SUPERMAN: An American Icon?

[stargazer01]

Does Superman HAVE to be played by an American actor?

YES, NO, and Why?

Some people are debating about this in another forum, so I'd really like to know what you guys think about this important subject.

BTW, I say YES!

[Jimbo]

Bond was played by an Aussie, and Irishman, and a Scot. I don't see the big deal.

If Batman can be played by a Brit successfully, then why not Superman.

As long as the person looks and acts right, then it doesn't matter where they come from.

[Jor-L5150]

wait a sec- i misunderstood the intent of the thread .

any good actor can play superman. he doesnt have tobe american

is superman an american icon ? YES!
is he a world icon ? YES!
he is an american icon the way sherlock holmes and king arthur are english icons . these are characters beloved to many all over the world, but distinctly hail from a particular culture / country.
but if he looks like superman and can act and he's brandon routh.... i mean if he looks like superman and can act he can have a shot.

i have always insisted on " cultural icon " as oppsed to " pop-culture icon ". saying he's pop culture sells him short. he is MYTHIC. and he will outlive us all .

[Legsy]

He's Americana! That's the only way I can put it.

I remember watching National Lampoon's European Vacation as a kid at the theater. Toward the end when the Griswold are coming back to the US we get to see America! The Statue of Liberty, The Grand Canyon, The US Flag and yes, SUPERMAN! He is America.

[Deleted]

As American as apple pie.

[Jimbo]

Apple pies were in Britain before America.

[Deleted]

EXACTLY.

America is a horrible term. I've never cared for it, just plainly used.

Technically, that includes South America and Central America and Canada.

So no, Superman is not an American icon. In that sense of the word, he's a world icon.

But he's pure United States, baby. As long as the actor playing him looks like Superman, that's fine. I don't know that I'd care if he wasn't USA born and all that. I'd prefer it, sure, but it doesn't matter HUGELY to me.

[Legsy]

I never think of Chaucer when I eat apple pie. And no, I don't think of Jason Biggs getting busy with a pie either. I think about a 4th of July BBQ and having a slice of my tia Irma's apple pie.

[Matt in the Hat]

Doctor Who may be Galifreyan, but he's definitely a British icon.

Superman may be Kryptonian, but is definitely an American icon.

Coke is sold round the world, but is still considered an American product.

[crazy_asian_man]

Bond was played by an Aussie, and Irishman, and a Scot. I don't see the big deal.

If Batman can be played by a Brit successfully, then why not Superman.

As long as the person looks and acts right, then it doesn't matter where they come from.

Agreed 1000%.

The fictional CHARACTER is Kryptonian-American. (If we count planets) Is he not?

The actor.....who cares where they were born if they fit the part?
If CGI were convincing enough, I don't even need the actor to be human! ;p

[stargazer01]

Apr 14, 2009 14:06:32 GMT -5 Legsy said:

He's Americana! That's the only way I can put it.

I remember watching National Lampoon's European Vacation as a kid at the theater. Toward the end when the Griswold are coming back to the US we get to see America! The Statue of Liberty, The Grand Canyon, The US Flag and yes, SUPERMAN! He is America.

Yep. And he is from a small town in Kansas.

Superman is a unique case, imo. It's an extremely hard character to cast. He doesn't wear a mask like most superheroes. The actor BECOMES the character. For better or for worse.

Also, the actor needs to sound like Superman, not just look it.

[Matt in the Hat]

So long as he portrays American values. But who better than someone that maybe grew up in America who would truly understand the ideals?

[crazy_asian_man]

So long as he portrays American values. But who better than someone that maybe grew up in America who would truly understand the ideals?

I know we're talking about Superman, but I think it still applies...

...I have to admit I originally felt that Batman should have been played by an American actor, (and I thought for awhile Christian Bale was an American actor)- but when I found out he wasn't- realized it didn't matter an ounce to me, because he and the Batman films he was in were both so good.

As long as the actor GETS IT about the character is all that counts, in the end, no?

[Jor-L5150]

an american actor is playing sherlock holmes.

that has to be ...odd for our friends in the UK and for holmes fans in general.

[Jor-L5150]

Apr 14, 2009 16:36:15 GMT -5 Legsy said:

I never think of Chaucer when I eat apple pie. And no, I don't think of Jason Biggs getting busy with a pie either. I think about a 4th of July BBQ and having a slice of my tia Irma's apple pie.

not much of a "sweets" guy , but now and then apple pie, a dollop of ice cream and cup of coffee......mmmmmm
( personally , peach pie is better for me )

i wonder if british people have an " oh shut the f*ck up about it already " party on july 4th.

[Legsy]

Batman is portrayed by an egotistical Brit.

[Jimbo]

With a kickass remix.

[stargazer01]

Apr 16, 2009 15:04:23 GMT -5 Legsy said:

Batman is portrayed by an egotistical Brit.

a lunatic Brit

[Shane]

YES

[fggafagas]

I don't think he needs to be, especially when you consider how hard it is to find someone who both looks like Superman and can act. It's hard enough to find someone with the right look and acting ability and adding that he has to be American just makes it harder.

[crazy_asian_man]

I don't think he needs to be, especially when you consider how hard it is to find someone who both looks like Superman and can act. It's hard enough to find someone with the right look and acting ability and adding that he has to be American just makes it harder.

Agreed 1000%!
Here's a thought: If Brandon Routh turned out to be Norwegian, would he no longer be acceptable as Superman?

[fggafagas]

Well I have other reasons for preferring another actor be cast, but no. Obviously nobody could tell the difference.