Well, so much for John Krasinski as a lock for The First Avenger: Captain America. Deadline has a report which narrows down the original list of contenders and adds a couple that Marvel are seriously considering to bring the super soldier to the silver screen. According to the report, Krasinski is no longer under serious consideration; likewise, four other actors have been erased from the same short list Chace Crawford, Scott Porter, Michael Cassidy, and Patrick Flueger.
Now Marvel Studios and director Joe Johnston are mulling over just three names: Chris Evans, Mike Vogel, and Garrett Hedlund. Details on each actor and what they could bring to the role after the jump.
Chris Evans is most famous for his role as Johnny Storm/Human Torch in the Fantastic Four films. Earlier today, we reported that he will join Anna Faris for the romantic comedy What's Your Number?, which should indicate the level to which he's in demand in Hollywood. Evans is the biggest name of the three, if only by association to Fantastic Four. As such, he would probably need a bigger paycheck than the original $300K number bandied about for a nine-film deal.
That may not be a problem, as Marvel may be coming around to the necessity of a higher pricetag. Unlike Evans, Garrett Hedlund was on the original list of contenders, but did not test along with his peers. Officially, there were scheduling conflicts, but the report speculates that Hedlund rejected the opportunity upon hearing the $300,000 offer. As the star of Disney's Christmas 2010 tentpole Tron, Hedlund's quote can only have risen once the new trailer was released to widespread public appeal earlier today. Now may be a good chance to get in on the ground floor of Hedlund's stardom, and Marvel may be willing to pay for said chance if Hedlund tests well.
Mike Vogel did have a role in mini-blockbuster Cloverfield, but otherwise possesses less star potential than either Evans or Hedlund, given their franchise ties. I would guess that Vogel is being kept around in case Marvel ultimately decides on the complete unknown route, because Vogel is likely easier to buy for a smaller salary. But if he tests well enough--namely, better than Evans or Hedlund--he may very well be a steal at such a price.
In fact, these choices do seem to represent a spectrum of stardom from which to choose: Evans, the franchise guy whose career never caught fire; Hedlund, the kid poised for a major breakout; Vogel, the actor who brings absolutely no baggage with him to the screen. With all the pre-production shuffle, maybe Marvel will go a completely different route. But if the comic book company chooses among these names, I think it will go a long ways in indicating their approach to the film.
My condolences to Krasinski and his family.
