Celebs Who Were Almost Cast as Famous Superheroes

The world of superhero cinema is filled with iconic performances that define entire careers for the actors involved. However the casting process is often a long and complicated journey that leaves many famous stars just inches away from wearing a cape. Fans frequently wonder how the landscape of major franchises would look if different actors had secured these legendary roles. This list explores the fascinating stories of celebrities who almost brought famous heroes to life on the big screen.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise was the original choice to play Tony Stark in the early development of ‘Iron Man’ during the late nineties. He spent years attached to the project and expressed interest in both starring and producing the film. The actor eventually walked away because he felt the direction of the script did not meet his personal expectations. Robert Downey Jr. ultimately landed the role and transformed the character into a global icon. This remains one of the most famous casting near misses in the history of the superhero genre.

John Krasinski

John Krasinski famously auditioned for the role of Steve Rogers in ‘Captain America The First Avenger’ and even performed a screen test. He recalls wearing the suit and feeling confident until he saw Chris Hemsworth walk by as Thor. The actor realized in that moment that the physical requirements for the role were immense and intimidating. Chris Evans eventually took the shield and led the franchise for over a decade. Krasinski later joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a different hero in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt was the top choice to play Black Widow in ‘Iron Man 2’ before she had to decline the offer. Contractual obligations for the film ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ prevented her from taking the part despite her personal interest. She was later offered the role of Peggy Carter but turned that down as well to pursue other opportunities. Scarlett Johansson stepped in to play Natasha Romanoff and became a staple of the franchise. Blunt continues to be a fan favorite for future superhero roles in various cinematic universes.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage was set to play the Man of Steel in the cancelled project ‘Superman Lives’ directed by Tim Burton. The production reached the stage where Cage participated in costume fittings and screen tests in the iconic suit. Warner Bros. ultimately halted production due to budget concerns and lingering script issues. Cage eventually voiced Superman in ‘Teen Titans Go! To the Movies’ years later. He also had a brief cameo as the character in ‘The Flash’ to honor the lost project.

Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix was in deep negotiations to star as the lead in ‘Doctor Strange’ for Marvel Studios. He ultimately decided that the blockbuster filmmaking process did not align with his preferred acting style. Benedict Cumberbatch was the original choice but his schedule initially prevented him from signing a contract. Once Phoenix passed on the role Marvel adjusted the production schedule to accommodate Cumberbatch. Phoenix eventually joined the DC universe as the title character in ‘Joker’ instead.

Alexander Skarsgård

Alexander Skarsgård was one of the final contenders to play the God of Thunder in ‘Thor’ directed by Kenneth Branagh. He met with the director several times and even did a screen test in the costume. The role eventually went to Chris Hemsworth who became synonymous with the character. Skarsgård later found success in other major projects like ‘The Legend of Tarzan’ and ‘True Blood’. His father Stellan Skarsgård eventually joined the franchise as Dr. Erik Selvig.

Jensen Ackles

Jensen Ackles originally auditioned for the role of Captain America and was a strong contender for the part. Although Chris Evans was the final choice Marvel offered Ackles the role of Hawkeye instead. He had to decline the opportunity because of his long term filming commitments to the television series ‘Supernatural’. Jeremy Renner ultimately took the role of Clint Barton and joined the Avengers. Ackles finally portrayed a superhero when he joined the cast of ‘The Boys’ as Soldier Boy.

Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy screen tested for the lead role in ‘Batman Begins’ and wore the Batsuit during the process. Director Christopher Nolan was impressed with his performance but felt Christian Bale was a better fit for Bruce Wayne. Nolan liked Murphy enough to cast him as the villainous Scarecrow in the same film. This started a long working relationship between the actor and the filmmaker. Murphy reprised his role in both sequels of the acclaimed trilogy.

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal was nearly cast as Peter Parker in ‘Spider Man 2’ when Tobey Maguire suffered a back injury. The studio prepared Gyllenhaal to step in but Maguire recovered in time to film the sequel. Gyllenhaal was also a finalist to play Batman in ‘Batman Begins’ before the role went to Christian Bale. He eventually entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the villain Mysterio in ‘Spider Man Far From Home’. Fans spent years imagining him in various heroic roles before he finally joined a franchise.

Dougray Scott

Dougray Scott was the first choice to play Wolverine in the ‘X Men’ film released in the year two thousand. He had officially signed on but production delays on ‘Mission Impossible 2’ forced him to drop out. Hugh Jackman was a last minute replacement who flew to the set shortly after production began. Jackman went on to play the character for over twenty years across multiple films. This casting change is considered one of the most significant moments in modern cinema history.

Josh Hartnett

Josh Hartnett was offered the roles of Batman, Superman, and Spider Man during the height of his career. He turned down all three opportunities because he was wary of being pigeonholed in massive franchises. The actor preferred to focus on smaller independent projects and personal growth. Christian Bale, Brandon Routh, and Tobey Maguire eventually took the roles he declined. Hartnett has since spoken about having no regrets regarding his decision to step away from the blockbusters.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio met with James Cameron about playing the title character in a mid nineties ‘Spider Man’ project. The film never moved forward and the rights eventually shifted to another studio. He was also considered for the role of Robin in ‘Batman Forever’ but decided the project was not right for him. DiCaprio has notoriously avoided superhero franchises throughout his prestigious career. He famously advised other young actors to avoid doing superhero movies to maintain their artistic integrity.

Pierce Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan was invited to meet with Tim Burton regarding the lead role in ‘Batman’ during the late eighties. He admitted in interviews that he could not take the character seriously at the time and made a joke about the costume. The role ultimately went to Michael Keaton who proved the doubters wrong with his performance. Brosnan went on to play James Bond before finally joining the superhero genre as Doctor Fate in ‘Black Adam’. He expressed regret for his earlier dismissal of the Batman role.

Will Smith

Will Smith was offered the lead role in ‘Superman Returns’ but he declined the opportunity. He felt that there was a risk in playing a character that was traditionally portrayed by white actors at that time. Smith believed that he would face backlash for taking on such an established icon. Brandon Routh was cast as the Man of Steel in the two thousand six film instead. Smith eventually played a different kind of hero in ‘Hancock’ and joined the DC universe as Deadshot in ‘Suicide Squad’.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock was a top candidate to play Wonder Woman in a live action film during the late nineties and early two thousands. Fans and producers felt her athletic build and charm were a perfect match for Diana Prince. The project spent years in development hell and never reached the filming stage. Bullock eventually stated that she felt the window for her to play the character had closed. Gal Gadot eventually brought the Amazonian warrior to the screen in the DC Extended Universe.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie was approached by Joss Whedon to play Wonder Woman when he was developing a script for the character. The project never materialized and Jolie moved on to other action heavy roles. She was frequently the top choice for many female led superhero films during her rise to stardom. Jolie finally joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Thena in ‘Eternals’. Her performance as the legendary warrior was one of the highlights of the ensemble cast.

Marlon Wayans

Marlon Wayans was officially cast as Robin in ‘Batman Returns’ and even went through costume fittings. The character was eventually cut from the script to streamline the story. He was supposed to return for ‘Batman Forever’ but the change in directors led to his replacement by Chris O’Donnell. Wayans reportedly still receives residual checks from his initial contract for the film. He has often joked about what his version of the Boy Wonder would have been like.

Bill Murray

Bill Murray was the primary choice to play Batman when the project was envisioned as a campy comedy in the early eighties. The studio wanted to lean into the tone of the original television series rather than a dark atmosphere. Eddie Murphy was also rumored to be in consideration for the role of Robin. The project was eventually scrapped in favor of the dark and gritty version directed by Tim Burton. Michael Keaton was chosen to lead that film and redefined the character for a new generation.

Russell Crowe

Russell Crowe was the first choice of director Bryan Singer to play Wolverine in ‘X Men’. Crowe turned down the role because he felt the character was too similar to his role in ‘Gladiator’ which also featured animal themes. He famously suggested his fellow Australian actor Hugh Jackman for the part instead. Jackman went on to achieve worldwide fame as the clawed mutant. Crowe later joined the genre as Jor El in ‘Man of Steel’ and Zeus in ‘Thor Love and Thunder’.

Armie Hammer

Armie Hammer was cast as Batman in the planned George Miller film titled ‘Justice League Mortal’. The production was fully prepared to film in Australia before a writers strike and tax credit issues shut it down. Hammer had already begun training and studying the movements for the role. He later became a recurring name in casting rumors for various other DC characters. The actor never got to portray the Caped Crusader on the big screen.

Matt Damon

Matt Damon was offered the title role in ‘Daredevil’ but he turned it down because he was not familiar with the director. He encouraged his best friend Ben Affleck to take the part instead. Affleck eventually starred in the two thousand three film which received mixed reviews. Damon has stated that he would love to play a superhero if the right director were attached. He later made a cameo appearance in ‘Thor Ragnarok’ as an Asgardian actor.

Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher auditioned for the role of Superman in the early two thousands for a project titled ‘Superman Flyby’. He even wore the suit for a screen test but felt that he did not look right in the costume. The actor was concerned that the role would define his career too much at a young age. The project was ultimately canceled and later retooled into ‘Superman Returns’. Kutcher stayed in the world of comedy and tech investing rather than pursuing capes.

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper was one of the final actors in consideration for the role of Hal Jordan in ‘Green Lantern’. He reportedly gave a great audition but lost the part to Ryan Reynolds. Cooper later revealed that he struggled to find the right voice for the character during his screen test. He eventually found his place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the voice of Rocket Raccoon. His vocal performance became one of the most beloved aspects of the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ franchise.

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling met with Marvel Studios to discuss playing the lead in ‘Doctor Strange’. He ultimately decided not to take the role because he was hesitant to sign a multi picture contract at that time. The actor has notoriously avoided long term commitments to major franchises throughout his career. Fans have frequently campaigned for him to play characters like Ghost Rider or Nova. Gosling remains one of the most sought after actors for future superhero projects.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Joseph Gordon-Levitt was a top contender for the role of Peter Quill in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. He ultimately chose to work on ‘Sin City A Dame to Kill For’ instead of joining the Marvel project. Chris Pratt eventually landed the role and turned Star Lord into a household name. Gordon-Levitt had previously appeared in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ as John Blake. He continues to be a popular choice in fan casting circles for various comic book adaptations.

Glenn Howerton

Glenn Howerton was the second choice to play Star Lord in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ according to director James Gunn. If Chris Pratt had not taken the role Howerton would have been the leader of the team. Gunn has praised Howerton’s talent and mentioned that he was very impressed by his audition. Howerton is best known for his work on ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’. He has yet to lead a major live action superhero film but fans continue to support the idea.

Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa originally auditioned for the role of Drax the Destroyer in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. He decided to pass on the part because he felt he had played too many characters who did not say much and were often shirtless. The actor wanted to branch out into roles that allowed for more dialogue and range. Dave Bautista took the role and made it his own through three films. Momoa eventually found the perfect fit as the lead in ‘Aquaman’ for the DC universe.

Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde was the first choice to play Gamora in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ but she turned the role down. She did not specify the reason for declining but it allowed Zoe Saldaña to step into the part. Saldaña went on to play the character in multiple films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Wilde eventually directed and starred in her own projects and expressed interest in the genre later. She has since been rumored to be directing a female led Marvel project for Sony.

Timothy Olyphant

Timothy Olyphant auditioned for the role of Tony Stark on the same day as Robert Downey Jr. and impressed the casting team. Director Jon Favreau has mentioned that Olyphant was a very strong contender for ‘Iron Man’. The actor’s cool demeanor and charismatic screen presence were considered a good fit for the billionaire playboy. Downey Jr. was ultimately selected and the rest is cinematic history. Olyphant later joined the ‘Star Wars’ universe as Cobb Vanth.

Sam Rockwell

Sam Rockwell was on the shortlist to play Tony Stark before the production team chose Robert Downey Jr. for ‘Iron Man’. Jon Favreau liked his performance so much that he brought him back for the sequel. Rockwell was cast as the rival industrialist Justin Hammer in ‘Iron Man 2’. His energetic and comedic performance made him a fan favorite villain. Many viewers still hope to see his character return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in future projects.

Sebastian Stan

Sebastian Stan originally auditioned for the lead role of Steve Rogers in ‘Captain America The First Avenger’. While he did not get the part the producers felt he was perfect for Bucky Barnes. This decision allowed him to have a much longer arc within the franchise as the Winter Soldier. Stan has expressed that he is grateful for how things turned out because his character has so much depth. He has appeared in numerous films and led his own television series on Disney Plus.

Wyatt Russell

Wyatt Russell’s first ever audition was for the role of Captain America in the first film of the trilogy. He did not get the part back then but his journey with the character was far from over. Ten years later he was cast as John Walker in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’. His character briefly took on the mantle of Captain America before becoming U.S. Agent. Russell felt that coming back to the franchise after a decade was a poetic turn of events.

Channing Tatum

Channing Tatum was a finalist for the role of ‘Thor’ before Chris Hemsworth was cast. He also spent many years trying to get a standalone ‘Gambit’ movie off the ground at Fox. Tatum was officially cast as the mutant and even appeared at Comic Con to promote the project. The film was eventually cancelled following the merger between Disney and Fox. He finally got to play the character in a surprise cameo during ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’.

Liam Hemsworth

Liam Hemsworth was one of the final four actors in consideration for the lead in ‘Thor’. He actually made it further in the casting process than his brother Chris during the initial rounds. Director Kenneth Branagh eventually decided to bring Chris back for a second audition which secured him the part. The two brothers have since joked about the sibling rivalry that the casting process created. Liam went on to star in ‘The Hunger Games’ franchise instead.

Tom Hiddleston

Tom Hiddleston originally auditioned for the role of Thor and even gained twenty pounds of muscle for the screen test. He wore the blonde wig and wielded the hammer during the audition process. The creative team felt that his energy was much better suited for the villainous brother Loki. This casting proved to be a masterstroke as Hiddleston became one of the most popular actors in the entire franchise. He has played the God of Mischief for over a decade in films and his own series.

Salma Hayek Pinault

Salma Hayek Pinault was a major contender for the role of Wonder Woman during the mid nineties when the project was first being developed. Her name was frequently at the top of casting lists due to her rising stardom and action experience. She was also considered for the role of Mary Jane Watson in the early stages of ‘Spider Man’. Although she did not get those parts she eventually joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in ‘Eternals’. She portrayed Ajak the leader of the ancient group of heroes.

Morena Baccarin

Morena Baccarin was one of the finalists to play Maria Hill in ‘The Avengers’. She lost the role to Cobie Smulders who went on to play the high ranking S.H.I.E.L.D. agent for many years. Baccarin did not have to wait long to join a superhero universe though. She was cast as Vanessa in the ‘Deadpool’ films and played Dr. Leslie Thompkins in the series ‘Gotham’. Her presence has since become a staple in both Marvel and DC adaptations.

Adrianne Palicki

Adrianne Palicki was cast as the lead in a ‘Wonder Woman’ television pilot for NBC in two thousand eleven. She filmed the entire pilot episode and images of her in the costume were widely circulated online. The network ultimately decided not to move forward with the series and it never aired. Palicki later joined the Marvel universe as Mockingbird in the series ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’. She also appeared as a villain in the ‘Smallville’ television show.

Common

The rapper and actor Common was cast as John Stewart the Green Lantern in the cancelled ‘Justice League Mortal’. He spent months training for the role and was excited to portray the first Black Green Lantern on screen. The cancellation of the film was a major disappointment for the actor and the fans. Common eventually played a small role in ‘Suicide Squad’ as a character named Monster T. He has expressed continued interest in playing a major superhero in the future.

D.J. Cotrona

D.J. Cotrona was set to play Superman in the George Miller ‘Justice League’ film that never came to fruition. He was cast alongside a young ensemble of actors who were meant to launch a new franchise. Cotrona had completed costume fittings and was ready to begin principal photography. The project was shut down just weeks before it was scheduled to start filming. Cotrona eventually joined the DC universe as the adult superhero version of Pedro in the ‘Shazam!’ movies.

Adam Brody

Adam Brody was officially cast as Barry Allen the Flash in ‘Justice League Mortal’. He was at the height of his fame from ‘The O.C.’ and was prepared to transition into major blockbusters. The production collapse prevented him from ever wearing the speedster’s suit on camera. Brody eventually made his way into the superhero genre years later. He played the adult superhero version of Freddy Freeman in the ‘Shazam!’ franchise.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox was rumored to be the frontrunner for several superhero roles including Wonder Woman and Catwoman during the late two thousands. She was frequently fan cast in these roles due to her appearance in the ‘Transformers’ series. Fox eventually clarified that she was never officially offered the part of Diana Prince. She did star as Jane in the comic book adaptation ‘Jonah Hex’ for DC. The actress later played April O’Neil in the ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ films.

Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill was nearly cast as Superman twice before he actually landed the role in ‘Man of Steel’. He was a finalist for ‘Superman Flyby’ when he was only twenty years old but the project was cancelled. He also lost out to Brandon Routh for the lead in ‘Superman Returns’ a few years later. Cavill was famously dubbed the unluckiest man in Hollywood after losing several major roles including Batman and James Bond. He eventually became the definitive Superman for the modern era of DC films.

Megan Gale

Australian model and actress Megan Gale was cast as Wonder Woman in the George Miller ‘Justice League’ project. She was chosen for her height and striking presence which Miller felt captured the essence of the Amazonian princess. Gale had completed multiple costume tests before the production was halted. Photos of her in the suit were finally released to the public years after the film was cancelled. She later worked with George Miller on ‘Mad Max Fury Road’.

Santiago Cabrera

Santiago Cabrera was cast to play Aquaman in ‘Justice League Mortal’ alongside the rest of the ensemble. He would have been the first actor to portray the King of Atlantis in a major feature film. The actor had already begun preparing for the physical demands of the underwater scenes. When the movie was cancelled the role of Aquaman remained empty until Jason Momoa was cast years later. Cabrera has since appeared in ‘Star Trek Picard’ and ‘Transformers The Last Knight’.

Anton Yelchin

The late Anton Yelchin was cast to play Wally West the Flash in the ‘Justice League’ movie that George Miller planned to direct. He was part of the young cast that would have represented the next generation of heroes. Yelchin was known for his incredible talent and had already found success in the ‘Star Trek’ franchise. His version of the Flash would have focused on the youthful energy of the character. The project remains one of the greatest what if stories in the history of DC films.

Heath Ledger

Heath Ledger was one of the actors Christopher Nolan met with for the lead role in ‘Batman Begins’. Ledger told the director that he could never see himself playing a superhero and declined the offer. He changed his mind about the genre after seeing what Nolan did with the first film. Ledger then actively pursued the role of the Joker for ‘The Dark Knight’ and won the part. His performance became legendary and earned him a posthumous Academy Award.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson was the first choice of the studio to play Batman in the nineteen eighty nine film. He turned down the role because he felt the project was too risky and he was busy with other films. Gibson was also considered for the role of Wolverine when the ‘X Men’ movie was in early development. He later admitted that he was not interested in the heavy commitment required for superhero franchises. The actor eventually directed his own successful films and stayed away from capes.

Kurt Russell

Kurt Russell was one of the final actors considered for the role of Batman in the Tim Burton version. The studio felt his action movie pedigree made him a natural fit for Bruce Wayne. Russell ultimately did not take the part and the role went to Michael Keaton. He eventually joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe decades later as Ego the Living Planet in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’. His son Wyatt Russell also followed him into the Marvel universe years later.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone was a major contender for the role of Superman in the nineteen seventy eight film. He lobbied hard for the part but director Richard Donner felt he was not the right fit for the character. Stallone was at the peak of his ‘Rocky’ fame and would have brought a very different energy to the Man of Steel. Christopher Reeve was eventually cast and became the definitive version of the hero. Stallone later played Stakar Ogord in the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ sequels.

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