Chris Evans was so well cast as Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that it seems like the role was meant for him. However, he faced some stiff competition for a chance to play the leader of the Avengers.

The actor brought Steve Rogers to life on the big screen starting in 2011 with Captain America: The First Avenger. He bowed out of the role almost a decade later with Avengers: Endgame.

While he is now synonymous with the part, we did some digging and rounded up 10 other actors who auditioned for the opportunity.

Interestingly, some of them wound up acting alongside Chris in the MCU. Others joined the franchise after he left. Some even had the chance to play roles in mega-successful franchises, and one of them later revealed that they had to apologize to Marvel after their audition!

Scroll through the slideshow to see who else could have played Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe…