Before Chris Evans dressed like Steve Rogers in Captain America: The First Avenger, the role of Cap could have had a very different face. The casting process for The First Avenger consisted of a crazy lineup of actors who almost landed the role.

In 2010, when Captain America: The First Avenger was being cast, the salary was modest $300,000, and the role came with a six-movie contract, which is nothing compared to what Marvel stars command today. But oh, how things could have gone differently. Chris Evans was far from the only one-eyed man for the role of skinny Steve, and before Marvel locked him in, some surprising names appeared on the shortlist.

Actors like Sam Worthington (Avatar) and Will Smith were discussed early on, although neither seriously pursued the role. A few other familiar faces, including Michael Cassidy, Scott Porter, Mike Vogel, and Patrick Flueger, were also on Marvel’s radar. But a surprising competitor? Chase Crawford, who enjoyed Gossip Girl fame as Nate Archibald, was in the mix, until his Gossip Girl commitments blocked his chance to test Cap.

The list of potential Steves doesn’t end there. Tron star Garrett Hedlund was also a serious consideration, although it’s unclear if he even got to audition. Things got more offbeat with names like Channing Tatum and even comedian Dane Cook. Yes, that Dane Cook. At one point, even Joe and Kevin Jonas had their names thrown into the fan rumor mill. Crazy, right?

But let’s talk about those who auditioned. One of the most talked about contenders? The Office star John Krasinski. He even went so far as to don the costume for his audition! The second Krasinski saw Hemsworth go under the name Thor; he knew the game was over. He withdrew because he couldn’t shake Jim Halpert’s vibes or compete with Hemsworth’s godlike physique.

Interestingly, Sebastian Stan, who we now know as Bucky Barnes, was also in the running for Steve Rogers. Imagine that! Stan tested for Cap but ended up being cast as Cap’s best friend Bucky, which turned out to be a perfect choice. His on-screen chemistry with Evans became iconic throughout the Captain America trilogy and Avengers films.

Chris Pratt also tried, but as Parks and Rec’s bumbling Andy Dwyer, Marvel didn’t seem to fit his vibe. But casting director Sarah Finn saw something special. Although Pratt didn’t land Captain America, this audition got him noticed, paving the way for his role as Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy – a pretty sweet outcome.

As for Chris Evans? He didn’t even need to audition. Director Joe Johnston had seen enough of Evans’ work and knew he was the Steve Rogers. Despite so many names circling the role, Evans pulled it off without breaking a sweat.

So while the Avengers we know and love could have been very different, destiny brought us the perfect team. And now it’s impossible to imagine anyone else wielding this iconic shield.

For more such updates, check out Hollywood News.

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