The search for Captain America continues. Marvel Entertainment and director Joe Johnston had once hoped to find their lead by March 1, but clearly that day has come and gone without any concrete news to report.
“The Office” star John Krasinski was among the names leaked as part of the studio’s short list for the coveted position, which means a $300,000 paycheck and a nine picture deal for the actor that finally grabs it. This includes The Avengers with Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man and Chris Hemsworth as Thor, which could start shooting as early as January 2011.
This morning Fox411 seemed convinced Krasinski was the frontrunner for Cap and it was “his role to lose” (something Cinematical reported last month) despite the outcry from comic book fans. However, Deadline.com reports it’s “not going to work out” for Krasinki, as well as hopefuls Chace Crawford of “Gossip Girl,” Scott Porter of “Friday Night Lights,” Michael Cassidy of “Privileged,” or Patrick Flueger from “4400.”
Garrett Hedlund (seen here in the amazing Tron Legacy trailer) was previously unable to schedule a screen test with the studio and reportedly balked at the contract, but he’s still under consideration. With Disney’s 3D sequel out this December, Hedlund is poised to explode onto the scene and Marvel seems keen on riding that eventual wave.
Chris Evans, who played the Human Torch in Fantastic Four, has entered discussions. He has read for the part, according to the Heat Vision Blog, and has a test offer that may progress next week. Though Evans has played a superhero, his best role was in Danny Boyle’s Sunshine, which you should check out if you haven’t already.
Wilson Bethel from “Generation Kill” is also part of the talks now too, and Mike Vogel (Cloverfield) is still in the running.
As if that wasn’t enough names already, actor/comedian Dane Cook revealed on Twitter yesterday that he auditioned for the part, but Marvel decided to “go younger” with the choice. Cook is nearly 38, and the oldest candidate so far has been 30.
