As we look into the future of theMarvel Cinematic Universe, appreciating the characters we have had to say goodbye to is always a fun trip down memory lane. Now, we are all excited to see Anthony Mackie taking on the role ofCaptain America as Sam Wilson. In fact, passing on the legacy to Sam is one of the most iconic Captain America moments in all the MCU. OnceCaptain America: The First Avengerhit our screens, Chris Evans established himself as the face of Steve Rogers’ Captain America. In fact, it is hard for anyone to picture another actor playing the role. However, like many parts of the entertainment industry, other actors were considered and very well could have been chosen for the role.
Finding the right person tofill such an iconic roleis not an easy process. Although we pretty much know that Marvel got things right with Evans, it is interesting to see the “could have been” scenarios with other actors considered for the role. Let’s dive deep into these multiverses, and explore 10 actors who were almost cast as Captain America.
11John Krasinski
To kick it off, did you know thatJohn Krasinskiwas once considered for the Steve Rogers/Captain America role? Long ago, theOfficealum once auditioned to portray the iconic character. Although he wasn’t chosen for the role, Krasinski did happen to find his place in the MCU: he was most recently seen portraying Reed Richards, or Mister Fantastic, inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Related:Captain America 4 Could Finally Deliver on Kevin Feige’s Joke From Civil War
10Sebastian Stan
Looking at the MCU today, it is hard to see the casting of our favorite heroes as anything less than perfect. In this multiverse, let’s just imagineSebastian Stanas Captain America.Stan plays Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, in the MCU. He is Steve Roger’s best friend and one of his strongest allies. Stan was also once considered for the role of Captain America, and, oh, how things would have been different if it had worked out.
9Chris Pratt
Chris Pratt, another MCU actor, also went for the role of Captain America. This franchise is no stranger to some famous Chris(es): Pratt, Hemsworth, and Evans. Pratt, although he was in the conversation to become Captain America, fits perfectly in his role as Starlord in theGuardians of the Galaxyfilms. Pratt’s easy-going personality and natural charisma are perfect for the role he is in. However, with his acting chops, we don’t doubt that he would have brought something new to the role.
8Wyatt Russell
Playing Captain America is a tall order. If you have been keeping up with the post-EndgameMCU, you probably recognizeWyatt Russell. Russell plays John Walker AKA the knock-off Captain America in Marvel’sThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier. He does play a pretty unlikable and completely insufferable version of Captain America. So, there is some justifiable skepticism surrounding his ability to play the original. He was in fact considered for the role once before Evans was cast (viaPEOPLE). However, he has made his place in the MCU now.
Related:MCU: All of Captain America’s Opening Lines in a Movie, Ranked
7Wilson Bethel
Just because you didn’t get one role, it doesn’t mean that your run in the MCU is over.Wilson Bethelis another name considered for the role of Captain America, only to be inserted into the MCU in another role later on. Bethel plays the villain Bullseye inDaredevil,and he does an outstanding job at it.
6Ryan Phillippe
Ryan Phillippeis another actor who reportedly auditioned for the role of Captain America. Like every other actor mentioned here, Phillippe also could not outdo Evans for the Captain America role. However, he does have a few acting roles that stand out throughout the span of his career including 1997’sI Know What You Did Last Summerand the 2020 showBig Sky.
5Kellan Lutz
Kellan Lutzis another actor who auditioned for the role of Captain America. Especially in the early stages of the MCU, landing a role like this one would have been life-changing. It is understandable that many aspiring actors were hoping to get it. Although Lutz was not chosen for the role, he did manage to work his way into a major franchise. You probably recognize Lutz most from his role as Emmett Kullen in theTwilightmovies.
4Alexander Skarsgård
It is believed thatAlexander Skarsgårdhappened to audition for Captain America and Thor. If you have ever laid eyes on Skarsgård, he really has the look for either one of the believed heroes. However, he did not land either one of the roles. That said, he never slowed down as an actor. He starred and had roles in 2016’sThe Legend of Tarzan, in 2022’sThe Northman, and in shows likeTrue BloodandBig Little Lies.
3Scott Eastwood
Scott Eastwoodis all over the film industry. He has been a part of theFast and Furiousfranchise,The Suicide Squad, and even the romance filmThe Longest Ride. However, before all of this, Eastwood went out for the role as Steve Rogers/Captain America. By the looks of his filmography, this is another choice that would have made perfect sense in the MCU.
2Garrett Hedlund
Actors who are active in the industry today explore the possibility of roles all the time. Sometimes, picking and choosing which roles are right is hard. With a role that requires as much commitment as Captain America, taking time to consider the opportunity is key. Well,Garrett Hedlund, who plays Sam Flynn inTron: Legacy, reportedly turned down the role for other opportunities, perFadeinonline.
