‘Friday Night Lights’ Star Scott Porter on Almost Becoming Marvel’s captain America
Updated June 11, 2025
Before Chris Evans donned the shield, the search for Captain America was a highly publicized casting call.Among the contenders was Scott Porter,then a rising star on “Friday Night Lights.” Porter recently reflected on the experience, admitting the sting of losing the role.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s early success hinged on finding the right actors to embody its iconic heroes. The role of steve Rogers, aka Captain America, was particularly crucial. While John Krasinski was initially a frontrunner, the studio ultimately chose Evans, a decision that wasn’t universally embraced by fans at the time. Some felt Evans lacked the necessary gravitas for the part, preferring actors like Mark Valley or Nathan Fillion.
Porter, however, made it far enough in the audition process to do a screen test in the Captain America costume. Other finalists included Mike Vogel and Wilson Bethel, the latter now known as Bullseye in the MCU.The experience, Porter said, made the eventual rejection particularly tough.
That was, like, a big … I’m bent over, sobbing, heaving. Yeah, it was bad. Because all thes press outlets had put my head on Captain America’s body, and I started to buy in.I was like, ‘I can do this.’ Oh, no, no. ‘Yeah,I can’t.’
Despite the initial disappointment, Porter has found success in other roles, including the Netflix series “Ginny & Georgia.” He harbors no ill will toward Evans and is a fan of his portrayal of Captain America. ”Who else can be Captain America than Chris Evans?” Porter said. “I was not mad at all, and I watched all the ‘avengers’ movies. I’m a huge nerd,and the man just crushed it.”
What’s next
Porter continues his acting career,with fans anticipating his future projects. Meanwhile, the MCU continues to expand, introducing new heroes and storylines.
