Captain America: The First Avenger
Captain America is a 2011 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Paramount Pictures, it is the fifth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film was directed by Joe Johnston, written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, and stars Chris Evans as Steve Rogers / Captain America, alongside Samuel L. Jackson, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Dominic Cooper, Neal McDonough, Derek Luke, and Tommy Lee Jones. In the film, Rogers undergoes an experimental procedure that transforms him into a super-soldier to aid the United States in World War II.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $370 million worldwide against a production budget of $140 million. It received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for Evans' performance, the action sequences, and the visual effects. Captain America: The First Avenger was followed by two sequels, Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) and Captain America: Civil War (2016).
Plot
In 1942, sickly but determined Steve Rogers is frustrated at being rejected yet again for military service. Everything changes when Dr. Erskine recruits him for the secret Project Rebirth. Proving his extraordinary courage, wits, and conscience, Rogers undergoes the experiment, which enhances his weak body into the maximum human potential. When Erskine is then immediately shot and killed by an agent of Nazi Germany's secret HYDRA research department, Rogers is left the sole recipient of the super-soldier serum.
Soon after, Rogers' best friend Bucky Barnes and the 107th Infantry Regiment are captured. Rogers goes on a propaganda tour as "Captain America" to sell war bonds. On one such tour, he sees a newsreel of Barnes being tortured, and decides to go AWOL to rescue him. Rogers parachutes into the HYDRA research base, frees Barnes and other prisoners, and destroys the facility. Barnes falls from a train during the escape, and Rogers crash-lands his plane in the Arctic.
Rogers is found decades later and revived by S.H.I.E.L.D., led by Nick Fury. Fury explains that S.H.I.E.L.D. has been using the Tesseract, a powerful energy source, to develop weapons. Rogers is horrified to learn that HYDRA, now led by Johann Schmidt / Red Skull, has resurfaced and is planning to use the Tesseract to power weapons of mass destruction. Rogers, Barnes, and Peggy Carter lead an attack on HYDRA's last remaining base. Rogers confronts Red Skull, who uses the Tesseract to open a portal to another dimension. Rogers sacrifices himself by flying the Tesseract into the portal, which closes with him inside.
In the present day, Rogers is revived and reunited with a now-elderly Carter.
Cast
- Chris Evans as Steve Rogers / Captain America: A sickly man who undergoes an experimental procedure that transforms him into a super-soldier.
- Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury: The director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
- Hugo Weaving as Johann Schmidt / Red Skull: The leader of HYDRA and a former Nazi officer.
- Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter: A British agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Rogers' love interest.
- Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier: Rogers' best friend and a fellow soldier who is captured by HYDRA and brainwashed into becoming an assassin.
- Dominic Cooper as Howard Stark: A wealthy industrialist and Tony Stark's father.
- Neal McDonough as Dum Dum Dugan: A member of the Howling Commandos, a group of soldiers led by Rogers.
- Derek Luke as Gabe Jones: A member of the Howling Commandos.
- Tommy Lee Jones as Chester Phillips: A high-ranking officer in the U.S. Army.
Production
Development
Captain America was first announced in May 2006, with David Goyer attached to write the script. In April 2007, Joe Johnston was hired to direct the film, and Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely were brought on to rewrite Goyer's script. In October 2008, Chris Evans was cast as Steve Rogers / Captain America.
Filming
Principal photography began in March 2010 in London, England, and concluded in September 2010. The film was shot at Shepperton Studios, as well as on location in Manchester, Liverpool, and New York City.
Post-production
The visual effects for Captain America were created by Industrial Light & Magic, Double Negative, and Framestore. The film's score was composed by Alan Silvestri.
Release
Captain America was released in the United States on July 22, 2