Hayley Atwell Interview For ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’

‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ focuses on the early days of the Marvel Universe when Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the Super Soldier known as Captain America. Born during the Great Depression, Steve Rogers grew up a frail youth in a poor family. Horrified by the newsreel footage of the Nazis in Europe, Rogers was inspired to enlist in the army. However, because of his frailty and sickness, he was rejected. Overhearing the boy’s earnest plea, General Chester Phillips offered Rogers the opportunity to take part in a special experiment… Operation: Rebirth. After weeks of tests, Rogers was at last administered the Super-Solider Serum and bombarded by “vita-rays.” Steve Rogers emerged from the treatment with a body as perfect as a body can be and still be human. Rogers was then put through an intensive physical and tactical training program. Three months later, he was given his first assignment as Captain America. Armed with his indestructible shield and battle savvy, Captain America has continued his war against evil both as a sentinel of liberty and as leader of the Avengers.

In the film Hayley Atwell stars as Peggy Carter, an officer with the Strategic Scientific Reserve and the love interest of Captain America. The Marvel Comics adaptation comes to cinemas July 22nd, 2011 in the US, and July 29th 2011 in the UK. ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ also stars Hugo Weaving, Tommy Lee Jones, Neal McDonough, Sebastian Stan, Dominic Cooper, Derek Luke and Toby Jones.

How did you get involved with the film? Also how was working with director Joe Johnston?

Hayley Atwell: I was invited to meet Joe Johnston, just to have a chat with him really. I came away from the meeting thinking that we had a great chat, we didn’t talk about the film, I’ve made a friend but I don’t know if I’ve got a job (laughs). Then that ends up being quite a long audition process. Then a final screen-test where I had to learn an unarmed combat fight sequence and learn about eight pages of dialogue. It kind of just went from there.

Anyone that has met or worked with Joe would say that he’s an incredibly centred and calm man, very clear about what he wants but also open to suggestions. We all felt like we were part of a team working with Joe. He’s just lovely, absolutely delightful, he really encouraged me to take risks and to have a bit of fun with Penny too (laughs).

Can you tell us a little bit about your character? Also what interested you about her?

Hayley Atwell: I play Peggy Carter, who is an officer in the army. She is given the special task of helping to find someone that has the right qualities to become a super soldier, so she’s a part of Steve Rogers early journey – then goes through his transformation with him, she becomes his kind of moral compass, his confidant, and also his love interest.

When I read the script, the most appealing thing about Peggy for me was that this is a woman in this male dominated enviroment, which is something I can relate too, which is something a lot of women I know can relate too. She has a lot of fight in her, I always find that very attractive when I read scripts, looking for something I can get my teeth into, or some kind of complication, like I want to question who this woman is. Peggy had this mystery about her, especially considering the time period this is set in, there wasn‘t so many opportunities for women then.

What do you think she sees in Steve Rogers?

Hayley Atwell: I think when she first meets him she’s surprised, given his size and physique, that he won’t give up. I think she spots that quite early on. I think it’s refreshing to her because she’s been in an enviroment dominated by strong, but sometimes quite young and obnoxious soldiers, she’s had to stick up for herself time and time again, being one of the very few women there. To meet someone like Steve is quite endearing because she realises that he’s never been around women before, he doesn’t know how to react, how to behave (laughs), that’s quite sweet.

How was it working alongside Chris Evans?

Hayley Atwell: Chris was fantastic from day one, he was so commited to the role, very careful with the choices that he was making – because I know that it’s such an iconic role in American pop culture. Because of that he really wanted to get it right, as did Marvel. He worked incredibely hard, although he’d never let you think that, he was great fun and a real goof ball on set (laughs).

What was the experience like working on such a huge event movie?

Hayley Atwell: It is quite amazing, I remember being on set and just looking at the size of the sets themselves, the craftsmanship – the time and the amount of people that went into it, it was bigger than anything I’ve ever experienced. It was overwhelming, the experience itself was phenomenal, a really special opportunity.

There’s a tonne of action but there’s also a lot of heart to the film…

Hayley Atwell: Yes, it’s breathtakingly action packed, there’s incredible sequences, however there’s a heart to it, a central story which is something we can all relate too – fighting our own limitations to become heroes in our own lives. Trying to be better, trying to strive and never give up, hold onto your principles. Then at the same time there’s this genuine love story there, it’s very sweet, I really think it has a worldwide mass appeal. The love story is very romantic, very old fashioned, it takes its time.