David Harbour Almost Played The Blob in X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE

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David Harbour is now known for playing Red Guardian in Marvel movies like Thunderbolts and Black Widow, making it hard to believe he was once rejected by Marvel. Surprisingly, the reason he didn’t get a role in X-Men Origins: Wolverine was because the studio thought he was too overweight. They ultimately cast Kevin Durand as The Blob instead.

By 2009, David Harbour was gaining momentum in his acting career, appearing in films like Brokeback Mountain, Revolutionary Road, and Quantum of Solace. At the same time, 20th Century Fox was planning prequel movies for their popular X-Men franchise, and for Harbour, accepting a role was an easy decision.

The first movie to explore the origins of the X-Men was X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Gavin Hood directed, and Hugh Jackman returned as Wolverine, joined by several other popular characters from the comic books. The film also introduced the villain Fred Dukes, better known as “The Blob,” who’s famous for his incredibly tough, impenetrable skin. Hood believed David Harbour would be ideal for the role, envisioning him in a bulky fat suit. However, the audition process didn’t go as planned.

Okay, so during his audition for ‘The Blob,’ David Harbour tried to inject some humor into the room. He lifted his shirt, showed off his stomach, and joked, ‘I got your Blob right here!’ It was a playful attempt to acknowledge the monster’s size, showing he understood the part. But the studio? They didn’t see the funny side. In fact, they were pretty worried about it. Turns out, that little bit of improv actually cost him the role. It’s a shame, because it seemed like a harmless gag, but it clearly didn’t land well with the people in charge.

David Harbour’s Tummy Was No Laughing Matter to Marvel

Harbour explained in a 2017 interview with The Wrap.

I cracked a silly joke during an audition, and then the director and I were asked to meet. He told me I was a talented actor, but they had some concerns. I asked what the problem was, saying I was eager to take the role and had the time. They explained they were worried about my health because I’d lifted my shirt during the audition. I couldn’t believe they were suggesting I was too overweight to play The Blob! I thought it was hilarious and immediately wanted to return to New York. That was essentially my audition, and, unsurprisingly, I didn’t get the part.

It’s surprising that Marvel turned down David Harbour, reportedly because of his weight, for a role that was meant to be a larger character. He likely could have gotten into shape for the part if needed. Ultimately, it worked out well for Harbour. Though 20th Century Fox cast Kevin Durand, Harbour found success playing Jim Hopper in Stranger Things, and he eventually joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe anyway.

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2026-02-18 21:03