From a Fantastic Fireball to the Star Spangled Solider: Chris Evans strongly rumoured to play Captain America

Various sources have now reported Chris Evans, known for playing hothead Johnny Storm/Human Torch in the 2005 film Fantastic Four, has moved on to another famous title in the Marvel Comics franchise. According to Hollywood Deadline and Variety, Evans will be adding some red and white to a new blue costume, after grabbing the part of Steve Rogers/Captain America in the upcoming superhero movie, The First Avenger: Captain America.

Set during World War II, the film will tell the story of young American Steve Rogers joining the military's Operation: Rebirth, designed to create "Super-Soldiers" to help defend the United States. When the operation is a success, the once timid Steve Rogers becomes the burly Captain America, a patriotic powerhouse. With his newfound strength, speed and endurance, Captain America defends his country from forces he didn't exactly think he was recruited for.

Evans himself has yet to comment or confirm his involvement in the film and must sign a contract with Marvel Stuidos before he can officially join the movie. The Captain America film series is said to be linked together with other big Marvel movies such as Hulk, Iron Man and Thor. Mention of a "Super Soldier" project in Louis Leterrier's Incredible Hulk was meant to serve as a reference to the upcoming Captain America film. Marvel Studios plans to have the Captain join with some of their other superheroes in an adaptation of the task force, The Avengers.

No other actors have enlisted in the Captain America franchise, but other characters are in the process of casting. Actresses Keira Knightley, Emily Blunt and Alice Eve are some of the possible casting choices for the female lead of Peggy. Hugo Weaving is also a rumoured name looking into the role of the film's main villain, the Red Skull.

The First Avenger: Captain America is set to arrive in movie theaters July 22, 2011.