Channing Tatum May Join The Fight For Captain America

And so the Captain America casting saga continues. Just a few hours ago we told you about Ryan Phillippe being added to the list of potentials and now, according to THR, Channing Tatum has joined the party as well. Hopes were high that we’d find our Captain sooner than later after Scott Porter, Michael Cassidy and John Krasinski were eliminated from the competition. But now, thanks to Phillippe and Tatum’s addition, we’re practically back to where we started.

Tatum has only been approached for the role and unlike his counterparts, has yet to schedule or take part in a screen test or reading. He certainly has that superhero-esque vibe to him, but that’s clearly not the case with Captain America’s alter ego, the scrawny Steve Rogers. Of course he could pull a Christian Bale and drop 60 pounds as THR suggests, but is he even capable of shedding his tough guy persona? Regardless, my order of Captain America preference is as follows: Mike Vogel, Garrett Hedland, Ryan Phillippe, Channing Tatum and Wilson Bethel.

The Cap chat is getting a little tedious, so it’s a good thing the article introduces a new topic, the casting of the hero’s love interest. Rumor has it that lady will be Betsy Ross, but the details are being kept under wraps. What’s no longer a secret is the actress who has a chance to take that role. Keira Knightley has been approached with the offer, but the studio is also considering other candidates. This could work particularly well if Phillippe nabs the lead role. Even though she’s just 24-years-old, Knightley has a more mature look that would be complimented by an older co-star.

As for Hugo Weaving, he’s still in the midst of negotiations to secure the role of the film’s villain, Red Skull.

UPDATE: Deadline Hollywood is reporting that in addition to Knightley, Alice Eve and Emily Blunt are also options for the lead female role and that character is named Peggy, not Betsy Ross. Peggy Carter was Captain America’s love interest during World War II and an American agent with the French Resistance.