On Monday, June 9, Scott Porter discussed his experience as a finalist for the role of Captain America, a part famously played by Chris Evans, during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live. Porter reflected on how close he came to landing the Marvel superhero role, sharing insights on the final selection process and the emotional impact of losing out.
Scott Porter’s Near-Miss with Marvel Fame
During the interview, Porter confirmed he was one of the last four actors considered for the coveted title of Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The competition included Porter, Chris Evans, Wilson Bethel—who would later appear in the MCU’s Daredevil—and Mike Vogel. Ultimately, Chris Evans secured the role, becoming synonymous with the character.
Porter shared his honest reaction to the casting decision, stating,
“Who else can be Captain America than Chris Evans?”
—Scott Porter. He added,
“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.
Despite handling the outcome gracefully, Porter admitted that losing out after coming so close was deeply disappointing. He described the emotional effect of the rejection, saying,
“That was, like, a big, I’m bent over, sobbing, heaving. Yeah, it was bad,”
—Scott Porter. He also noted the challenging buildup, recalling,
“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.
Career Beyond the Shield: Porter’s Legacy and Other Projects
Although his name may not be linked to the Marvel franchise, Scott Porter is well-known for his portrayal of Jason Street on the television series Friday Night Lights. Porter played a promising high school quarterback whose life dramatically changed after suffering a paralyzing injury during his first home game. His performance earned him lasting admiration from fans and a respected place in television history.
Host Andy Cohen, a self-professed Friday Night Lights enthusiast, took the opportunity to ask Porter about his favorite episode from the series. Porter responded,
“‘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,”
—Scott Porter. He added,
“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. Cohen, moved by the memory, told Porter,
“I’m getting a little choked up just thinking about that scene.”
—Andy Cohen.
Impact of Missing Out and Porter’s Ongoing Career
Losing the Captain America role to Chris Evans was a notable moment in Porter’s career, but he continues to earn praise for his acting achievements, both in Friday Night Lights and, more recently, in Ginny & Georgia. His willingness to speak openly about the disappointment and growth from missing the Marvel opportunity has resonated with fans and colleagues alike.
Scott Porter’s reflections highlight not only the impact of major casting decisions in Hollywood, but also the resilience required to pursue an acting career. As Porter continues to appear on new projects, such as Ginny & Georgia, audiences and industry peers recognize his versatility and commitment to the craft, despite not wearing Captain America’s shield.
