somehow, Seth Rogen already has already laid claim to a corner of the superhero market: The Green Hornet.

Jon Hamm wins!

Having Fun

So, Fuel TV’s Jordan Morris was up to his usual shenanigans when he interviewed the cast of “The Day The Earth Stood Still” last fall. Keanu Reeves  and Jennifer Connelly, consummate professionals and skillful performers, both, played along with him for big laughs to entertain the fans. We’ve known for years that Reeves and Connelly were classy A-Listers who are down to earth, intelligent, witty, and all-around good-spirited.

Well now we’ve got another Hollywood pro to add to the exclusive list of “great interviews” like them: potential star of “The First Avenger: Captain America,” Jon Hamm. We can’t embed the video, but here are some screencaps and a link to the video. Way to go, Jon Hamm. You never stop being awesome.

Jordan Morris Interviews The Cast

Jordan Morris is an Internet and TV personality, who produces The Daily Habit on action sports network Fuel TV, and is one-half of the Jordan, Jesse, GO! podcast from Maximumfun.org.

Everyone loves to vote

So, you’re a person who wants to cast Jon Hamm as Steve Rogers in the upcoming film “The First Avenger: Captain America.” You’re also a person who likes to vote on popular topics relating to that issue. Well, now you can go our central polling page to cast your vote in all the polls we have on the site. You can easily find it in the main header above.

You have a voice. Use it.

Send Jon a Message

Hey gang, we have a new page where you can leave a friendly word of encouragement to Mr. Jon Hamm, America’s Actor. Just click on the link and reply to leave a comment. It is not impossible for Mr. Hamm to actually read it one day. Just pretend you have the opportunity to casually give a word of support in a conversation with the guy who should play Captain America two years from now!

The link is also in the main header above!

Poll: What time would you schedule lunch with Jon Hamm?

So if you won the charity aution to have lunch with Jon Hamm (which ends tonight), what time would you schedule to have lunch with him?

Jon Hamm Vs. Jensen Ackles

Welcome to “Jon Hamm Versus,” where we will take a look at possible contenders for the lead role of Steve Rogers/Captain America in the upcoming film “The First Avenger: Captain America,” slated for release on July 22, 2011. For round two, Jon Hamm faces off against a very tough opponent: Jensen Ackles.

I was happy that I came up with Ackles as a possible casting choice on my own, but apparently other folks have thought about this too. I know what some of you people are thinking… “Jensen Who?” “Ackles Whatnow?” But the rest of you are probably vaguely familiar with this fellow. His acting résumé puts him as the WB/CW’s go-to guy, having appeared on “Dawson’s Creek” and “Smallville” in strong supporting roles, and a brief appearance as presumably douchey Halloween Kid #9 on “7th Heaven” in its first season. That doesn’t seem like much when you consider his 4 seasons on the network’s current hit show “Supernatural,” playing demon-hunter badass, Dean Winchester. But don’t count our guy out; Jon Hamm does have guest shots on “Charmed,” “Gilmore Girls,” and “The Hughleys,” so he at least have some WB cred.

So how could Jon Hamm stand up to Jensen Ackles? Ackles sort of naturally looks the part, and as the fellow across The Pond in the link above mentions, he’s basically the right age. But he’s untested in the mainstream film department. He does have a number of recent genre items on his plate, like “My Bloody Valentine” and possibly next year’s “Resident Evil 4.” He had a stint on the FOX TV show “Dark Angel,” the springboard career-maker for Jessica Alba. But young WB stars typically have difficulty gaining huge mainstream appeal while they’re still on the WB, and he’ll be on “Supernatural” for one more season. And sure, Alexis Bledel and Michelle Williams have done some very interesting and award-winning projects, but they were always overshadowed by their male co-stars or the subject matter. The guy who plays Steve Rogers needs to carry the movie, part of Marvel’s billion-dollar gamble to put The Avengers on the big screen, and Ackle’s WB-ness may get in the way. Cap/Rogers is a classic leading man role (think Cary Grant, with a touch more badass) and Jon-Hamm-as-Don-Draper comes closer to that. And anyway, someone with even an extremely loose James Van Der Beek association is going to lose points. Sorry, Jensen.

Jon Hamm has been buzzy for the last two years and it makes perfect sense to capitalize on his momentum. The timing is just not on Ackles’s side. To be honest, if Jon Hamm was never born, though, there might have been a blog called JensenAcklesShouldPlayCaptainAmerica, because I sense some great things from this guy in the action and/or comedy departments.

Jon Hamm wins!

P.S…. coincidentally, look for James Van Der Beek and Jon Hamm to show up in the (indie?) “The Boy In The Box” next year! Yikes…. This might end up being a close one! Good thing the poll will decide it all….!

Jon Hamm, Class Act

Captain America, one the greatest superheroes of the Marvel Universe, is also widely known as a huge boy scout. He doesn’t play dirty, he fights for justice, and he does whatever he can to help people. Just think about it, a superhero celebrity who gives of himself to help others. Sounds like a pretty great guy, right?

Guess who else gives of himself to help others? That’s right, Jon Hamm. Just what is Jon up to? Well, all you Hamm fans (“Hammies?”) out there already know this, but America’s finest actor is auctioning himself off in a lunch for two on behalf of the Adrienne Shelly Foundation to help women filmmakers.

The Adrienne Shelly Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated in loving memory to the uniquely gifted actor and filmmaker Adrienne Shelly, whose highly accomplished life was tragically cut short November 1, 2006. It is in the spirit of her passion and vision that The Adrienne Shelly Foundation has been established. We know Adrienne would appreciate us doing everything possible to help young women pursue their filmmaking dreams, and to assist others in making the same leap from acting to writing and directing as Adrienne had done so successfully.

If her name rings a bell, it’s because you probably heard about the buzz about Adrienne’s last movie, “Waitress,” which she wrote, directed, and had a supporting role in. Tragically, she passed away prematurely, even before “Waitress” was released. Advancement for women in any industry can be difficult, and Hollywood is no different. Quick, name three of your favorite female directors! Some of you can do that, of course, but I’d wager a picnic basket full of cash that most people could not. The Adrienne Shelly Foundation’s mission is an important one.

This is something that celebrated performer Jon Hamm understands, and that is clearly why he is participating in this auction. Pretty classy guy, I’d say. I wonder, if Captain America was a real person, would he also auction off a lunch to help the advancement of women in film? I think we all know the answer. This is further evidence of how perfect Jon Hamm as Captain America in the “The First Avenger: Captain America” truly is.

Find out more about the Adrienne Shelly Foundation here.

Poll: Would you see a Captain America movie starring Jon Hamm?

A new Poll is up at Jon Hamm Should Play Captain America! Be sure to vote!