The chase to be Captain America is nearing its end, with Deadline Hollywood reporting that Joe Johnston is now at the stage of screen testing candidates for the tiutle role. So who is it who’s on the much coveted shortlist to play WWII washout soldier Steve Rogers, who volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into a superhero dedicated to defending America’s ideals?
Well, apparently Johnston is busy testing Chase Crawford (Gossip Girl), John Krasinski (The Office), Scott Porter (Friday Night Lights), Mike Vogel (Poseidon), Michael Cassidy (Privileged) and Patrick Flueger (Brothers). He’s also said to want Garett Hedlund (Tron: Legacy), but the actor is yet to agree a deal to test due to scheduling problems and the fact anyone testing out is being put on a 30-day hold, meaning they can’t take any other roles during that time (THR adds that there’s a similar situation with Supernatural’s Jensen Ackles).
In a rather backwards situation, it’s actually more of a surprise that known names like Crawford and Krasinski are on the list, as both Marvel and Johnston have previously said they’re likely to go with a virtual unknown for the role. This is partly because it keeps costs down (the pay to play the lead in Captain America is budgeted around $300,000) and also makes it easier for them to sign the actor to a ridiculously long deal.
It’s believed they want whoever signs up for the role to agree to up to nine options, that would allow Marvel to draw them back in for sequels, Avengers movies and anything else they can dream up for Captain America over the next few years.
However, one word of caution. A similar list of actors who were testing out was released when Marvel was deciding who should play Thor, before the role went to somebody who’d never been mentioned previously, Chris Hemsworth. So just because these are the people in the running for Captain America at the moment, it doesn’t mean any of them will actually land the role.
It has to be said, it’s not the most inspiring list of candidates, most of whom are young and pretty but fairly generic. The only oddity is John Krasinski, who’s both older and geekier than the rest. He could be a pretty interesting choice, although to be honest, I’m expecting a lesser known pretty-boy to get the role.