Chris Evans being chosen as Captain America over finalists like Scott Porter, Mike Vogel, and Wilson Bethel for the iconic role in Marvel’s 2011 film “Captain America: The First Avenger” surprised many fans and actors alike, as details of the competitive casting process have continued to emerge. This behind-the-scenes look explores how Evans secured the part and the reactions of the actors who came close to leading the Marvel Cinematic Universe as its Star-Spangled Avenger.
Evans’ Casting Creates a Stir Among Fans and Peers
In 2011, Chris Evans was officially named to portray Steve Rogers in “Captain America: The First Avenger,” edging out several contenders, some of whom have recently opened up about their experiences. The news initially sparked debate across fan communities, with Evans’ previous portrayal of the Human Torch in the “Fantastic Four” movies leaving some questioning his fit for the Captain America persona. Over time, however, Evans won widespread praise for proving skeptics wrong with his performance.
Several actors were in serious contention for the role. Scott Porter, known for roles in “Friday Night Lights” and “Ginny & Georgia,” discussed his journey as a finalist during an appearance on “Watch What Happens Live!” He revealed being among the last four considered and reflected candidly about both the excitement and heartbreak of nearly landing the character.
“Who else can be Captain America than Chris Evans?”
—Scott Porter, Actor
Porter expressed admiration for Evans, emphasizing he held no resentment and even counted himself an enthusiastic viewer of the Avengers films.
“I was not mad at all, and I watched all the Avengers movies. I’m a huge nerd, and the man just crushed it.”
—Scott Porter, Actor
Despite the professional setback, Porter described the disappointment of losing the role in intensely personal terms, recounting his emotional reaction to seeing his own likeness imagined as Captain America by media outlets, only to see the opportunity slip away.
“That was, like, a big, I’m bent over, sobbing, heaving. Yeah, it was bad. Because all these press outlets had put my head on Captain America’s body, and I started to buy in. I was like, ‘I can do this. Oh, no, no. Yeah, I can’t.’”
—Scott Porter, Actor
The Final Four: A Glimpse Into the Casting Process
Along with Porter, Mike Vogel, recognized for roles in “Cloverfield” and “Under the Dome,” advanced nearly to the end of the audition circuit. While he has rarely addressed missing out on the part, Vogel spoke about his anticipation and hope during the 2010 casting period, highlighting his enthusiasm for the source material.
“I don’t want to comment on it too much, keeping ‘em crossed [fingers]. We’ll see what happens. I’m very excited.”
—Mike Vogel, Actor
Completing the quartet of finalists was Wilson Bethel, now known for his role in “Daredevil: Born Again.” Bethel has openly reflected on the emotional highs and lows of the audition experience. He described the months-long process of donning the Captain America costume, multiple screen tests, and meeting with director Joe Johnson in preparation for what he thought could become his breakthrough role in the MCU.
“I mean that was both, probably the single most exciting time of my life and also the single most devastating when it didn’t happen. But, yeah, that was eight years ago now. They put me in the Cap suit and did everything. So, I screen tested it at Marvel with a number of other guys. They ended up releasing all the other guys. I was meeting with Joe Johnson to discuss the role and see storyboards. So, it was this insane period where during that time I kind of thought that maybe I was going to actually get the role. I actually screen tested again a second time a month later on my birthday.”
—Wilson Bethel, Actor
He vividly recalls the anticipation, followed swiftly by the realization that the role would go to Evans, a moment Bethel considers one of the toughest in his professional life. Despite the disappointment, he has since come to view the experience with perspective, admiring Evans’ portrayal of Captain America and embracing the direction his career ultimately took.
“And then, I think it was like one or two days later that they made the announcement that Chris Evans got the part. So, to be perfectly honest, that was one of the hardest moments in my professional career. And it spun me out for a while to be honest with you. But I’m also a firm believer that things happen as they’re supposed to, and obviously, Chris did an incredible job in that role. And my life, while it hasn’t brought me to lead the Avengers, has been really rich and rewarding in other ways. So, I can’t spend too much time lamenting it. And honestly, just the fact that things have kind of come full circle in a way, and I still get to be a dude in a suit, is pretty exciting.”
—Wilson Bethel, Actor
Other Notable Names in the Mix
Beyond the final four, a number of other actors including Jensen Ackles, Kellan Lutz, John Krasinski, and Wyatt Russell participated in the audition process, each bringing their own approach to the legendary superhero. However, it was Evans who, after being named to the role, redefined Steve Rogers throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting with the historic debut in “Captain America: The First Avenger” and concluding his journey in “Avengers: Endgame” in 2019.
The Enduring Impact of Evans’ Captain America
The revelation that actors like Scott Porter, Mike Vogel, and Wilson Bethel came so close to wearing the iconic shield offers a fascinating glimpse into how the MCU’s legacy might have taken a different shape. The intense competition and emotional investment of the contenders reflect the importance of Steve Rogers to both Marvel and its audience.
Chris Evans chosen as Captain America over finalists marked a turning point—not only for his own career, but for the MCU as a whole. His portrayal has become integral to the franchise, influencing how audiences and future actors view the character. As stories from fellow actors surface, fans gain an even deeper appreciation for the immense pressure, dedication, and personal ambition involved in bringing a beloved hero to life.
The stories of Porter, Vogel, Bethel, and others who nearly wore the shield highlight both the heartbreak and possibilities that come with high-profile roles, underscoring how casting choices can reshape pop culture. Their openness allows fans to reflect on what could have been, even as Evans’ Captain America remains one of the MCU’s most enduring and celebrated icons.
