Joe Johnston has signed on to direct Marvel Studios' First Avenger: Captain America, based on characters developed by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon. The film will be produced by Marvel Studios' President Kevin Feige. Executive Producers on the project are Louis D'Esposito, Stan Lee and Marvel Studios' Chairman David Maisel. Paramount Pictures will distribute First Avenger: Captain America worldwide. The film will come to theaters domestically on May 6, 2011.

Here's the official logline: In the early days of the Marvel Universe, Steve Rogers volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the Super Soldier known as Captain America.

Johnston is currently directing The Wolfman, which hits theaters on April 3. He is developing The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud. Johnston previously directed October Sky, Jumanji, Jurassic Park III, The Rocketeer and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Johnston won an Academy Award® in 1982 for Best Visual Effects for Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Marvel Studios most recently announced an agreement with Raleigh Studios to film each of its next four films at Raleigh’s facility in Manhattan Beach, CA which will include First Avenger: Captain America.