In 2010, John Krasinski was in the running for a role worth $10,000,000,000. Seven words convinced him he was all wrong
John Krasinski auditioned for Captain America in 2010, before Chris Evans was cast, but decided he was unsuited to the role after seeing Chris Hemsworth in the superhero suit. The encounter came as Hemsworth was preparing to play Thor, and Krasinski later joked that Hemsworth’s physique made him reconsider.
Krasinski tried on the suit and recalled Hemsworth telling him, “You’re gonna look great in that suit!” He left the audition, though later clarified he did not simply storm out, and Evans went on to play Captain America. Krasinski subsequently took on action roles in 13 Hours and Jack Ryan, and became closely associated with the A Quiet Place franchise, whose third film is due in 2027.
In short
- Krasinski auditioned for Captain America in 2010.
- Seeing Hemsworth in superhero shape made him doubt his fit.
- Chris Evans ultimately won the role.
Explained simply
Captain America is a Marvel superhero whose alter ego, Steve Rogers, gains enhanced strength and becomes a soldier during the Second World War. The character has appeared in films made by Marvel Studios, part of the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe, which also includes Thor.
In 2010, John Krasinski auditioned to play Captain America, a role that went to Chris Evans. Chris Hemsworth was preparing to play Thor at the time, and Krasinski later said seeing Hemsworth in his superhero suit made him doubt whether he suited the part.
Krasinski went on to take action roles in 13 Hours and the television series Jack Ryan, and later became known for the A Quiet Place films. The story offers a glimpse of how actors can reconsider a role during casting, while the films themselves form part of a much larger shared superhero franchise.