Yesterday Entertainment Weekly posted a new still from the forthcoming Captain America movie featuring Hugo Weaving in full makeup as The Red Skull.

[Entertainment Weekly]

All I can say is “WOW!”

I’ll share that I was somewhat skeptical of Captain America being a success at the box office. Marvel has done a good job of making the character a WWII bad-ass in the last 10 years, but the fact remains that he’s kind of trapped in a hokey, by-gone era with several “Gee whiz!” simplistic trappings. There’s a high probability that this film could turn out very campy if not handled correctly.

This image of Weaving as The Red Skull completely blows that out of the water for me. For a film I was feeling so-so about before, I am now completely on board.

Marvel has been very smart about the publicity materials they’ve let leak out over the last few months. They’re very tuned in to what the fans want to see. First Cap’s shield, then the costume, then the effect of the Super Solider serum and now The Red Skull. Well played, Marvel. Well played.

The more I think about it, the more I think this make up job is absolutely perfect. I didn’t even notice that Weaving’s nose was completely missing until after I poured over the details of the costume. I wonder if they’re using the same guys who removed Ralph Fiennes nose for Voldemort?

And when you get right down to it, Weaving is the perfect choice to play The Red Skull. His villains are the best. Slightly unhinged, thoroughly pissed off and smart as a whip. Always a great combination.

What is your reaction to this new image? Does it have you psyched for Captain America? Leave your comments below!