AICN reports that Joe Johnston, director of such films as "the Rocketeer," "Jumanji" and "October Sky," has been named director of the Captain America film:
  • Mark it down on your calendar: Joe Johnston's FIRST AVENGER: CAPTAIN AMERICA will storm into theaters on May 6th, 2011. It will be set during World War II, and will help set up the forthcoming AVENGERS film (along with THOR and IRON MAN 2). Here's Marvel honcho Kevin Feige on Johnston via The Hollywood Reporter:

    "This is a guy who designed the vehicles for 'Star Wars,' who storyboarded the convoy action sequence for 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,' " Feige said. "From 'Rocketeer' to 'October Sky' to 'The Wolfman,' you can look at pieces of his movies and see how they lead to this one."

    According to the Reporter story, Johnston has been hugging the inside track for the CAPTAIN AMERICA gig for two years.


Not a bad choice, IMO. The guy's a protege of Spielberg and Lucas and "the Rocketeer," while a bit dated now, did a good job of capturing that whole "Nazi Smasher" vibe that you want in WWII Cap movie.