On Monday, I heard from someone in the industry that John Krasinski (who plays Jim on “The Office”) was a more-than-legit candidate to play Captain America and, admittedly, I had to let the idea sink in.
I really like Krasinski. He’s a great-looking guy and has a lot of charisma, but I have only seen him do comedic work so far. However, the more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea. In fact, I started to love it.
I floated the info up at Twitter as a trial balloon, saying, “I was just discussing this rumor with others, but what would you say if John Krasinski was cast as Captain America?” I got back a number of responses and it was fun to see what people thought of the idea.
Anyway, here’s what Deadline Hollywood’s posted today:
I’ve learned that Marvel Studios and director Joe Johnston are testing candidates for The First Avenger: Captain America which Paramount will distribute on July 22, 2011. I’ve scooped their wish list: most but by no means all of the contenders are young hunks who come from both movies and television — Chace Crawford (CW’s Gossip Girl), John Krasinski (NBC’s The Office), Scott Porter (NBC’s Friday Night Lights), Mike Vogel (Cloverfield), Michael Cassidy (CW’s Privileged), Patrick Flueger (Brothers). They also wanted Garrett Hedlund (Tron Legacy), but he so far hasn’t made a test deal. The studio yesterday tested several candidates from this list. It’s not surprising that the roster contains so many little known actors: Marvel after all cast a complete unknown as Thor, Chris Hemsworth. The role is enticing, but Marvel is known for driving hard bargains on its superhero deals. There’s a salary scale, but if you’re not a known quantity like Crawford or Krasinski, the offer is around $300,000 for the first film. And whoever gets the role will have to sign for another nine options for future films that include sequels, Avengers movies, or anything else Marvel decides. In fact, I’m told reliably that Captain America director Johnston recently reached an impasse with Marvel and briefly walked off the film when Marvel informed him the budget was too high and he’d have to take a pay cut. They found common ground and he returned to the fold, but it reinforces Marvel’s reputation for hard bargaining, something that all the Iron Man 2 participants discovered. For those not in the know, Captain America is Steve Rogers, a military service washout who volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into the superhero dedicated to defending America’s ideals. The sickly young man is enhanced to the peak of human potential by an experimental serum: he’s known for using his signature vibranium-steel allow shield as a multipurpose weapon.
Now, remember. Krasinski is still not confirmed for the role, but it would be a great option, in my opinion. The guy can act and he has the looks and stature (minus some time that would be spent at the gym). So, what do you think of the choice? Are you on board?
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Great to finally have a possible finalizist list for cap. For me i would perfer to see scott porter, garrett hedlund, and maybe mike vogel. Still would love to see ryan mcpartlin too. Cant wait for the official word. As for john i dont really know his work. But if he is picked i am willing to give him a shot.
I’m still not sure he is my first choice, but I’ve been wrong before!
Ok, maybe based on that picture and a few others I googled of him recently I can visualise him as The Captain. But still not my first choice.
I really like krasinski, I thought he was already cast. From what i understand he is one of the frontfunners, not even the favorite, just a strong contender. What about ackles and hedlund? Is it true jensen ackles is/was a frontrunner?
Wouldn’t be my first choice but, judging from his competitors, he may just be the least of many evils.
Love him! I would be interested in seeing how he would do in such a high-profile, action-intensive role.
He might get on in the part in the initial film, playing a wide-eyed patriotic hero in WWII but how about when Cap reaches the modern day in The Avengers? Can you really see Krasinski able to take charge of Stark and Thor etc.
I’d love to see him do it.When I first read it in the title of the article I laughed out loud,but that’s just small minded-ness on my part.I think he could pull it off.As for the previous poster,yeah,I could see him taking charge of Stark and Thor.It’ll be interesting to see him go from sickly wuss to war hero to leader of the Avengers.Not just in the movie,but acting wise.
These are horrible choices for Cap. I think Marvel is starting to lose it and trading places with DC now. DC on the up up while Marvel is dropping. Capn America could ruin The Avengers if Joe Johnston doesn’t get his crap straight.
I think he would be great!
nice post. thanks.
well its official both michael cassidy and scott porter are off the list now. They both announced via twitter/facebook pages the are not going to be cap. I feel bad for porter i liked him and i was hoping he would get the role. Also he has lost out on a bunch of hero roles. While maybe this time he can try and get the flash if that actually gets to production stage this time. Out of the remaining picks i am hoping for vogel or helund. But would be ok with krasinski if he is picked. Not my first pick. But i am willing to give him a shot. Who knows he could do a great cap.