Captain America: The First Avenger co-writer Christopher Markus revealed the Star-Spangled Avenger's first Marvel Cinematic Universe solo movie almost had him fight a giant Hydra robot.
While speaking to Yahoo Entertainment, Markus discussed the abandoned scene, saying, "A large chunk of the third act was Cap fighting this robot." The robot's name would have been Panzermax, and it would have been under the control of none other than Captain America's archenemy The Red Skull, who was played by Hugo Weaving in the film.
"I think eventually it was a budget and time thing," Markus concluded. "Where it was like, 'We really can’t be spending that much time.'"
This is not the first reference to a device made by Hydra going unused in Captain America: The First Avenger. Former Marvel Studios Co-Head of Visual Development Charlie Wen revealed a piece of concept art showed a Hydra tank with a mech-style design that was also never used for the film back in 2019.
Released in 2011, Captain America: The First Avenger starred Chris Evans as the titular hero. Evans would go on to play the character until 2019's Avengers: Endgame, which saw Steve Rogers pass the mantle of Captain America to his friend and ally Sam Wilson/The Falcon. Sam would eventually become the new Captain America in Disney+'s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
Directed by Joe Johnston, Captain America: The First Avenger is currently streaming on Disney+.
Source: Yahoo Entertainment