We can't ever remember the casting of a major film role being conducted to quite the same extent in the public eye as that for Captain America. Yet, the continuing hunt for who will be playing The First Avenger in Marvel's upcoming movie has been pretty much widely reported at every step. Granted, we're hardly dousing the flames here ourselves, but it must be odd for those on the hardly-secret shortlist.

Yesterday, we learned that the list had been whittled down from five to three, with John Krasinski, Chace Crawford and Mike Vogel the three leading candidates. But a day is a long time in the Captain America casting business, and the latest report suggests that the slight favourite, John Krasinski, has been ruled out of the running. Chace Crawford, too, has fallen by the wayside. Furthermore, some more names are now being thrown into the mix.

Mike Vogel (from Cloverfield) is still one of the possibles, but Deadline Hollywood now reports that Marvel is adding a few new names to its list of potentials. Chris Evans is one of them, having already done his bit for Marvel superheroes by playing the Human Torch in the two Fantastic Four movies.

Garret Hedlund, next to be seen in Tron Legacy, is also reportedly high up the list.

We wonder if Vogel might be edging this one, but given that the film is heading into production later this year for release next summer, Marvel and director Joe Johnston had better get their skates on and make a decision...

We'll keep you posted.

Deadline Hollywood