American superheroes, anything but American

SALT LAKE CITY -- There are a few things that are purely American, apple pie, baseball, Fourth of July, hamburgers, hotdogs and superheroes.

Batman, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Thor, The Green Lantern and of course the superhero who fights for truth, justice and the American way, Superman. These are American superheroes, but don't tell that to Hollywood. According to them it seems the only actors fit to play these roles are those who need working visas to shoot a superhero film in the States.

Don't believe me? Let's take a look at the list I rolled off a moment ago. Batman is currently played by Christian Bale who is Welch. The new Spider-Man is Andrew Garfield. He has a British mother, an American father and he grew up in England. The Aussie Hugh Jackman is Wolverine. The new Thor movie also cast an Aussie in the title role with Chris Hemsworth. The Green Lantern is coming out this summer and has America's favorite new heart throb, Ryan Reynolds. Well, he's Canadian. Then there's all-American boy Superman. That role just went to British actor Henry Cavill.

Reuters writer Borys Kit pointed this invasion out in his piece "American superheroes missing in Hollywood." "British, as well as Australian and Canadian actors, appear to have cornered the market on most of the leading action roles in the Hollywood movies that will be rolling out this year and next," he wrote. "They will be portraying the kind of caped crusaders and take-charge guys that once belonged to men bearing the "Made in the USA" label."

Christian Bale even commented on the phenomenon after he received the best supporting actor Academy Award for his role as American Dicky Eklund. He says the casting of foreigners in these roles is far from a conspiracy. "Whatever one's best for it, you pick 'em," said Bale in Kit's piece. "And that's it. Do I think there's a pattern? Sounds like a pattern. But to me personally, I feel like it's going for each individual guy who has the chops for it, whether they're British, American or Australian. I don't think there's anything special happening in England that's making a lot of superheroes. To me, I'd put it down to coincidence."

The website The Week.com gave some theories as to why Hollywood is looking outside the country in their article, "Why America is outsourcing its superheroes: 7 theories." Some of those theories include American actors are too closely associated with other roles, which seems like non sense. Canuck Ryan Reynolds already had the DeadpoolDwayne "The Rock" Johnson he's a sissy for deciding to point his career toward the silver screen.

But not everyone is bothered that America's superheroes are getting their passports stamped to make these blockbusters. OMG! from Yahoo

"In short, these actors are all proof that America sharing its superhero roles isn't such a bad thing, so bring on the international eye candy."

I admit that American actors have portrayed iconic characters like Robin Hood in the past. I also think the less said about Kevin Costner as the prince of thieves the better. But as of late I can't think of too many American's playing iconic foreigners with the exception of Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes.

Truth be told I'm OK with some of these roles going to foreigners, but I'm having a really hard time climbing on board with Superman being played by a Brit. That's like trying to wrap your mind around an American stepping into James BondGeorge Clooney saying, "Shaken not stirred" in a British accent while wearing a tux? Me either. Aesthetically he fits the part and he's got the acting chops to do it, but he's not British.

Our American pride may have been a little shaken by losing all of our most famous roles to outsiders, but I say with gratitude and a great sigh of relief, "Thank goodness Captain America will be played by an American." I guess one is better than none.

E-mail: jclyde@ksl.com

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