The search is over. We’ve long learned during the endless casting news for “Captain America” that the words “front runner” don’t mean much. Remember when John Krasinski was a “virtual lock” to wear the tights? Yeah, well, they ended up going with Chris Evans who didn’t even have to audition.
Similarly, while Alice Eve was touted as the favorite to land the love interest role of Peggy Carter, among of mix of actresses like Keira Knightley and Emily Blunt, it’s actually 28-year-old British actress Hayley Atwell who has ended up snagging the role instead, putting the final piece of the puzzle in place.
Atwell joins Evans, Sebastian Stan as sidekick Buddy Barnes and potentially Hugo Weaving as the villain Red Skull (who is still evidently in negotiations, hopefully he’ll realize Marvel desperately need him) in the film that will shoot in England this summer. The film will be an origin story, based around Steve Rogers’ beginnings circa WWII so we imagine that will provide director Joe Johnston an opportunity to do some location shooting around Europe.
“Captain America” will join “Thor” in a 2011 release that will pave the way for “The Avengers” that recently found a director in Joss Whedon who will be preparing the film for a 2012 bow.