The unfortunate thing about the current geo-political climate is that it has left us all a little sensitive. Case in point is the controversy over the name change of 'Captain America: The First Avenger' for a few foreign markets, most notably Russia and South Korea. The film will simply be titled 'The First Avenger' in those countries, as well as the Ukraine. Many American fans took this as a slight to our star-spangled hero, and possibly our country. However, upon closer inspection, it's really not the big deal they think it is.
1.) Title changes Happen all the time.
First of all, this happens all the time for Hollywood movies overseas. Sometimes the title of a movie doesn't translate well in foreign markets, so the title gets changed to fit the local flavor. The 2003 action flick 'The Rundown' was changed to 'Welcome to the Jungle' in Europe. In a more ridiculous example of this instance, the film adaptation of 'Get Smart' was re-titled 'The Bumbling Spy, Will He Succeed or Won't He?' in the more narrative-inclined India. By comparison, the change in title for 'Captain America' is mild, or even negligible.
2.) Only 3 countries are changing the title...and they all had the option.
Marvel Studios had foreseen that 'Captain America' might not be the most easy film to market globally. They gave permission to to all foreign countries to re-title the movie; only three did. This film will keep the same title in most of the world. Apparently, ant-American sentiment isn't as pronounced as many believe it is. More than likely, Marvel's brand strength is more important than the title of their movies. Iron Man, Iron Man 2, and Thor were huge hits overseas, and many theaters are banking that people will see 'Captain America' simply because it's a Marvel movie.
After a little education, the title change doesn't seem very significant at all. Russia, South Korea, and the Ukraine aren't forming some new axis to do battle against Captain America and us fans at here at home. The movie business is, well...a business, and these territories are marketing the film as best they see fit. We can all rest easy knowing that Cap will be on active duty throughout the world this summer.
'Captain America: The First Avenger' stars Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Haley Atwell, Tommy Lee Jones, and Samuel L. Jackson, and will be released by Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures on July 22.