It seems we’re in the final stretch before Marvel decides exactly who’s going to play Captain America, and as a result, the internet has gone into a furore of speculation. Late yesterday comic book forums the world over went into meltdown as a rumour sprang up that The Office’s John Krasinski was the filmmaker’s top choice for the role.
The news came via Fox 411, while others suggested that despite screen testing other actors, Krasinski was always the one Marvel wanted. This caused a huge amount of internet fuss, largely with people thinking he was too lanky and skinny to play the Cap. However, we perhaps might have realised that not all news about the movie is to be treated as gospel as there were also reports yesterday that two of the Jonas Brothers and Dane Cook had tried out for the role (the latter is true, as Cook confirmed it himself, but the former seems highly unlikely).
However, with the Krasinski rumours spreading like wildfire, THR decided to step in and try and get the real skinny on what was going on. They discovered that while a couple of weeks ago a shortlist was released that included Krasinski, Chase Crawford (Gossip Girl), Scott Porter (Friday Night Lights), Mike Vogel (Poseidon), Michael Cassidy (Privileged), Patrick Flueger (Brothers) and Garrett Hudlund (Tron Legacy), that’s since been narrowed down to three names, including a couple who weren’t on the original list. And none of those still in contention are John Krasinski, who’s now completely out of the running for the film.
Instead, Marvel is now looking at Mike Vogel, Garrett Hedlund, Fantastic Four’s Chris Evans and Generation Kill’s Wilson Bethel for the role. There may also be other unannounced named they’re still looking at, although as yet the screen tests aren’t complete and no final decision has been made (although expect one soon).
And we can definitely say Krasinski is out, because THR reports today that the actor is in negotations to join Ginniffer Goodwin in the rom-com, Something Borrowed. All those testing for Captain America had to sign an agreement that they wouldn’t negotiate for different roles for a month, unless Marvel freed them up to do so. So the fact Krasinski is looking elsewhere shows he’s definitely not in contention for the superhero role anymore. Something Borrowed, based on Emily Giffin’s novel, centres on a Manhattan attorney (Goodwin), the consummate good girl, who falls in love with her best friend’s fiance on her 30th birthday. Interestingly, Krasinski’s deal is an unusual one, as while he has a supporting role as Goodwin’s friend and confidant in Something Borrowed, he’s also signed up for a sequel, Something Blue, where his character becomes the lead. Luke Greenfield is directing Something Borrowed, which starts shooting this spring.
To be honest, the rom com is more the sort of thing you’d expect from Krasinski, although it does mean the role of Captain America is still up in the air.