According to FOX, it’s very likely that John will land the role of Captain America.
John Krasinski is getting even closer to nabbing the role that could propel him into action hero stardom … Captain America!
Insiders at the Marvel compound tell Fox 411 that he is close to landing the superhero gig of his life. John, who plays Jim on “The Office,” has appeared in front of producers repeatedly since the start of the new year and since rumors began in February.
“John has read 4 times and is doing screen tests,” our source tells us. “He has screen tested 2 times so far. It’s very likely that he will be the new Captain America. He is a favorite among the key decision makers and has been asked to come back for more this week.”
At this point, Krasinski is the main focus at Marvel.
“The big bosses are having him read with multiple actresses up for the female leads. They want to lock down the role and then they will narrow down everyone else.”
Unfortunately, “The Office” star is not the chosen one for many comic fans who work for Marvel.
“It’s a surprise and we are bracing ourselves for ‘that guy from ‘The Office” to land Captain America. They are not really looking at the other guys, so it’s time to get ready to work with him.”
“If John gets offered the role, the pay will not be outrageous but it would be a multi-film deal. Marvel has big plans to tie the movies together and John would have parts in all of them since the first Captain America will be an origin story. The movie will break down how Steve Rogers becomes Captain America. ”
“The First Avenger: Captain America” is slated to be released by Paramount on July 22, 2011.
While THR reports that John, along with the other contenders previously mentioned, has been dropped from consideration as the hunt for Captain American continues.
The answer of whom will hold Captain America’s shield and play alter ego Steve Rogers is still in Marvel’s hands, but the list of actors is being whittled down.
Wilson Bethel, who starred in HBO’s “Generation Kill” and currently appear ing in “The Young and the Restless,” is still in the running as is Mike Vogel, who appeared in “Cloverfield” and CBS’ “Miami Medical.”
Meanwhile, Chris Evans, currently shooting “Safety Point” in Texas, has read for the part and has a test offer which may come to fruition next week. Garrett Hedlund has not tested yet though Marvel is very keen on him.
Actors previously reported as testing including John Krasinski, Michael Cassidy, Chace Crawford, among others, are no longer on the list.
The part calls for a nine-picture deal, the second of which would be the “Avengers” movie. That project could start shooting as soon as January 2011.
Taking a shot on relative unknowns such as Bethel and Vogel is not out of the realm of possibility as many tentpoles and franchises are handing out the keys to up-and-comers. Paramount and J.J. Abrams took a chance on Chris Pine to play Capt. Kirk while James Cameron put his trust in Sam Worthington.