Actor Chris Evans’ performance as Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is nothing short of exceptional. The actor first appeared as the iconic superhero in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) and quickly became a fan favorite. Evans was able to bring out the true nature of the character and it is now hard to imagine someone else in that role. However, another MCU star initially got an offer to play Captain America in the MCU: Sebastian Stan.
Stan eventually got the role of Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier in the MCU. In fact, the actor does not regret turning down the role of Captain America because when he first read about Winter Soldier, he was firm that he wanted to portray it, believing that “it was meant to be.” Many Hollywood stars auditioned for roles in the MCU but the final cast was indeed the best choice.
Sebastian Stan passed on the role of Captain America to Chris Evans in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Not many people know that actor Sebastian Stan was initially approached for the role of Captain America in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, but Stan passed on the opportunity. The role then went to Chris Evans and eventually, Stan bagged the role of Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier in the franchise. In the book, The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Stan explained that it was meant to be (via CBR),
“I was completely taken with that character. I definitely want to be clear about this: I am extremely grateful I got this role and not the Captain America role. I looked at it like it was meant to be.”
Stan added that Kevin Feige introduced him to Bucky’s history in Marvel’s comic books, including Ed Brubaker’s Winter Soldier arc. After learning so much about the character, Stan was firm on playing it.
Another MCU star auditioned for the role of Captain America
Even actor Chris Pratt tried to bag the role of Captain America. The actor eventually played Star-Lord, a role that many actors battled for, in the MCU. Many fans will agree that Pratt was perfect for the role of Star-Lord, especially due to his hilarious nature and charismatic personality.
There is no doubt that Chris Evans was perfect for the role. Even Stephen Broussard, Marvel Studios’ VP of Production and Development, believed that Evans had the right look as he explained in the aforementioned book,
“Chris was perfect – a great actor who was the embodiment of Steve Rogers. Even without any costuming, he had the right look. The only thing going against him was these other [Fantastic Four] films that didn’t live up to expectations.”
Before starting his journey in the MCU as Captain America, Evans played the role of Human Torch in Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007). Unfortunately, those films underperformed but it certainly helped Evans gain popularity. With his MCU journey officially wrapped up, it’s safe to say Evans’ iteration of the character was remarkable.
