Alongside marking the introduction of Steve Rogers into the MCU, the cast of Captain America: The First Avenger also features a wide range of supporting characters and surprise appearances that make it one of Phase One’s most exciting projects. The story follows a young soldier named Steve Rogers, whose involvement in a secret research project sees him transformed into an enhanced ‘Super Soldier’ that the US military uses to bring down an elusive branch of the German military in WWII. It’s one of Marvel’s most unique projects, and it’s brought alive by the huge cast of talented actors.
MCU movies are famous for their blockbuster scale and impressive CGI, but The First Avenger is actually much more focused on the people at the center of its story. As the title suggests, Steve Rogers is the first of the Avengers, and his debut appearance strives to make him feel like a real person rather than just an indestructible superhero. It does this through a series of important relationships and complex dynamics that really ground the film in reality - and establish the character as a human above all else. Many of these characters will also go on to play large roles in later entries into the franchise.
Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America
The First Avenger is primarily the story of Steve Rogers’ transformation into Captain America, using this dramatic backdrop of the Second World War to highlight his unbreakable strength of character. Evans does a great job of capturing Rogers’ heroism and stoicism, making the audience immediately connect with the character and root for him despite the film’s blurred approach toward the morality of war. Steve Rogers has a huge legacy in the MCU, and Evans really sets this up from the beginning with a bold and powerful performance in this first movie. Before this role, the actor was best known for Scott Pilgrim Vs The World and Fantastic Four.
Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter
Despite only knowing each other for a short period of time, Steve’s relationship with his coworker Peggy Carter was a hugely important milestone in his journey that stuck with him for the rest of his life. He may have gotten his strength and physical abilities from the serum, but it was Peggy that taught him the bravery and compassion that allowed him to become Captain America. Evans and Atwell have a great on-screen chemistry that really sells this relationship, ranking them among the MCU’s strongest couples. Her other works include Cinderella and The Duchess.
Sebastian Stan as James ‘Bucky’ Barnes
Bucky Barnes’ complete MCU timeline is a complicated and tragic one, but The First Avenger marks the beginning of his long journey with Steve. He’s a few years older and more experienced than his friend, allowing him to mentor the young soldier in the ways of the military and guide him through his first few weeks as Captain America. Stan’s other famous works include I, Tonya, Gossip Girl, and Pam & Tommy. Vastly different from his MCU character, Stan also received critical acclaim for his villainous role in Fresh, where he played the cannibalistic and sadistic Steve.
Hugo Weaving as Johann Schmidt/Red Skull
Weaving’s performance as the villainous Red Skull is among The First Avenger’s greatest assets, as he truly commands the screen and raises the stakes in every single scene he shares. Although many of Red Skull’s powers were omitted from the movie, he’s still a hugely threatening force that poses a real threat for Captain America. Weaving was the perfect choice for the role, particularly since he had previously been known for playing the villain, Agent Smith in The Matrix. He is also known for playing the brave elf Elrond in The Lord of the Rings movies.
Tommy Lee Jones as Chester Phillips
Chester Phillips was a hugely formative character in Steve Rogers’ early days as Captain America, teaching him the values of determination and never giving up. Although the pair initially clashed heads over their differing ideas surrounding the morality of warfare, they quickly learned to work together to defeat their common enemy. Apart from this, Jones is also known for his work in No Country for Old Men, the stubborn Agent K Men in Black and Samuel Gerard in The Fugitive.
Dominic Cooper as Howard Stark
The First Avenger proved that Captain America is Howard Stark’s true successor, despite the previous films’ attempts to paint his son Tony in this role. Steve and Howard worked closely together in the fight against Red Skull, using their combined knowledge of science, warfare, and humanity to construct a plan that couldn’t fail. Their partnership foreshadows the MCU’s later fixation with the dynamic between Steve and Tony, who are both at their strongest when they’re working together. Cooper brings all the charm and sarcasm necessary to make Tony Stark’s father work, with his previous successes including Preacher and Need For Speed.
Toby Jones as Arnim Zola
Arnim Zola is a complicated character, and while his role in The First Avenger isn’t that notable, he’s incredibly important to the future of the MCU. He’s Red Skull’s right-hand man, but while the pair sometimes clash about methods, Zola is unwaveringly loyal to Hydra. There are several things about Zola that only comic book fans will know, but the movies still credit him for his work with Hydra throughout the 20th Century. Jones does a great job of navigating the subtleties of Zola’s character, constantly working from the shadows. His most famous projects include Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and the Harry Potter franchise.
Captain America: The First Avenger Supporting Cast And Characters
Stanley Tucci as Doctor Erskine - Erskine is the American scientist responsible for creating the Super Soldier serum that transforms Rogers into Captain America. Many tried to replicate his work, but they all failed. Tucci’s most famous works include The Lovely Bones, The Devil Wears Prada, and The Hunger Games movies.
Kenneth Choi as Jim Morita - Morita was Rogers’ close friend during his time in the military and one of the Howling Commandos (a group of soldiers that dedicated themselves to Captain America’s cause). Choi’s previous works include War and 9-1-1.
Jenna Coleman as Connie - Though her role is only small, Coleman appeared as Bucky’s girlfriend Connie. She represents America’s widespread affection for its soldiers and their bravery. Her other notable works include Doctor Who and The Sandman.
Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury - Fury appears briefly at the end of The First Avenger after Steve Rogers is awoken from his 70-year sleep. He welcomes the soldier into the modern world and recruits him for the Avengers Initiative. Outside of the MCU, Jackson is best known for his work in Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained.
Neal McDonough as Dum Dum Dugan - Dugan was another member of the Howling Commandos, loyal to Captain America and dedicated to fighting the good fight. He’s played by Neal McDonough, whose most beloved projects include Walking Tall and Band of Brothers.
Derek Luke as Gabe Jones - Yet another member of the Howling Commandos, Gabe Jones was among the squadron’s most talented fighters and loyal friends. He was noted for his talent with firearms. Luke can also be found in Antwone Fisher and Biker Boyz.
Bruno Ricci as Jacques Dernier - Dernier was a French soldier who fought against the Nazis in World War Two, eventually serving as the explosions master of the Howling Commandos. He’s portrayed by Bruno Ricci, who’s previously been in 3 Days To Kill and Brotherhood of Tears.
Richard Armitage as Heinz Kruger - Kruger was an undercover Hydra Agent tasked with killing Doctor Erskine and stealing a sample of his Super Soldier serum. He’s played by Richard Armitage, who’s most famous for The Stranger and The Hobbit movies.
Natalie Dormer as Lorraine - Lorraine was Chester Pillips’ private secretary during his time in the military, most notable for having a brief romance with Steve Rogers while he wrestled with his feelings for Peggy. Dormer’s other projects include Game of Thrones and The Hunger Games franchise.
JJ Feild as James Falsworth - Though his screen time in Captain America: The First Avenger is only brief, Falsworth is an important character in Marvel Comics that later becomes Union Jack, essentially the British equivalent of Captain America. He’s played by JJ Feild, best known for his work in Austenland and Northanger Abbey.