It’s hard to believe, but with this Friday’s release of “Captain America: The First Avenger,” Marvel will have finally introduced all of the pieces of the puzzle that is “The Avengers,” and we’ll have more on that this journey this week. For now, though, it’s almost time for audiences to get their first look at one of the most earnest and sincere of all of the superheroes, and I’m curious to see what people make of the movie.
I don’t think I’m breaking embargo to say that I thought the movie was preposterous amounts of fun, and I was very happy to sit down with Captain America himself the day after seeing the film. I first spoke to Evans when they were promoting “Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World,” and that was before he’d agreed to play this part. As much as I’ve liked Evans in roles he’s played in the past, though, I really didn’t have any idea how he was going to approach the dual role of Steve Rogers and Captain America, and it sounds like he didn’t, either.
I like that Evans was reluctant to sign up for the part, because it means that before he made the decision, he considered it, and he carefully contemplated what it was he could bring to the role. It sounds like his conversations with Joe Johnston made a big difference for him, and gave him the confidence to step up and play the part.
Last week, I was on-set for “The To-Do List,” and one of the cast members of that one is Clark Gregg. He had just wrapped up the Albequerque shoot of “The Avengers,” and while he was very careful not to spoil anything or give away any details, he did mention some great times spent with the rest of the cast, including some late night texts “Avengers Assemble” texts that were sent out to everyone. When I brought it up with Evans, you’ll see his reaction.
The only point I wish we’d had time to cover is the story point that occurred to me at the end of the film. Technically speaking, I think Captain America may be one of the oldest virgins in America, and I’m seriously hoping the entire first act of “The Avengers” is about the rest of the team trying to get him laid.
We’ll find out next summer, when “The Avengers” opens on May, 2012. In the meantime, “Captain America: The First Avenger” opens this Friday.