The Original Captain America Cast: Where Are They Now, 14 Years After MCU’s First Avenger?

The Original Captain America Cast: Where Are They Now, 14 Years After MCU’s First Avenger?

Captain America: The First Avenger, released in 2011, is set to celebrate its 14th anniversary in 2025. Over the years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has expanded significantly, with many of its actors busy with various projects. This film serves as the origin story for Captain America, chronicling Steve Rogers’ transformation into this iconic hero during World War II. Given the era depicted, it’s notable that some characters, despite facing dire fates, have continued to make appearances in the contemporary MCU, unlike Captain America himself.

Although it initially ranked as the third-lowest-grossing film within the MCU, Chris Evans quickly turned Captain America into a cultural touchstone, largely due to his impactful performances in subsequent films. After his last portrayal of the character in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, Evans left behind a remarkable legacy. Below is an overview of what the main cast members from Captain America: The First Avenger have accomplished since its release.

Chris Evans: From Hero to Icon

Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America

Captain America
MCU Movie Year Role
Captain America: The First Avenger 2011 Steve Rogers/Captain America
The Avengers 2012 Steve Rogers/Captain America
Thor: The Dark World 2013 Loki
Captain America: The Winter Soldier 2014 Steve Rogers/Captain America
Avengers: Age of Ultron 2015 Steve Rogers/Captain America
Ant-Man 2015 Steve Rogers/Captain America
Captain America: Civil War 2016 Steve Rogers/Captain America
Spider-Man: Homecoming 2017 Steve Rogers/Captain America
Avengers: Infinity War 2018 Steve Rogers/Captain America
Captain Marvel 2019 Steve Rogers/Captain America
Avengers: Endgame 2019 Steve Rogers/Captain America
Deadpool & Wolverine 2024 Johnny Storm’s Human Torch

In 2024, Chris Evans returned to the screen, reprising his role as Johnny Storm from Fox’s Fantastic Four. Noteworthy projects outside the MCU include his performances in Red One, Lightyear, and Knives Out. Evans has also sparked rumors of returning to the MCU for Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for 2026, though he has publicly denied these claims.

Sebastian Stan: The Loyal Friend

Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes

Bucky Barnes
MCU Movie Year Role
Captain America: The First Avenger 2011 Bucky Barnes
Captain America: The Winter Soldier 2014 The Winter Soldier/Bucky Barnes
Ant-Man 2015 Bucky Barnes
Captain America: Civil War 2016 Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier
Black Panther 2017 Bucky Barnes/White Wolf
Avengers: Infinity War 2018 Bucky Barnes
Avengers: Endgame 2019 Bucky Barnes
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier 2021 Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier
Thunderbolts* 2025 Bucky Barnes

Since his portrayal of Bucky Barnes, Sebastian Stan has received critical acclaim, recently winning a Golden Globe for his role in A Different Man. He is also nominated for an Academy Award for portraying Donald Trump in The Apprentice. Stan is set to appear as Senator Bucky Barnes in the upcoming 2025 film Thunderbolts*, elevating his status within the MCU.

Hugo Weaving’s Unique MCU Journey

Hugo Weaving as Johann Schmidt/Red Skull

Red Skull

Hugo Weaving’s portrayal of the notorious Red Skull marked a significant moment in Captain America: The First Avenger. Prior to this role, Weaving gained fame as Agent Smith in the Matrix series and as Elrond in The Lord of the Rings. His character, though seemingly defeated, made a reappearance in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame via Ross Marquand, who took over the role.

Since then, Weaving returned to familiar ground in the The Hobbit trilogy and the film Slow Horses, demonstrating his versatility as an actor.

Hayley Atwell: A Timeless Presence

Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter

Peggy Carter
MCU Movie Year Role
Captain America: The First Avenger 2011 Peggy Carter
Captain America: The Winter Soldier 2014 Peggy Carter
Avengers: Age of Ultron 2015 Peggy Carter
Ant-Man 2015 Peggy Carter
Avengers: Endgame 2019 Peggy Carter
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 2022 Captain Carter

Atwell’s involvement in the MCU has been complemented by remarkable roles in other films, including her work in Black Mirror, Christopher Robin, and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. Continuing to engage with the MCU, Atwell lent her voice to Captain Carter in What If…? and is reportedly set to make a live-action return in Avengers: Doomsday.

Stanley Tucci: A Pivotal Mentor

Stanley Tucci as Dr. Abraham Erskine

Dr. Abraham Erskine

Stanley Tucci portrayed Dr. Erskine, the scientist responsible for creating Captain America. Although his role was brief, it was essential in shaping Rogers’ character. Beyond the MCU, Tucci has had a flourishing career, starring in numerous acclaimed films and series.

Tommy Lee Jones: The Unforgettable Colonel

Tommy Lee Jones as Colonel Chester Phillips

Colonel Chester Phillips

Tommy Lee Jones, a veteran actor, portrayed Colonel Chester Phillips in Captain America: The First Avenger but did not return for future MCU films. Instead, he returned to other famous roles, including his iconic character in the Men in Black franchise and featured in high-quality films such as Ad Astra, remaining a formidable presence in Hollywood.

Toby Jones: The Return of Arnim Zola

Toby Jones as Arnim Zola

Arnim Zola

Toby Jones’ character, Arnim Zola, is a pivotal part of the Hydra narrative. Zola was later reprised in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. In addition to his work in the MCU, Jones has collaborated with notable talents in projects like The Hunger Games and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

A Look at the Supporting Characters

Cast Highlights from Captain America: The First Avenger

The Howling Commandos

The Howling Commandos, Captain America’s elite squad, played a crucial role during WWII. After the presumed demise of Captain America, they operated under Dum Dum Dugan. Below are some of the notable actors who have portrayed these characters:

  • Neal McDonough (Dum Dum Dugan) – McDonough recreated his role in various MCU productions and featured in successful projects like The Flash and Tulsa King.
  • Kenneth Choi (Jim Morita) – Choi reprised his role in Spider-Man: Homecoming and starred in 9-1-1.
  • JJ Feild (James Montgomery Falsworth) – Known for his role as Falsworth, his latest role includes Lev Zubov in The Peripheral.
  • Derek Luke (Gabe Jones) – Luke’s recent work includes 13 Reasons Why and The Purge.
  • Bruno Ricci (Jacques Dernier) – Ricci starred in international projects, most recently in the Amazon series We Are Legend.

These actors, who contributed significantly to the film’s depth and charm, continue to be part of impactful stories within and outside the MCU as the franchise evolves.

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