It appears the female lead in “Captain America” won’t be played by actress Alice Eve.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, actress Hayley Atwell has been cast in the female lead for the upcoming movie.
Atwell is playing the British love interest opposite Chris Evans, who portrays Steve Rogers/Captain America in the Joe Johnston-directed movie.
Marvel conducted an extensive search for the part, with Emily Blunt and Keira Knightley among the names in the mix at one point. Atwell clinched the role after screen testing in London last week.
Sebastian Stan is cast as Captain America’s sidekick, Bucky Barnes while Hugo Weaving is still in negotiations to play the villainous Red Skull.
The character Atwell will play is named Peggy Carter, who in comics lore not only dated Captain America but was an agent helping the French Resistance. She later became the aunt of Sharon Carter, Captain America’s love in modern times.
Atwell is known among UK acting circles for her work in period movies such as “Brideshead Revisited” and “The Duchess.” The actress, repped by CAA and United Agents, appeared in AMC’s recent remake of “The Prisoner” and will be seen in the upcoming epic miniseries “The Pillars of the Earth.”
