Both Ryan Phillippe and Channing Tatum have been approached to take on the role of Steve Rogers / Captain America in The First Avenger: Captain America. Meanwhile, British thesps Keira Knightly and Emily Blunt are both attached to play love interest Peggy Carter.

Phillippe revealed the news at the 2010 South by Southwest (SXSW) music and film festival, stating: “[I] actually am going in to meet on ...Captain America, which is kind of cool. After Superman, he was kind of my favourite."

Phillipe is coming off something of a career resurgence, turning in strong work in films such as Crash, Breach, and Flags of Our Fathers, making him the man with the most experience.

Yet at 35 years old, Phillippe is also the oldest candidate in the ...Captain America sweepstakes, with Marvel thus far concentrating on younger talent.

Also in contention is Channing Tatum, who although has not tested for the part, is expected to be given an offer by Marvel Studios. His age, physique, and recent box office clout makes him an ideal candidate, yet he also has a busy plate filming Knockout with Steven Soderbergh, and is set to appear alongside Al Pacino in Son of No One.

(Check out my vintage Top Ten Actors Who Could Play Captain America)

In other casting news, the task to find who will play the role of love interest Peggy Carter is also in full swing, with British actress’ Keira Knightly, Emily Blunt, and Alice Eve all vying for the role.

Blunt thus far seems the favourite, having being offered the role of Black Widow in Iron Man 2 (which she reluctantly had to turn down), and since she has worked with ...Captain America director Joe Johnston previously on The Wolfman.

As previously reported, other actors in contention for the role of Captain America are Chris Evans, Mike Vogul, Garrett Hedlund, and Wilson Bethel.

Hugo Weaving is currently in negotiations to play the films main villain, Red Skull.

Source: Deadline New York / MTV