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November 10, 2008


Marvel Studios has tapped Joe Johnston to suit up and direct its superhero actioner “The First Avenger: Captain America.”

Johnston is readying a redo of “The Wolfman” at Universal Pictures, which bows in April.

Marvel is looking to launch a new franchise, starring Captain America to follow successful launches of Iron Man and a reboot of The Incredible Hulk. Pic bows May 6, 2011, with Paramount distribbing.

A thesp has yet to be cast as Captain America, who will also co-star in “The Avengers,” also hitting screens in 2011.

Pic will introduce Steve Rogers, who volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the patriotic super soldier known as Captain America.

Marvel Studios’ prexy Kevin Feige will produce, Louis D’Esposito, Stan Lee and Marvel Studios chairman David Maisel will exec produce.

Johnston, who previously helmed “The Rocketeer,” “October Sky” and “Jurassic Park III,” is also developing “The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud.”