Scott Porter recently opened up about how Chris Evans was chosen over Scott Porter for Captain America, shedding light on his close brush with the Marvel Cinematic Universe and reflecting on the experience during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live. Porter described being among the final contenders for the iconic role before Marvel ultimately went with Evans, revisiting both the emotional highs and the letdown of the casting process.
Porter Remembers Being a Finalist for Captain America
During his interview on Watch What Happens Live on June 9, Scott Porter confirmed he was one of four actors in the running for Captain America, alongside Chris Evans, Wilson Bethel, and Mike Vogel. The casting decision, which propelled Evans to global movie stardom, left a significant impression on Porter, who reflected on nearly joining the ranks of Marvel’s superheroes.
Porter openly asked,
“Who else can be Captain America than Chris Evans?”
—Scott Porter, Actor. He shared that, although disappointed at first, he couldn’t be upset with Marvel’s ultimate choice and has remained a fan of the franchise.
“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.
Porter explained that being one of the last candidates before losing the role was a tough experience. Competing for such a high-profile part came with both pressure and hope, especially as media coverage fueled his belief that he might become the next superhero in the Marvel lineup.
“That was, like, a big, I’m bent over, sobbing, heaving. Yeah, it was bad,”
he admitted.
“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.
Looking Back at Porter’s Career Milestones
Although Scott Porter did not achieve Marvel fame, he is widely recognized for his work on Friday Night Lights, portraying Jason Street, the high school quarterback whose life changed dramatically after a paralyzing injury. This role earned him a loyal fan following and secured his place in television history.
The conversation on Watch What Happens Live shifted to Porter’s earlier TV achievements, as host Andy Cohen—an enthusiastic fan of Friday Night Lights—asked Porter about his most memorable moments on the show. Porter shared that his favorite episode was a pivotal one where his character revisited the football field after his life-altering injury. He reflected fondly on working alongside cast members like Taylor Kitsch, Gaius Charles, and Zach Gilford during this meaningful scene.
“‘Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch Changes,’ which is the first time Jason Street got back on a football field after his injury and they throw the football around all night,”
he said.
“It was me and Taylor [Kitsch] and Gaius [Charles] and Zach [Gilford], for the first time since the pilot, so I wasn’t as isolated as I was the rest of the season. That’s my personal favorite.”
—Scott Porter, Actor.
Cohen shared the emotional impact of that moment, stating,
“I’m getting a little choked up just thinking about that scene.”
—Andy Cohen, Host.
What the Missed Opportunity Means for Porter and Marvel Fans
Although the competition for Captain America was intense, Chris Evans’s casting has become a defining choice for Marvel Studios, with Porter expressing admiration for Evans’s portrayal. Porter’s near-casting story gives fans an inside look at Hollywood’s high-stakes decisions and the personal journeys of actors who reach the final rounds but ultimately watch another’s career skyrocket.
While Porter continues to enjoy success in television, appearing on popular series like Ginny & Georgia, his candid discussion of the Captain America casting process reveals the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies major Hollywood roles. Despite not becoming Captain America, Porter remains celebrated for his acting range and iconic roles, reminding audiences that the entertainment industry is filled with hard-fought battles and resilience.
Watch What Happens Live airs Sunday through Thursday on Bravo, with episodes available for streaming on Peacock, where viewers can catch more candid moments and stories from actors like Scott Porter.
