Update: Krasinski OUT - Chris Evans (aka FF's Johnny Storm) IN for CAPTAIN AMERICA

By Matt Holmes /

UPDATE:

Just as I was posting this, Deadline say Krasinski is OUT of the Captain America picture and the casting is actually down to the two names from the screen test that I had affinity for, who are both said to still be in "serious contention"; Mike Vogel (Cloverfield) and Garrett Hedlund (Tron Legacy) - all other screentesters are out! AND They've thrown in a curveball with Chris Evans - aka Johnny Storm from Fantastic Four - who has come in contention for the part at this late stage. I seriously doubt he would take the small $300,000 paycheck and the 9 picture deal because his stock is worth more than that but I guess Cap is a back draw. Would he be the first actor to play TWO major Marvel heroes on the big screen??? (I don't count Ryan Reynold's Hannibal King from Blade Trinity as a major character to go alongside his Deadpool). I like the guy but he is too good at playing the brat over the leader, I'd say. Interesting to see how this all pans out over the coming days.
END OF UPDATE, ORIGINAL STORY BELOW: Fox411 are running with this exclusive tonight from a Marvel insider regarding The Office's Jim Halpert (John Krasinski), and a certain Marvel superhero and future leader of The Avengers;
"John has read 4 times and is doing screen tests...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."
Krasinski this week is expected to join Ryan Reynolds (Green Lantern), Chris Pine (Star Trek), Michael Keaton (Batman) and, I guess, Robert Downey Jr (Iron Man) as the latest in a long line of predominantly comedic actors hired for a big budget blockbuster. It's believed the only reason we haven't had an official announcement on Krasinski just yet is that Marvel are trying him out with a bunch of actresses they are keen on, looking closely to find that special one that sparks chemistry. He was certainly the biggest name of the leaked list of those who have screen tested, but that kinda goofy, awkward, likeable geek from The Office as the man who will be barking orders to Thor and Iron Man? Must have been a hell of a screen test; that's all I'm saying. Joe Johnston (The Wolf Man, The Rocketeer) directs this Summer for a July 2011 release.

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