'Miracle at St. Anna' star Derek Luke sparked speculation that Will Smith is being considered to star as the patriotic superhero.
- Sep 9, 2008
AceShowbiz - Rumor has it that Will Smith will move on from his role as a slacker man with superhero powers in "Hancock" to be a real American hero in "The First Avenger: Captain America". During an interview with MTV News for "Miracle at St. Anna", actor Derek Luke surprisingly mentioned the possibility saying, "I heard they offered Will Smith 'Captain America'."
If the story is proven to be true, it means that Marvel Studios are going to once again change up the race of their established characters, like when they put Samuel L. Jackson in the shoes of S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury in "Iron Man". Being positive on that subject, Luke said on possible casting of Smith, "Just shows you how times have changed."
Though it is still a mere rumor, Smith's name as Captain America came out as a surprise to many, especially since the character has been linked to other Hollywood stars, like Matthew McConaughey and Leonardo DiCaprio. Still among three of them, Smith is the only one who has the experience playing a superhero with Peter Berg's "Hancock".
Set to be released on May 6, 2011, "Captain America" is a World War II period film highlighting on army officer Steve Rogers who volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into a the red, white and blue-costumed superhero defending America's ideals. Reportedly penned by Zak Penn, it will be followed with "The Avengers" which is set for July 1, 2011 release.
UPDATE 09/09/08: AICN has come out to debunk the 'Will Smith as Captain America' rumor. According to the site, Marvel Entertainment have never offered the "I Am Legend" star the part. In fact, they have not approached Smith or even had a conversation with the actor for "Captain America".
