Captain America: John Krasinski Wouldn't Have Been As Good As Chris Evans

Chris Evans scored the role of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Captain America over John Krasinski, who says he couldn't have played the Marvel superhero as well as Evans. Before the release of Captain America: The First Avenger in 2011, Marvel Studios was tasked with casting their Steve Rogers aka Captain America for a role that would become integral to the larger shared universe. It's long been known that Krasinski lost the Captain America role to Evans, but it arguably worked out for the best as both actors have gone on to phenomenal success.

With the release of last year's Avengers: Endgame, Evans' Captain America retired, passing on the star-spangled shield to his friend Sam Wilson aka Falcon (Anthony Mackie). That scene served as Evans' official exit from the MCU - even though there's still room for him to return in the future - and set up the Captain America spinoff, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. As for Krasinski, the actor wrapped up his work on NBC's beloved sitcom The Office and went on to make a name for himself as a writer-director with the 2018 breakout hit A Quiet Place, which he wrote, directed and starred in. Krasinski is gearing up for A Quiet Place: Part II and in promoting the film, he once again commented on his brush with the MCU.

Talking to Total Film, Krasinski mentioned he'd still be interested in a role in the MCU, including Mr. Fantastic whenever Marvel reboots the Fantastic Four. The Marvel talk turned to the actor's screen test for Captain America, and Krasinski was asked if he thinks about how his career would be different if he'd gotten the role instead of Evans. Krasinski said:

Well, I know I wouldn’t have done it as well as Chris [Evans]. At least I get to see someone good do the role. I’ve actually talked to Chris about it. Not getting it is the freedom I’ve been afforded. Had I got it my directing and writing career never would have happened. Certainly A Quiet Place never would have happened had I got Captain America.

Considering how well received Evans' tenure as Captain America turned out to be, inspiring the kind of love among Marvel fans that sees them criticizing Avengers: Endgame's ending for not wrapping up certain storylines, it's no wonder Krasinski doesn't think he'd have been able to have the same level of success. Plus, the actor has a point that his career would be very different, and not necessarily better, if he'd won the role over Evans. Fans of A Quiet Place would argue it's a good thing Krasinski didn't get the Captain America role, since the horror film never would've been released. There may still be some fans who would've liked to see Krasinski's take on Steve Rogers, but it certainly seems like the role went to the right person.

While fans may continue discussing what could've been, for their parts, Krasinski and Evans have moved on, and even appeared in a Super Bowl commercial together this year, showcasing exagerated versions of their Boston accents. With the MCU continuing to expand into Phase 4, and Marvel set to introduce the X-Men and Fantastic Four to the franchise, there's still plenty of opportunity for Krasinski to one day don a Marvel superhero costume. Fans have long wanted Krasinski to play the MCU's Reed Richards aka Mr. Fantastic, and his wife Emily Blunt to play Sue Storm aka Invisible Woman.

Krasinski is still open to an MCU movie role, but it remains to be seen if Marvel will cast the actor and, if they do, what role he'll play. It may turn out that losing the Captain America role to Evans will pave the way for Krasinski to tackle a Marvel role better suited to him. Fans will just have to wait and see.

Next: Why Captain America Doesn’t Say “Avengers Assemble” Until Endgame

Source: Total Film