When Marvel Studios set out to cast Steve Rogers for 2011’s “Captain America: The First Avenger,” the process resulted in a final round featuring Chris Evans alongside three other contenders—a pivotal choice that shaped the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Chris Evans casting as Captain America final four included recognized faces from television and film, all vying for a role that would become iconic in superhero cinema.
The Competitive Search for Marvel’s Star-Spangled Hero
In the lead-up to Chris Evans’s selection, Marvel auditioned several actors to take up the shield. At the time, many fans and critics were unsure about the studio’s decision, especially because Evans was most recently known for portraying the Human Torch in a different superhero franchise. Questions circulated—could he successfully transition to embodying Steve Rogers, America’s most earnest Avenger? Those doubts were dispelled as Evans firmly claimed the character with his performance, but the competition he faced was notable.
Scott Porter, familiar to audiences from “Friday Night Lights” and “Ginny & Georgia,” recently shared that he was among the last four actors considered to lead “Captain America: The First Avenger.” Reflecting on that pivotal period, Porter candidly discussed his reaction to ultimately losing the role.
“Who else can be Captain America than Chris Evans?”
—Scott Porter, Actor
Although Porter felt the disappointment keenly, he acknowledged the outcome with both humor and perspective.
“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
Still, missing out on playing a main Marvel hero was a heavy blow for Porter at the time.
“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 Other Finalists: Mike Vogel and Wilson Bethel
Beyond Porter, two other contenders joined Evans near the finish line of the audition process. Mike Vogel, known for roles in “Cloverfield” and “Under the Dome,” was close to landing the part. Although he rarely commented in detail about not being chosen, Vogel did express his anticipation and excitement at the time, revealing his enthusiasm for comic books and the opportunity itself.
“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 core quartet was Wilson Bethel, later recognized for his performance in “Daredevil: Born Again.” Bethel went through an intense audition process, including multiple screen tests and meetings with director Joe Johnson. He openly shared his emotional journey through the highs and lows of nearly becoming the MCU’s Captain America.
“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
“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
The Final Four Revealed: Evans, Porter, Vogel, and Bethel
The revelation that Scott Porter, Mike Vogel, and Wilson Bethel joined Chris Evans as the final four contenders for Captain America brings new insight into one of Hollywood’s most high-stakes casting decisions. With each actor coming close, fans are offered a rare look behind the scenes at how defining moments are made in major film franchises.
Others, such as Jensen Ackles, Kellan Lutz, John Krasinski, and Wyatt Russell, were also considered in wider early searches. However, these actors ultimately did not advance as far in the process. Chris Evans eventually took on the role, making his debut as Steve Rogers in “Captain America: The First Avenger” and carrying the character through significant MCU milestones, culminating in “Avengers: Endgame” in 2019.
Why the Casting Decision Mattered
The final moments of the Captain America casting process were charged with emotion and competition among the actors involved. The selection of Evans over equally dedicated contenders like Porter, Vogel, and Bethel influenced not just the character’s representation, but also the broader trajectory of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and superhero storytelling at large. The disappointment felt by those who came close did not stop them from enjoying their own successful paths—Porter continued thriving in television, Vogel and Bethel took on prominent roles elsewhere, and Evans became a cultural icon through his work as Captain America.
For fans and future actors alike, the story offers a window into the uncertainty and resilience that exist behind the scenes of blockbuster filmmaking. It also highlights the tremendous impact a single casting choice can have, not only for an actor’s career but also for modern mythology. The decision to make Chris Evans the face of Captain America stands as one of Marvel’s most consequential, cementing a legacy that resonates long after the credits rolled on “Avengers: Endgame.”
