20 Mind-Blowing Facts You Didn't Know About Captain America

20. He Starred In The Very First Comic Book Movie

You might think that the widely mocked 1990s movie was Captain America's big screen debut, but the patriotic superhero actually appeared in a 15-part black and white serial back in 1944. This very loose adaptation (Steve Rogers was transformed into a District Attorney named Grant Gardner, and WWII played no role in his adventures) was technically the first comic book movie ever, and a Marvel character would not appear in another until 40 years later. The actor who played Captain America - Dick Purcell - died weeks after filming concluded, and it's believed that was a result of the strain that taking on the role put on him.