Captain America II: Death Too Soon (1979)
MovieOptionalLegacy
Steve Rogers faces a terrorist with an aging chemical. This 1979 Marvel film was made outside Marvel Studios’ main MCU line-up, so it’s optional for the watch order and works fine on its own. At 1h 28m, it is rent or buy only in the US right now.
| Release date | November 23, 1979 |
|---|---|
| Runtime | 1h 28m |
| IMDb rating | 3.7/10 |
| Series | Legacy Marvel films |
| Post-credit scene | No |
Why it matters now
The second of two CBS Captain America TV films with Reb Brown.
About Captain America II: Death Too Soon
The second Reb Brown TV movie picks up Steve Rogers' life as a sketch artist who moonlights as Captain America. It opens small, with Steve helping a neighbor catch a gang that steals Social Security checks, before a bigger threat emerges. A freelance revolutionary known as General Miguel kidnaps Professor Ian Ilson and forces him to restart his research into a chemical that makes people age rapidly, along with its antidote. Miguel plans to hold Portland, Oregon, to ransom for millions, and Cap has to find him before the threat goes ahead.
Ivan Nagy directed from a script by Wilton Schiller, with Allan Balter and Martin M. Goldstein back as producers. Reb Brown and Len Birman return as Steve and Dr. Simon Mills, Connie Sellecca takes over as Dr. Wendy Day, and Christopher Lee plays Miguel. CBS aired it in two one-hour parts on November 23 and 24, 1979, and it runs 88 minutes as a single film. It was released theatrically in France in 1980 and reached US home video in 1994.
Good to know
- Horror and fantasy veteran Christopher Lee plays the villain, General Miguel.
- Connie Sellecca replaced Heather Menzies as Dr. Wendy Day from the first film.
- The second half aired as a lead-in to the conclusion of the miniseries Salem's Lot.
- It was Reb Brown's last outing as Cap, because Universal lost the rights before a series could be made.
How to watch it
Watch Captain America (1979) first, since this sequel assumes you know how Steve got the FLAG formula and how he works with Dr. Mills. It sits right after that film in a release-order run of 1970s Marvel TV, near The Incredible Hulk and Dr. Strange (1978). The plot is closer to a TV spy thriller than a comic book story, and Christopher Lee is the main reason to watch.
Where it fits in your watch
- All legacy Marvel films
Captain America II: Death Too Soon FAQ
Is Captain America II a sequel to the 1979 Captain America?
Yes. It aired later in 1979 with Reb Brown and Len Birman returning, and it continues the same version of the character.
Who is the villain in Captain America II: Death Too Soon?
Christopher Lee plays General Miguel, a revolutionary who threatens Portland, Oregon, with a chemical that speeds up aging.
Was there ever a Captain America TV series in the 1970s?
No. The two TV movies were intended as pilots, but Universal lost the rights after the licensing fee reportedly rose to $50,000 per episode.
Can you skip Captain America II: Death Too Soon?
Yes, skip it if you like. It’s a Marvel title, but not part of the MCU timeline.
When was Captain America II: Death Too Soon released?
Captain America II: Death Too Soon was released on November 23, 1979.
Is Captain America II: Death Too Soon part of the MCU?
No. Captain America II: Death Too Soon is a Marvel film made outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so it isn’t on Marvel Studios’ official timeline.
Does Captain America II: Death Too Soon have a post-credit scene?
No, Captain America II: Death Too Soon has no post-credit scene.
Where to watch Captain America II: Death Too Soon in the US
| Streaming (subscription) | Not currently on a US subscription service |
|---|---|
| Rent or buy | Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango at Home |
Streaming availability last verified: October 16, 2026
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