Film recap: 'Captain America,' 'War of the Gods,' and 'Transformers 3' cast

(AFP/GABRIEL BOUYS)

There's no end to the popularity of comic book and mythic superheroes transferring to film, with the latest news being who's in what. Among casting news, here is the latest on a few upcoming releases:.

Captain America
After some extensive auditioning and deliberation with several prospects for the role, Chris Evans ( Fantastic Four, Rise of the Silver Surfer) was chosen to play Steve Rogers, aka Marvel Comics' superhero, Captain America. Director Joe Johnston ( The Wolfman, Hidalgo) was apparently seeking an unknown actor for the part and landed someone with superhero experience, portraying Johnny Storm, The Human Torch. It could mean up to nine films in the series.

The casting process involved a long list of actors including John Krasinski ( It's Complicated, The Office), Chace Crawford ( Gossip Girl) and Ryan Phillippe ( Crash, Gosford Park) as well as Michael Cassidy, Patrick Flueger, Garrett Hedlund and others testing for the part.

Transformers 3
Producer Michael Bay just added John Malkovich and Frances McDormand to the cast of the third installment of the sci-fi action adventure Transformers 3. Oscar winner McDormand will play the National Intelligence Director. These respected actors join Shia Labeouf, Megan Fox, and indie fave John Turturro on the film, which will shoot in the US, Africa, Moscow, and China. Also added is Ken Jeong ( The Hangover) for an element of humor. Summer 2011 release.

War of the Gods
Twilight's Kellan Lutz has been cast as Poseidon in the action epic tale War of the Gods, the mythological film by director Tarsem Singh ( The Fall). Also appearing in this Greek mythology story is Mickey Rourke and Freida Pinto.

Lutz also tried out for the role of Conan the Barbarian in the upcoming film by Marcus Nispel (upcoming Friday the 13th). The role in the remake went to Jason Momoa ( Stargate: Atlantis).

RC