*UPDATED BELOW*

Well, after what seems like months of nothing but unofficial set photos and test shots to go on, Entertainment Weekly has the first official pictures of Chris Evans as Captain America in the upcoming film Captain America: The First Avenger.

In the upcoming issue, of which Evans as Cap graces the cover, Evans talks about his doubts about taking the role. The article also reveals that Cap’s enemy, the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving) has a “plan for world domination [that] involves a magical object known as The Tesseract” (aka, The Cosmic Cube).

I have to admit, I was not pleased when they first announced Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America, since he’s already played Johnny Storm/The Human Torch in the Fantastic Four movies. I am not really fond of actors playing different characters in the same comic book universe; it tends to ruin my “make-believe time.” Also, I was unsure whether Evans could bulk up to really look the part.

According to the EW article, Evans also shared in my uncertainty before he signed on for the part. He turned down the role three times! Well, at least visually, I can say that Evans has pulled it off. Fanboys and Cap purists may cry foul, but I actually like this photo. Evans has succeeded in the physical metamorphosis. He looks very All-American and heroic. Heck, all the photo’s missing is a glass of milk and a slice of apple pie! I look at this photo and I see Steve Rogers aka Captain America, Sentinel of Liberty. I don’t really see Johnny Storm, Jensen from The Losers, or Lucas Lee from Scott Pilgrim.

Thankfully, Evans has put in the work and he looks the part. Hopefully, he can also deliver a stellar performance in the film. I won’t say that I don’t still have any doubts, I mean, Marvel is not flawless (Ghost Rider film, I am looking at you), but the photo is cool and has definitely piqued my interest in the upcoming film. The 9-year-old version of me (with the Captain America Secret Wars figure) is freaking out right now. I REALLY hope Marvel makes an awesome film. Steve Rogers, like Tony Stark, is a very cool character that deserves wider recognition.

The EW issue hits newsstands on October 29, 2010. Captain America: The First Avenger comes to theaters July 22, 2010.

UPDATE: CBM says EW has given them more photos from the upcoming issue, these are actually from the film, so follow the link to see more pics (although, they look at those they are scans).

[Source: EW]