Captain America; The First Avenger: Red Skull Rising?

Comics To Film News
Captain America; The First Avenger: Red Skull Rising?
By Patrick Oliver
March 18, 2010 - 01:45

Studios: Marvel Enterprises, Marvel Entertainment, Marvel Studios
Marvel Comics
Writer(s): Jack Kirby, Joe Simon, Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely
Starring: Hugo Weaving, TBAnnounced
Directed by: Joe Johnston
Produced by: Stephen Broussard, Louis D'Esposito, Kevin Feige, Stan Lee, David Maisel
Release Date: 22/07/2011
Distributors: Paramount Pictures, Universal International Pictures, Universal Pictures International
Genre: Superhero Movies

Human Shield

Captain America is one of the most recognizable characters in the comic book world today. He is a fighter for the oppressed, believer in freedom and a man of the people. He is strong, fast and agile. He is highly intelligent and is also considered a great tactician and leader.

So how did he come to be?

In the 1940’s a teenage art student by the name of Steve Rogers tries to enlist in the army. But he doesn’t pass as fit. Poor scrawny Steve is then approached by an army officer with the chance of serving the army and his country in some way after all, by taking part in Operation: Rebirth, a secret project to create super soldiers. Steve accepts and after some hard training, is both injected and given a serum orally, then bombarded with rays to kick-start the chemicals swirling around in his body. His intelligence is heightened and his physiology is altered drastically.

Meanwhile in Nazi Germany, a master spy and the head of terrorist operations, the Red Skull is causing panic and cutting a swathe through Europe. He is the best propaganda that the Nazi’s could wish for, ruthless, intelligent, and successful. He is a bloody red thorn in the side of Europe and America.

The man who created the 'Super Soldier' serum is assassinated and it is decided that Steve Rogers will become America’s own symbol. He is given a code name; ‘Captain America’. Equipped with a bullet proof shield (later upgraded with another much better one!) and clothed in a colourful costume inspired by the American flag, he begins to cut his own swathe through the forces of oppression.

So who will play this artist turned national hero?

Ryan Phillipe and Chris Evans are reportedly both in contention for the role of Steve Rogers, also known as the battle hardened and heroic, Captain America. Also rumoured to be in the running for the role are 'Gossip Girl' star Chace Crawford and 'Fighting's' Channing Tatum.

One role that seems to be more concretely cast however is that of the Red Skull, with Hugo Weaving looking be a cert for the part.