Mike Fleming at Deadline Hollywood has reported that Marvel Studios and director Joe Johnston have expanded their search to find the right lead for The First Avenger: Captain America. Chris Evans, who played the Human Torch in the Fantastic Four movies, is reportedly one of those now being considered. Mike Vogel (Cloverfield) and Garrett Hedlund (Tron: Legacy) are said to be two of the early candidates still in the running.

Whoever lands the part could be in for a long, steady stream of decent-size paychecks if The Hollywood Reporter is correct.

“The part calls for a nine-picture deal, the second of which would be the Avengers movie. That project could start shooting as soon as January 2011,” the publication said.