John Krasinski Says Chris Hemsworth Tanked His Captain America Audition

Philip Ellis

February 14, 2020 3:32 PM

The Marvel Cinematic Universe nearly looked very different. John Krasinski , the sitcom star who got jacked and became an action hero , has shared the story of the time he tried out for the role of Captain America way back when Marvel Studios were first building their Avengers lineup. This was pre-13 Hours and Jack Ryan, so Krasinski still resembled Jim, the guy next door, and not the ripped super-soldier he was auditioning to play.

Chris Hemsworth Is Why John Krasinski Isn't in MCU

During his recent appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Krasinski retold the tale of how it was Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth , who tanked his chances of being Cap.

"They were like, let's see who else is out there before we offer it to Chris Evans ," he said. "And I went in and I tested for Captain America. I got to wear the suit, which was really fun. This is a true story. So I was putting the suit on. And the guy was like, this is really momentous, and I said, yes! And I was putting the suit on, and I was halfway up, not wearing any other clothes other than this... and right at that moment, Chris Hemsworth walked by, and he was like, you look good, mate. And I was like, nope. You know what? It's fine. We don't have to do this... He was just, like, jacked. He's like, you're going to look great in the suit, and I was like, don't make fun of me Hemsworth! And so I just walked away right there."

He was kidding, naturally: he went on to say "I acted my heart out that day, but it didn't work out." The role eventually went to Evans, but Krasinski didn't hold it against his fellow Bostonian: the pair recently starred together in Hyundai's Super Bowl commercial .

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Philip Ellis