Director of First Avenger - Johnston to Direct Captain America

Having directed rampaging dinosaurs in Jurassic Park III and a snarling Benicio Del Toro in the upcoming remake of The Wolfman, Joe Johnston has signed on to bring one of Marvel’s most popular comic-book heroes to the big screen. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he has signed on to direct First Avenger: Captain America for Marvel Studios. The pic is being prepped for a May 6, 2011 release.

A wartime creation of Jack Kirby and Joe Simon, Captain America first appeared in 1941. The character is the product of a super-soldier program that turns scrawny, sickly Steve Rogers into a Nazi-fighting war machine who wields an indestructible shield. A symbol for the war effort, the hero was later resurrected as part of Marvel’s Avengers.

Staying true to its comic origins, First Avenger will be set during World War II. The character will then be brought into modern times for the upcoming Avengers movie, which Marvel hopes to launch in 2011. Marvel is taking pitches from writers and is looking for an actor to play the title role. The movie is being produced by Marvel's Kevin Feige, and exec produced by Louis D'Esposito, Stan Lee and Marvel Studios chairman David Maisel.

Two members of the Avengers team, Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, have already been introduced on the big screen, and Thor is on the way. Kenneth Branagh is in talks to direct Thor for a 2010 release. Director Jon Favreau and actor Robert Downey Jr. are also re-teaming for to Iron Man sequels.

Captain America Story Line Revealed

Potential WWII plot details of the coming Captain America movie have been confirmed by industry mag "Production Weekly." Click to read...

Supposedly, this is the full-plot synopsis of "The First Avenger: Captain America" as published in the latest issue of Production Weekly.

"Born during the Great Depression, Steve Rogers grew up a frail youth in a poor family. Horrified by the newsreel footage of the Nazis in Europe, Rogers was inspired to enlist in the army. However, because of his frailty and sickness, he was rejected. Overhearing the boy's earnest plea, General Chester Phillips offered Rogers the opportunity to take part in a special experiment... Operation: Rebirth."

"After weeks of tests, Rogers was at last administered the 'Super-Soldier Serum' and bombarded by 'vita-rays.' Steve Rogers emerged from the treatment with a body as perfect as a body can be and still be human. Rogers was then put through an intensive physical and tactical training program. Three months later, he was given his first assignment as Captain America. Armed with his indestructible shield and and battle savvy, Captain America has continued his war against evil both as a sentinel of liberty and leader of the Avengers."

Still no word as to who might play the star-spangled patriot, but rumors have abounded, including Matthew McConaughey, Leonardo DiCaprio and even African American Will Smith. However, nothing has been confirmed. This Marvel movie will be penned by Zak Penn and is looking at a May 6, 2011 release.