Captain America: The First Avenger

Did You Know?

• Captain America: The First Avenger is the fifth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and serves as the origin story for Steve Rogers, the character who would go on to become one of the Avengers.
• Chris Evans, who plays Steve Rogers, was initially hesitant to take on the role due to the physical transformation required, but his performance became a defining moment in his career.
• The film is set during World War II, providing a unique backdrop for Captain America’s origins. The period setting also helps distinguish Captain America from other contemporary superheroes in the MCU.
• Hugo Weaving plays the villain Johann Schmidt, also known as the Red Skull. Weaving’s performance was praised for being both menacing and theatrical, though the character’s motivations were seen as somewhat one-dimensional.
• The Tesseract, a powerful cosmic cube, is a key element in the film’s plot. The Tesseract would later play a crucial role in other MCU films, including The Avengers (2012) and Avengers: Infinity War (2018).
• The Howling Commandos, a group of soldiers led by Captain America, are featured in the film and are drawn from the comic books. They provide a fun supporting cast, and their inclusion adds to the film’s wartime feel.
• The film was shot in various locations, including the UK and the United States, with the World War II scenes filmed in a mix of practical sets and visual effects.
• The film’s post-credit scene features Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) discussing the Avengers Initiative with Steve Rogers, teasing the formation of the Avengers team that would be central to the MCU.
• The film features a vintage feel, using sepia tones and retro aesthetics to match the time period of World War II, giving it a unique visual style compared to other superhero films.
• Captain America: The First Avenger was successful both commercially and critically, grossing over $370 million worldwide and establishing Captain America as a key figure in the growing MCU.