You Know? That One Guy

Spring is almost here. For those of us who have spent the last several months feeling like two year old Hot Pockets shoved in the back of the freezer, the sunshine is a pleasant sight. Spring is a symbol of newness. It represents the beginning of great things. It is also the start of fierce Midwest storms and the time likely for earthquakes. Depending on your point of view, the comic book movie world may or may not be on the path to sunshine.

Rumors have been swirling all over the place about John Krasinski being cast for the role of Captain America. I wrote several weeks ago of a laundry list of A-listers, including Matthew McConaughey, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Will Smith, being considered for the role. So, how did the powers-that-be go from that list to having Krasinski read for the role four times? My guess is money.

By all accounts the Captain America films will be a multi-movie deal. In short, the execs need to be able to afford someone to portray the iconic hero. They could get DiCaprio and Smith, both who easily make $20 million a picture, or McConaughey for slightly less, or they could do what they are doing…hire somebody who has some pull with people, pay him considerably less, and keep him on the hook for a few movies. Enter John Krasinski.

I know what some of you are thinking. Who the hell is John Krasinski? The short answer is he plays Jim on The Office on NBC. Around the water coolers across America he’s “that guy on The Office.” While this may not be extremely appealing to some, I will defend this choice if it happens. Here’s why.

1. Krasinski has had a very brief movie career, but two films, Leatherheads and Away We Go, were well done. I liked his performance in both of them. Leatherheads was a comedy and Away We Go had dramatic elements. He also had a brief appearance in State and Main and the critically acclaimed film, Kinsey. Mix those with his performance on The Office and I’m convinced the man can at least act.

2. He’s an American!! I know this seems like a moot point, but I think Captain America should actually be played by an American. Krasinski was born in Boston. Do you get anymore American than that?

3. He’s better than any of the other choices. I’m not saying he’s a better actor than the A-listers mentioned above, but he is better than the next wave of actors who have read since the studio decided to change the budget. When I heard rumors of the Jonas Brothers reading for the part, I cried. Then it was Dane Cook. Tears almost fell, but didn’t quite make it that far. The Jonas Brothers have zero experience and Cook, in my opinion, has no talent as an actor.

In saying all of this I could also give you a list of why Krasinski isn’t a good fit for this role. Too much boyish charm, not tough enough, he’s engaged to a Brit, etc. However, I’m going to trust this one. I think Krasinski is smart and will do the part justice. At the very least it will be good times watching him fail. Either way, entertainment will abound.