Actors Who Came Dangerously Close to Playing Marvel Superheroes But Lost the Role

Finding the right actor to play a superhero is a challenging process, often involving many auditions and long negotiations. While some performances become legendary and define a series, many other well-known actors almost landed those same roles. Sometimes a director’s top pick couldn’t commit due to other projects, and other times actors made it to the final stages of testing before being passed over. These close calls show just how different today’s Marvel movies could have been.

Tom Cruise

In the late 1990s, Tom Cruise was seriously considered for the lead role in ‘Iron Man’ when the film was being developed at New Line Cinema. He ultimately decided to leave the project because he didn’t feel it was shaping up the way he wanted, even exploring the possibility of producing it himself. He’s since praised Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of the character.

John Krasinski

John Krasinski actually auditioned for the role of Captain America and made it to the final round of consideration. He later joked that seeing Chris Hemsworth on set made him realize he wasn’t physically imposing enough for the part. Even while wearing the Captain America suit, he felt overshadowed by Hemsworth, who was already known as Thor. Years later, Krasinski eventually joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but as a different version of Mr. Fantastic.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt was initially considered for the role of Black Widow in ‘Iron Man 2’ and later offered the part of Peggy Carter in ‘Captain America: The First Avenger.’ However, she had to turn down both roles because of her contract with 20th Century Fox to star in ‘Gulliver’s Travels.’ She’s often said she wished the timing had been different, and fans actively campaigned for her to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe in another role for years afterward.

Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix seriously considered playing Doctor Strange in a Marvel movie, but he ultimately turned down the part. He wasn’t comfortable with the idea of being committed to multiple films. Marvel then cast Benedict Cumberbatch in the role. Later, Phoenix went on to star as the lead in the movie ‘Joker’, taking on a different comic book character.

Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa interviewed for the role of Drax in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ but ultimately decided not to take it. He was concerned that playing another strong, silent, and often shirtless warrior – similar to his character in ‘Conan the Barbarian’ – would limit his career. The role then went to Dave Bautista.

Alexander Skarsgård

Alexander Skarsgård was a strong contender to play Thor and met with the director, Kenneth Branagh, multiple times. He even did a screen test wearing Thor’s costume and wielding a replica of the hammer. Ultimately, the producers chose Chris Hemsworth for the role, but Skarsgård went on to star in other big films, including ‘The Legend of Tarzan’.

Jensen Ackles

Jensen Ackles was seriously considered for the part of Captain America in the first ‘Captain America’ movie. When Chris Evans ultimately got the role, the studio reportedly then offered Ackles the part of Hawkeye. However, Ackles turned it down because filming would have overlapped with his work on the TV show ‘Supernatural.’ Jeremy Renner ended up playing Hawkeye instead.

Sam Rockwell

Jon Favreau initially thought Sam Rockwell would be perfect to play Tony Stark in ‘Iron Man.’ Although Robert Downey Jr. ultimately got the part, Favreau was so impressed with Rockwell that he later cast him as Justin Hammer, a competing businessman, in ‘Iron Man 2.’ Rockwell’s performance as Hammer was a highlight of the film.

Timothy Olyphant

Timothy Olyphant actually auditioned for the role of Iron Man – on the very same day as Robert Downey Jr.! He’s playfully mentioned in interviews that he’s still hoping for a callback. Although he didn’t get the part, his career took off with a starring role in the show ‘Justified’, and fans still love the idea of him playing a comic book hero.

Sebastian Stan

Sebastian Stan initially tried out for the role of Captain America in the first movie. He even did a screen test wearing the full costume and was a strong contender. However, the filmmakers decided his personality fit the character of Bucky Barnes better. This ultimately led to him playing Bucky throughout the ‘Captain America’ and ‘Avengers’ films.

Wyatt Russell

Wyatt Russell initially tried out for the role of Captain America in 2011, in his very first audition. While he didn’t get the part then, he later joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe a decade later, playing John Walker in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.’ His character was a divisive choice to take over as the new bearer of Captain America’s shield.

Liam Hemsworth

Liam Hemsworth was a strong contender for the role of Thor, even making it to the final chemistry tests alongside his brother, Chris. Initially, the casting director favored Liam, but the studio later decided Chris was a better fit for the part. Soon after, Liam found success starring in ‘The Hunger Games’ movies.

Tom Hiddleston

Tom Hiddleston originally tried out for the part of Thor, putting in a lot of effort – he trained for weeks to build muscle and even filmed a test scene in costume. However, director Kenneth Branagh recognized that Hiddleston’s unique charm was a better fit for the role of Loki, the villain. This decision ultimately led to the creation of one of the most popular characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Sam Worthington

Sam Worthington was seriously considered for the lead role of Peter Quill in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. At the time, he was a very popular action movie star. Though he auditioned for the part, Chris Pratt ended up getting the role. Worthington then continued working on the ‘Avatar’ movies.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

I remember when ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Ant-Man’ were being cast, Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s name kept coming up! He was seriously considered for both Peter Quill and Scott Lang. Ultimately, he decided to focus on directing his own projects instead, which I totally respect. It’s easy to forget he was already part of the superhero world, playing John Blake in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’!

Glenn Howerton

James Gunn, the director, shared that Glenn Howerton was his runner-up for the part of Star-Lord. Had Chris Pratt not been available, Howerton, known for ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,’ would have starred in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’ Gunn was very impressed with Howerton’s audition and went on to work with him on other projects. Many fans have speculated about how the movie’s overall feel would have changed with Howerton in the role.

Zachary Levi

Zachary Levi almost landed the role of Peter Quill in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ making it to the final stages of casting. Though Chris Pratt ultimately got the part, Levi’s strong audition helped him later get cast as Shazam in the DC movies. Before this, he’d already been part of the Marvel world, playing Fandral in the ‘Thor’ films after taking over the role from Josh Dallas.

Olivia Wilde

Originally, Olivia Wilde was the director’s first pick to play Gamora in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ but she declined the role. She chose to concentrate on other acting opportunities and pursue her growing interest in directing. Zoe Saldaña then took on the part and has since become well-known for playing Gamora in several movies. Years later, Wilde went on to direct the film ‘Don’t Worry Darling.’

Amanda Seyfried

Amanda Seyfried was initially offered the part of Gamora, but she declined it because she didn’t want to deal with the extensive makeup required. She also wasn’t sure a movie about a talking raccoon and a tree would do well in theaters. Later, she admitted she misjudged the film’s potential, but stood by her decision. Ultimately, the role went to Zoe Saldaña.

David Duchovny

David Duchovny was a top contender to play Bruce Banner in the 2008 film ‘The Incredible Hulk’. Studio executives seriously considered him as they wanted a new approach after the 2003 ‘Hulk’ movie. However, they eventually cast Edward Norton in the role. Duchovny then continued working on bringing back ‘The X-Files’.

Asa Butterfield

Asa Butterfield was a strong contender to play Peter Parker in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’. He made it to the final rounds of auditions and even did screen tests with Robert Downey Jr. Ultimately, Marvel and Sony chose Tom Holland for the part. Butterfield later found success starring in the popular series ‘Sex Education’.

Timothée Chalamet

I recently learned that Timothée Chalamet actually auditioned for Spider-Man! Can you believe it? He said the experience was pretty rough – he read for the part twice and felt totally overwhelmed by the pressure. It didn’t work out, obviously, but honestly, it feels like that rejection was a blessing in disguise. Just a short time later, he blew everyone away in ‘Call Me by Your Name,’ and now he’s become one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. It just goes to show you, sometimes things happen for a reason!

Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey turned down the part of Ego in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ because he didn’t want to join a movie that already had a winning formula. He preferred to take a risk on ‘The Dark Tower’, hoping to launch a brand new franchise. Ultimately, Kurt Russell played Ego in the film.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson revealed that Marvel Studios offered him the part of Odin in ‘Thor,’ but he declined. He didn’t say why. Anthony Hopkins ultimately played Odin, bringing a majestic quality to the role in three movies. Since then, Gibson has focused on directing and acting in well-received independent films.

Josh Hartnett

Early in his career, Josh Hartnett was considered for both Spider-Man and Loki in ‘Thor’. However, he famously turned down several big superhero roles because he didn’t want to become known for just one character so early in his career. Ultimately, Tom Hiddleston ended up playing the popular character of Loki.

Ryan Gosling

Early in the planning stages for ‘Doctor Strange,’ Ryan Gosling talked with Marvel Studios about playing the main character. Although Marvel was very interested in him, they couldn’t reach an agreement, and he didn’t take the role. Throughout his career, Gosling has mostly steered clear of long-term superhero commitments. He later worked with the Russo Brothers on the action film ‘The Gray Man.’

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan originally tried out for the role of Falcon in ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’, but didn’t get the part. However, the audition impressed Marvel Studios, and they remembered him later. This eventually led to him being cast as the villain Erik Killmonger in ‘Black Panther’, where his performance is celebrated as one of the best in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman first tried out for the part of Drax in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. Although he didn’t fit that role, the casting team was very impressed with his audition. Because of this, when it was time to cast ‘Captain America: Civil War’, they offered him the role of Black Panther (T’Challa) immediately, without asking him to audition. This ultimately led to him playing a hugely important and impactful character in film.

Saoirse Ronan

During the early stages of making ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’, filmmakers used photos of Saoirse Ronan as inspiration for the character of Scarlet Witch. Although there was talk of her potentially playing the role, she never actually joined the cast. Ronan mentioned she’d be interested in the part, but it wasn’t the right time. Eventually, Elizabeth Olsen was chosen and has been playing Scarlet Witch for almost ten years.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Mary Elizabeth Winstead was seriously considered for the role of Maria Hill in ‘The Avengers’. She did screen tests with the potential cast and was well-liked by the filmmakers. However, the part ultimately went to Cobie Smulders. Later, Winstead joined the DC Comics world, playing Huntress in ‘Birds of Prey’.

Morena Baccarin

Morena Baccarin auditioned for the part of Maria Hill in ‘The Avengers’ along with Cobie Smulders. Her experience with sci-fi shows like ‘Firefly’ made her a serious candidate. Although she didn’t get the role of the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, she later became known for playing Vanessa in the ‘Deadpool’ movies, keeping her involved with Marvel projects.

Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain was originally considered for the part of Maya Hansen in ‘Iron Man 3,’ but unfortunately, she couldn’t take the role due to other commitments. She shared her regret online about not being able to work with the film’s team. Rebecca Hall ended up playing the character. Later, Chastain joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe by playing a villain in ‘Dark Phoenix’.

Matt Damon

Matt Damon was originally offered the lead role in the 2003 movie ‘Daredevil,’ but he declined. As a big fan of the comic book, he was concerned the script wasn’t good enough. His friend Ben Affleck ended up playing the part of Matt Murdock. Years later, Damon playfully appeared as an actor pretending to be Loki in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’.

Dougray Scott

I remember when Dougray Scott was originally chosen to play Wolverine in the first ‘X-Men’ movie! He’d even started getting ready for the role, which was so exciting. But then, filming on ‘Mission: Impossible 2’ ran into some issues, and he couldn’t break free to join the ‘X-Men’ cast. It was a huge scramble for the studio, but thankfully, they found Hugh Jackman as a replacement. It’s amazing to think that role really launched his career – he became a massive star!

Viggo Mortensen

Before Benedict Cumberbatch was cast as Doctor Strange, Viggo Mortensen was a strong contender for the part. Marvel executives were reportedly impressed with Mortensen’s serious and dignified presence, believing he could bring a sense of realism to the more fantastical elements of the Marvel universe. However, after his experience with the large-scale ‘Lord of the Rings’ franchise, Mortensen tends to be careful about joining big projects, and he ultimately decided not to take the role.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves was considered for the part of Yon-Rogg in ‘Captain Marvel’, but he couldn’t accept because he was already filming ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’. Marvel Studios has said they often reach out to Reeves for their movies and are still hoping to find the right character to bring him into their universe. Ultimately, Jude Law played the Kree commander instead.

Bill Murray

Back in the 1990s, Bill Murray was once considered to play Iron Man. The movie was planned as a comedy at the time, and the script changed a lot over the years as different studios worked on it, before the version we saw in 2008. Eventually, Murray ended up joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but as a different character – Lord Krylar in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’.

Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey was once a strong contender to play Loki in a planned ‘Thor’ movie from the late 1990s. Later, Marvel also thought about him to voice Rocket Raccoon in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. Because of his energetic and quirky acting, Carrey was considered a good fit for several of Marvel’s unusual characters. Although these roles didn’t happen, fans still hope he’ll join the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the future.

Bryan Cranston

When ‘X-Men: First Class’ was being cast, Bryan Cranston – who was very popular due to ‘Breaking Bad’ – was a contender for the role of Sebastian Shaw. The filmmakers wanted someone who could portray a refined but intimidating villain. In the end, Kevin Bacon got the part. Cranston has also said he’d love to play the character Mr. Sinister at some point.

Alice Eve

Alice Eve was seriously considered for the role of Emma Frost in ‘X-Men: First Class,’ and was even in talks with the studio, but ultimately January Jones got the part. Later, she found a place in the Marvel world by playing the villain Typhoid Mary in the ‘Iron Fist’ TV series. Fans have often suggested Eve for roles in ‘Fantastic Four’ movies as well.

Liam Neeson

In the late 1990s, Liam Neeson was seriously considered for the role of the Punisher in a planned movie. However, the project never got off the ground, and Neeson went on to star in major franchises like ‘Star Wars.’ When the Punisher finally made it to the big screen in 2004, Thomas Jane played the part. Since then, Neeson has become well-known as an action movie star.

Leonardo DiCaprio

James Cameron originally wanted Leonardo DiCaprio to play Spider-Man, and they had discussions about it. However, DiCaprio didn’t feel prepared for a superhero role at the time. He actually suggested his friend Tobey Maguire for the part when Sam Raimi started casting the movie. Interestingly, DiCaprio is one of the few big-name actors who has never been in a superhero film.

Jake Gyllenhaal

When Tobey Maguire injured his back during filming, Jake Gyllenhaal was almost cast as Spider-Man in ‘Spider-Man 2’. He began preparing for the role, but thankfully Maguire recovered and was able to return. Years later, Gyllenhaal did join the Spider-Man universe, playing the villain Mysterio in ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’.

Edward Furlong

James Cameron originally wanted Edward Furlong to star as Spider-Man in a darker, more mature take on the character. This was planned at Carolco Pictures, but the studio’s bankruptcy halted the project. Cameron felt Furlong perfectly embodied the troubled teenager he had in mind for the role. Ultimately, the film was cancelled, and Sony acquired the rights to make a Spider-Man movie.

Jude Law

Jude Law was considered for both Iron Man and Ant-Man roles early in the development of those Marvel movies. Although he didn’t become a founding Avenger initially, he eventually joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2019, playing Yon-Rogg in ‘Captain Marvel’.

Val Kilmer

In the 1990s, Val Kilmer was considered to play Captain America in a movie that never fully came together. This wasn’t the same, lesser-known Captain America film that came out in 1990. Kilmer was a major star then and was being looked at for a lot of superhero parts, but he ended up playing Batman for DC Comics instead.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Back in the early 1990s, Arnold Schwarzenegger was a strong contender to play Wolverine in a proposed ‘X-Men’ movie directed by James Cameron. Early sketches of the character were designed to fit Schwarzenegger’s muscular build. However, the film couldn’t get made because of complicated ownership issues with the movie rights. Eventually, the role went to an actor with a smaller, more rugged appearance.

Bob Hoskins

In the 1980s, ‘X-Men’ writer Chris Claremont really wanted Bob Hoskins to play Wolverine in a movie. He thought Hoskins, with his build and intense performance in ‘Dead Man Out,’ was a perfect fit for the character. Unfortunately, the film never got made, and it remains a popular topic of discussion among fans as a missed opportunity.

Jamie Bell

Jamie Bell was a strong contender for the lead role in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’, impressing casting directors with his physical acting skills throughout multiple auditions. Ultimately, Andrew Garfield was cast and starred in two films as Spider-Man. Later, Bell joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe by playing Ben Grimm in the 2015 film ‘Fantastic Four’.

Miles Teller

Before Andrew Garfield became Spider-Man in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’, Miles Teller was a strong contender for the part and even did screen tests. Although he didn’t get the role of Peter Parker, he later joined the Marvel universe by playing Reed Richards in the 2015 ‘Fantastic Four’ film. More recently, he’s become a major star with the blockbuster hit ‘Top Gun: Maverick’.

Let us know in the comments which actor you believe would have been perfect for each role.

2026-01-27 03:54