Sebastian Stan Almost Played Captain America?! 😲

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Numerous tales circulate about actors declining superhero roles. Occasionally, a well-established actor might reject a part that doesn’t align with their image, like Amanda Seyfried turning down the opportunity to portray Gamora in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, it happens more frequently that less recognized actors struggle to break through, such as Asa Butterfield who was considered for Peter Parker in Captain America: Civil War. Luckily, Butterfield has had a thriving career since then, and there are many examples of actors who missed out on comic book roles but went on to succeed elsewhere.

Nevertheless, not securing a significant role within the MCU hasn’t deterred every actor from trying again (or in this case, donning another costume). For instance, Sebastian Stan initially auditioned for a heroic part in the franchise’s early stages, but didn’t land the position. However, this setback eventually led him to his dream role.

Sebastian Stan Was Nearly the Hero Instead of the Sidekick in Captain America: The First Avenger

In the later part of the 2000s, after the hit movie “Iron Man” and the popular post-credits scene, Marvel Studios sought to complete their Avengers team. Robert Downey Jr. was already signed up, but the remaining roles were yet to be filled. Eventually, Chris Hemsworth, a relatively unknown actor at that time, was chosen for Thor. This left Captain America’s role, the bigger shoes to fill, up for grabs. Marvel considered several rising stars like Chris Pratt and John Krasinski, as well as Stan, but he was told he wasn’t suitable for the part. Instead, it went to Chris Evans, who was previously starring in “Fantastic Four.

Despite missing out on the opportunity to play Captain America, Stan didn’t let disappointment hold him back. Instead, Marvel offered him the role of Bucky Barnes, Steve Rogers’ childhood friend and sidekick during World War II, which he embraced wholeheartedly. He gave a commendable performance in “The First Avenger” and reprised the character as the main antagonist in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” Although Marvel is undoubtedly pleased with their choice, it’s possible that Stan could have led Captain America to even greater heights.

Would Sebastian Stan Have Been a Better Captain America in the Long Run?

Following my casting as Captain America, I swiftly demonstrated my readiness for the role, standing shoulder to shoulder with Downey Jr.’s Iron Man and Hemsworth’s Thor as key figures within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Reflecting on this afterwards, it’s clear that Lee Pace (Stan) had the potential to spearhead his own franchise too. The actor garnered an Academy Award nomination for portraying Donald Trump in The Apprentice, and showcased his versatility in critically acclaimed films such as I, Tonya and The Martian, where I played a psychotic boyfriend and a brave astronaut respectively. Despite having some Oscar-worthy performances under my belt, such as in Bong Joon Ho’s Snowpiercer, I am often perceived more as an action star than an actor capable of winning Oscars. However, this doesn’t mean we were miscast; rather, it highlights the diverse paths our careers have taken.

If Stan had been chosen for The First Avenger instead of Chris Evans, the film might have run smoothly with Stan delivering a commendable performance as Captain America, helping to establish the character’s fame. However, an important aspect of the movie could have been compromised – the portrayal of Bucky. Given that Stan fits the role of Bucky exceptionally well, having played him in every phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for more than a decade, it seems unlikely anyone else could have turned Bucky into such a successful character. In fact, even if Stan had landed the lead role, he might not have reaped as many benefits since Captain America retired and passed his shield to Sam Wilson in Avengers: Endgame. Despite enjoying his time in the spotlight as a key figure in the MCU, settling for the sidekick role as Bucky was arguably Stan’s best decision because it has continued to benefit both him and the MCU up until now.

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2025-05-18 03:40