It has been a struggle worthy of the funny books. The casting search for the next Captain America has been well documented the web over, including right here at AP. At one point our little geek hearts leapt up when Jensen Ackles was briefly mentioned, or Chris Pine looked poised to grab the mask and shield. That’s all behind us now, though.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Chris Evans (Push, The Fantastic Four) has been offered the role of Captain America in Joe Johnston’s big screen adaptation of the beloved character. Evans has a couple of projects currently lined up, including one just wrapped called Puncture, and there’s the possibility that if he takes the Captain gig, some of those that have yet to film might fall by the wayside. Let’s not forget that America comes with a deal for 9 options. Pretty heavy.

As for the specifics of the offer and Evans’ response, publicists for both Chris and Marvel have not offered up comment. Something tells me we will hear soon, though.

Evans, best known as The Human Torch in the silly and tepid Fantastic Four films is actually a better and stronger actor than his resume would let on. He may not have hit any particularly resonant notes in last year’s sci-fi trash Push, but check out something like Sunshine or The Perfect Score to see the man supporting a film with all his might.

Captain America seems like a great opportunity for him, and I’m now curious about what he could do with the role given the right script and direction. Better yet, playing Cap will help wash away the taste of those dreadful FF movies, of which he was the best thing.

How about all of you? Does Evans as Captain America tickle your fancy?

Let’s hear your thoughts on this.

Fantastic Four

I wasn’t a huge fan of both Fantastic Four films. In fact, the only redeeming quality of both films was Michael Chiklis being the pitch-perfect Ben Grimm. Otherwise, they spat in the face of Galactus, took Dr. Doom’s lunch money and took Silver Surfer’s girlfriend (literally.) Aside from also ripping off Ghostbusters at the end of the first film, they also tried to pass off Jessica Alba as a scientist.

Fox thinks the series needs to be rebooted and that’s what they plan to do according to IESB.net. They want to be more Iron Man, less The Dark Knight (take note for Superman, DC.) I respectfully disagree, as the Fantastic Four comics always had this “bubble gum, fun” quality to it. What they need to work on for the F4 films are stronger villains and a director with some sort of vision (ok, Tim Story did fine with Barbershop but that was more on Cedric the Entertainer.) But the villains really were the weak link much like Iron Man.

However, a reboot really isn’t necessary for this like it is for Daredevil. They didn’t completely miss the point and at least got The Thing right. Really, they should just give the property back to Marvel Studios.