[Update: Marvel has confirmed that Evans is playing Cap. See the press release below.]

Today we reach the anti-climax of the Captain America casting fiasco, with The Heat Vision Blog exclusively reporting that actor Chris Evans (Fantastic Four, Push) has accepted the role of Marvel's star-spangled Avenger, in the upcoming origin film, The First Avenger: Captain America.

This report comes just on the heels of the news that Evans had been offered the role of Cap and after a weekend of anxiety that the search had come to an end, THR's sources reveal that he has in fact accepted the offer.

There was some minor concern that Evans' previous commitment to filming the rom-com What's Your Number? with co-star Anna Faris may conflict with Captain America's shooting schedule which begins this June. However, that and potential hesitation due to having previously played another high profile Marvel superhero were overcome and Evans quickly came to negotiations for the part.

Chris Evans is now a poster boy for the future of Marvel. He's not just a World War II hero, he's the leader of The Avengers for years to come. As those who have been following the Captain America news know, the deal Evans has reportedly accepted is a 9-picture contract which sets him up for at least a trilogy of Captain America films, a trilogy of Avengers films and other appearances in future Marvel projects.

The plan for casting the title character in The First Avenger: Captain America was initially to get an unknown and surround him with stars and veterans, but after testing every young fit actor in the world and having the vast majority of them shot down by fans and blogs everywhere, Marvel and director Joe Johnston decided on an actor very familiar with the comic book genre. As we know, Evans played the Human Torch in the Fantastic Four franchise and has roles in The Losers and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World which both release later this year.  Bringing the comic book theme full circle, Scott Pilgrim is directed by Edgar Wright who of course, is helming Ant-Man for Marvel Studios.

Evans will stand beside Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man and Chris Hemsworth's Thor in the most ambitious comic book movie ever, come 2012, and it's a joyous time for fans. Let's hope Ed Norton gets up there with them as Bruce Banner/Hulk. And maybe Ant-Man too...

Update: Check out an excerpt from the official Captain America press release that was issued by Marvel Studios:

Marvel Studios has officially confirmed that Chris Evans will star as Captain America in the studio's highly anticipated movie THE FIRST AVENGER: CAPTAIN AMERICA directed by Joe Johnston from a script penned by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely.

Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige will produce THE FIRST AVENGER: CAPTAIN AMERICA. Alan Fine, Stan Lee, David Maisel, Stratton Leopold and Louis D'Esposito will executive produce. The film will be released in the US on July 22, 2011 and distributed by Paramount Pictures.

THE FIRST AVENGER: CAPTAIN AMERICA will focus on the early days of the Marvel Universe when Steve Rogers volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the Super Soldier known as Captain America.

In addition to THE FIRST AVENGER: CAPTAIN AMERICA, Marvel Studios will release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including the highly anticipated sequel, IRON MAN 2, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow on May 7, 2010, THOR on May 6, 2011, and THE AVENGERS on May 4, 2012.

For me, Evans is a very likable guy and he certainly keeps in shape. My only concern is how he plays the character; I don't want the fast-talking witty comedy relief that we've seen from most of his career so far - We need the classy charming more serious character from Captain America and save the comedy for Roberty Downey Jr. when they meet up.

Now that it's official, what do you think of Chris Evans playing Captain America opposite Hugo Weaving’s Red Skull?

[poll id="39"]

The First Avenger: Captain America hits July 22, 2011 and The Avengers is scheduled to debut May 4, 2012.

Share your thoughts in the comments and with us on Twitter @ScreenRant and @rob_keyes.

Source: THR