And Captain America’s love interest will be played by…

After Emily Blunt formally turned down the role of Peggy Carter, love interest to Steve Rogers in CAPTAIN AMERICA, all eyes turned to names like Keira Knightley and Alice Eve as the top candidates. As it turns out Marvel and Joe Johnston cast an actress that was mentioned as an aside in most casting reports. Hayley Atwell (THE DUCHESS) has signed on to co-star with Chris Evans in the film after nailing her screentest in London with Johnston.

While Atwell has had supporting roles in period movies like THE DUCHESS and BRIDESHEAD REVISITED, she may be best known for her role in AMC’s remake of “The Prisoner.”

Not knowing much on Atwell it’s hard to cast a critical eye on her joining the production but if they chose her over bigger name actresses, I’m guessing she’s got something going for her. And frankly it doesn’t seem like this movie has always been all about getting the biggest A-list star.

If you’re completely unfamiliar with Atwell, here’s a video of her talking about THE DUCHESS just to give you an idea. What do you think of the choice?