Marvel makes Emily Blunt an offer for 'Captain America,' but British actress probably will say no - UPDATED

EXCLUSIVE: With Chris Evans now locked and loaded as Captain America, momentum is building to cast the property's female lead.

Marvel has been heavily courting Emily Blunt to play the main character's girlfriend, reported previously as Peggy Carter. The studio, sources say, has made an offer to Blunt and wants her for the part -- but expect someone else to wind up in the role in the end.

Blunt, the Golden Globe winner and star of this award season's "The Young Victoria," brings with her a British and European following -- key if you're trying to convince global audiences to see a patriotic hero named Captain America (if only Marion Cotillard was available). She's also seen as someone who can give the franchise a prestige gloss. Casting her would be a move not unlike Marvel's coup in setting Robert Downey Jr. in "Iron Man," lending some serious acting cachet to a superhero franchise (and lord knows Chris Evans isn't going to achieve that here).

But according to sources, Blunt is close to signing on to other projects and will turn down Marvel's offer. That leaves the studio to decide between several other people on its short list, including Keira Knightley and Alice Eve -- both of whom, not coincidentally given the film's global designs, also come with British bona fides. [UPDATED, 1:24 PM -- Sources now confirm that Blunt has officially passed. There will be no Victorian charm amid the dueling WWII-era superheroes.]

Casting a female lead in most superhero films is in many ways harder than nabbing the male one. You have the luxury (or necessity) of using the part to expand the prospective audience. But you also have the tough job of convincing the person who can provide the expansion that playing the girlfriend in an effects-heavy blockbuster is something that's worth their time.

It might be wiser to go the Bond Girl route and cast, say, a lesser-known but still rising star (Gemma Arterton, also British, comes to mind) and create a buzz that way, instead of going with a widely known quantity ... although we have to admit that watching an award-winning prestige actress play the part would  be interesting, to say the least.

-- Steven Zeitchik

Follow me on Twitter.

Photo: Emily Blunt in "The Young Victoria." Credit: Apparition

Comments

[Bill C.]

Her "serious acting cachet" did nothing to help "The Wolfman."

[Mari]

The article is focused on women bringing prestige/audience to super hero movies. Therefore, wouldn't it have been better to mention academy award winner Gwenyth Paltrow in Iron Man, rather than Downey Jr. (who is admittedly also talented).

[Jay]

Back when Downey was cast as Iron Man, it certainly wasn't seen as a coup. More of a calculated risk. He didn't even make as much as Terrence Howard. Only in hindsight was it a coup.

[Michael]

Uh, I wouldn't call hiring Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man a "coup". More like "inspired," given that he had zero box office pull and no respect outside of L.A. prior to the role. Just two years earlier, he was playing the evil scientist in Tim Allen's "Shaggy Dog." How quickly we forget.

[sophie]

Agree with the posters thus far. As far as "prestige" casting in superhero films goes, Batman Begins and Dark Knight have them all beat - C. Bale, M. Caine, L. Neeson, M. Freeman, A. Eckhart, H. Ledger, G. Oldman, etc. Even in "lesser" roles, you had Rutger Hauer, Tom Wilkinson. Yeesh. The actors in these films are underrated as factors in Nolan's brilliant films. Of course his female actors give less inspired performances, but that may have something to do with the writing...

[nemo]

The Wolfman was /is the WORST film of the year. Stop blaming the actors (although Hopkins same ol is getting tired). It had a horrible script and the directing was terrible.

[JayCeezy]

I think casting Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow was a coup. Terrence Howard was a mistake, as his career since then has proved out. Producers thought they were hiring light-skinned black guy, Cuba Gooding, Jr.

[Chuck]

Emily would have been nice, yes. but if it is international prestige you want, I'll take Eva Green. I'm always surprised at her versatility and how she fits neatly into all the roles I've seen her in.

[Sean]

"Sorry we didn't give the lead role to your husband, but are you up for being in the movie?"

[Jones]

I just want to know if the next Batman movie is going to have a Catwoman, and who that actress might be

[Christine]

Alice Eve would be great in the role -- she'd bring that kind of fun bombshell energy. Plus she's smart and can act. Given the WWII-era time frame the casting director should take a look at this photo! http://sublimefemme.wordpress.com/2009/07/28/flattery-will-get-you-everywhere/

She's adorable and has exactly the right look.

[brooklyn]

I like Emily and I think it's a BIG mistake for her to pass on it because chances are nothing she does will add up to Captain America's success BUT what's with the focus on British "prestige"? How about u just cast a talented actress who will bring the most out of her role? Who cares if the Brits are attracted to it? "If you build it they will come", If the movies worth a damn they will watch. And I think this writer is under estimating the fanboy following of Captain America. And Downey wasn't a risk or a coup he was perfect. Jon Favarro knew it. Marvel knew it. If it was left up to the Execs that kid from high school musical would have played Iron Man.