News is spreading like wildfire that The Office‘s John Krasinski may be up for the title role in Marvel’s Captain America, so says THR. Set to be directed by The Wolfman‘s Joe Johnston, the lead role apparently has to be cast very soon, like next week soon.

Other contenders are Chace Crawford, Michael Cassidy, Patrick Flueger, Scott Porter and Mike Vogel. These names have all been thrown around, but many people seem to agree that Krasinski is the most likely choice. This would, of course, also set him up to star in The Avengers, Marvel’s planned mega-crossover.

There seems to be a generally negative reaction to his potential casting, but I’m going to have be contrary here and say that I like it. Admittedly we haven’t seen anything from him that would indicate leading role material, but we could have said the same about Robert Downey Jr. three years ago, or even Chris Hemsworth now for that matter(and no, the opening scene of Star Trek doesn’t really count).

Marvel’s casting choices for their heroes have been fairly unconventional and seem to have paid off. I never could have pictured Edward Norton as the Incredible Hulk, but I felt he did a fine job with that role as, of course, Downey Jr. did with Tony Stark. So, for now, let’s not completely rule out his ability to play Captain America. If he even gets the role.

What do you think of John Krasinski as Captain America?