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John Krasinski, Scott Porter, Garrett Hedlund, Jensen Ackles, Chace Crawford, Michael Cassidy, and Mike Vogel are all on the short-list for The First Avenger: Captain America.  According to THR, the seven actors have screen-tested for the role or are expected to test screen over the next two weeks.  In a recent interview, director Joe Johnston (The Wolfman), says he expects to have the role of the Marvel superhero cast by March 1st.

Krasinski is the best known of the bunch because of The Office and co-starring last year in wide release movies like Away We Go and It's Complicated.  As for the six others, you have Michael Cassidy who screen-tested for the Superman movie when McG was set to direct, Patrick Flueger of The 4400 and a supporting role in Brothers), Scott Porter of Friday Night Lights (the TV series) and Speed Racer, and Mike Vogel who starred in Cloverfield.  And then you have Chace Crawford (Gossip Girl) who's in talks to screen test. Garrett Hedlund (Eragon, the upcoming Tron Legacy) and Jensen Ackles (Supernatural) both are under consideration but are currently out of the running due to scheduling conflicts (word to Ackles: leave Supernatural behind and go for this role).

Captain America is the final piece in creating the Marvel's superhero team-up of The Avengers with Iron Man/Tony Scott (Robert Downey Jr.) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) already in play.  Hit the jump for my thoughts on the potential Captains, details for those unfamiliar with the character, and what we know about the upcoming movie, which is scheduled to hit theaters on July 22, 2011.

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I think we can all agree that these young actors certainly have the All-American look of a hero, except for Krasinski whose comedic work makes it hard to see him as Captain America.  My personal vote is for Ackles.  He's got charm, charisma, but can also do drama.  Sound off in the comments about who you think should get the role (and yes, we already know that Nathan Fillion should play every role in existence).

Captain America tells the story of Steve Rogers, an infirm soldier in the1940s who took the "super soldier" serum and became the superhero, Captain America.  While not confirmed, there are reports that the villain of the film will be Captain America's arch-nemesis Red Skull.  They're planning to shoot the film in HD with possibly a 3D transfer in post.

However, Johnston previously said they were looking for an unknown and surround him with bigger name stars.  While none of these actors are A-list, the only real unknowns are Mike Vogel and Michael Cassidy, although the latter had a brief run on Smallville.

Hopefully, we'll soon know who's getting the big-ass shield (and if it's the guy from Gossip Girl, watch fanboys go ballistic).