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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Captain America

Captain America is a Marvel Comics superhero created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby who first appeared in *Captain America Comics* #1 in 1940.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Captain America is a Marvel Comics superhero created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby who first appeared in *Captain America Comics* #1 in 1940. The character is most commonly associated with Steve Rogers, a World War II-era super-soldier who later became a major figure in Marvel comics and films. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he is portrayed by Chris Evans, and the mantle is later taken up by Sam Wilson.

Publication history

Captain America debuted in *Captain America Comics* #1 on December 20, 1940, created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby for Timely Publications, the predecessor to Marvel Comics. The character became one of Marvel's most recognizable superheroes.

Fictional identity

The most widely recognized Captain America is Steve Rogers, also called Steven Rogers or Steven Grant Rogers in some sources. He is typically portrayed as a frail young man who is transformed into a super-soldier by the Super-Soldier serum during World War II.

In film and television

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Chris Evans portrayed Steve Rogers/Captain America across multiple films, including *Captain America: The First Avenger* (2011), *Captain America: The Winter Soldier* (2014), and *Captain America: Civil War* (2016). Later MCU stories pass the Captain America title to Sam Wilson, as seen in *Captain America: Brave New World* (2025).

Key facts

  • Introduced by Timely Publications, the precursor to Marvel Comics.
  • The character's best-known civilian identity is Steve Rogers.
  • Steve Rogers is depicted as a World War II soldier enhanced by the Super-Soldier serum.
  • Captain America has been portrayed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by Chris Evans.
  • The Captain America mantle is later taken up in the MCU by Sam Wilson.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may know Captain America mainly through Marvel comics, theatrical releases, and Disney+ availability in Canada; the character is also a frequent reference point in North American pop culture.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Captain America?
Captain America is a Marvel Comics superhero, most famously portrayed as Steve Rogers, a World War II-era super-soldier and one of the Avengers’ central heroes.
What is Captain America's real name?
Captain America’s best-known real name is **Steve Rogers**; some sources give the fuller name **Steven Grant Rogers**.
How old is Captain America?
There is no single fixed age, because the character’s age depends on the comic, film, or timeline. In the MCU, Steve Rogers is a World War II-era character who is later frozen and reappears decades later.
Captain America movies in order
The main MCU Captain America films are *Captain America: The First Avenger* (2011), *Captain America: The Winter Soldier* (2014), *Captain America: Civil War* (2016), and *Captain America: Brave New World* (2025).
Where to watch Captain America
Availability varies by country and service, but the Captain America films are Disney/Marvel titles and are commonly available through Disney’s streaming ecosystem in many regions; local streaming catalogs can change.
Captain America vs Iron Man
In Marvel stories, Captain America and Iron Man are allies who also become ideological opponents, most notably in *Captain America: Civil War*, where they clash over how superheroes should be governed.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_America
    Supports: First appearance, creators, civilian identity, and publication history
  2. Marvel — https://www.marvel.com/characters/captain-america-steve-rogers
    Supports: Character overview and Steve Rogers identity
  3. Marvel — https://www.marvel.com/characters/captain-america-steve-rogers/in-comics
    Supports: Steve Rogers backstory and Super-Soldier serum
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Evans_(actor)
    Supports: Chris Evans portrayal of Captain America in the MCU
  5. Marvel Cinematic Universe Fandom — https://www.marvelcinematicuniverse.fandom.com/wiki/Captain_America
    Supports: Sam Wilson taking up the Captain America mantle and MCU film role
  6. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_America_(Ultimate_Marvel_character)
    Supports: Alternative Marvel character version and broader canon context