John J. Miller started a maelstrom of Hollywood speculation on National Review’s Corner blog yesterday when he wondered whether the new GI Joe film would stick with the tag line “real American hero.” The responses, in chronological order:

Jonah Goldberg then commented that Hollywood has seemed “desperate to find a way of creating action roles that don’t rely on traditional American patriotism.” The best example, Goldberg said, is Jason Bourne, who doesn’t fight for his country like the “outdate imperialist” James Bond. He also brought up Iron Man as a welcome exception.

Then Goldberg posted conflicting reader emails, arguing over the liberalism of Jason Bourne’s source material.

Miller noted that Captain America is the only major Marvel superhero who hasn’t gotten a movie.

Goldberg said that there’s a reason for that.

Stephen Spruiell stepped in, commenting that Iron Man was a good attempt, but still portrayed the bad guy as a corporate fat cat.

Jonathan Adler put the record straight about what movies are in production.

Goldberg admitted that most movies he likes lean left, and provided Ross Douthat’s review of The Bourne Ultimatum to settle the Bourne-leans-left debate.

Adler said that the Bourne movies would have been made regardless of their politics, and examines the Bond connection.

And finally (for now), Maggie Gallagher mourned the loss of World War II films celebrating heroism.