Top 20 Actors Who Almost Got the Part in a DC Film

Casting for DC movies has seen countless close calls where actors nearly stepped into iconic roles before plans changed, projects shifted, or someone else landed the job. From screen tests that impressed directors to full casts assembled for films that never got made, these near misses shaped the versions of heroes and villains we eventually saw on screen. Here are twenty notable times an actor almost put on a cape, cowl, or villain’s grin in a DC film.

Armie Hammer

George Miller assembled a full Justice League for the unmade film often called ‘Justice League Mortal’ and Armie Hammer was set to play Batman. Costumes were in development and the ensemble had begun prep before the studio halted the project. The production scouted locations and moved through advanced stages of pre production. When the film was canceled the role dissolved before cameras rolled.

D.J. Cotrona

The same canceled Justice League project had D. J. Cotrona cast as Superman. He completed suit fittings and group rehearsals with the team. The film planned to show a seasoned League already working together. The shutdown ended his chance to debut as the Man of Steel.

Megan Gale

Model and actor Megan Gale was chosen to play Wonder Woman in George Miller’s Justice League lineup. She conducted costume tests and training for the part. The production paused due to studio decisions and external factors. With the film shelved her version of the character never reached audiences.

Common

Rapper and actor Common was signed to portray Green Lantern John Stewart for the canceled Justice League film. Contracts were in place and table work had begun. The role would have introduced a different Lantern than the one seen in ‘Green Lantern’. The project’s collapse left the character unused in that iteration.

Adam Brody

Adam Brody was cast as the Flash in the same ensemble. He participated in early fight and movement prep to refine the speedster’s physicality. The concept focused on a team dynamic rather than a single origin story. Once the production stopped he never got to suit up for filming.

Marlon Wayans

Marlon Wayans was hired as Robin during development on ‘Batman Returns’ and remained on call as plans evolved. He reportedly completed wardrobe work and was contracted despite script changes removing the character. The studio later rebooted the sidekick with a different actor in ‘Batman Forever’. Wayans ultimately never appeared on screen as Robin.

John Lithgow

John Lithgow was approached to play the Joker in ‘Batman’. He met with the filmmakers during early casting conversations. He later said he withdrew from consideration after discussions. The role eventually went to Jack Nicholson.

Robin Williams

Robin Williams was at various points discussed for Gotham villains including the Riddler in ‘Batman Forever’. His name surfaced during the studio’s search while scripts shifted between antagonists. Negotiations and interest did not result in a final deal. Another actor ultimately took the part.

Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy screen tested for Batman in ‘Batman Begins’ and suited up for camera tests. The director praised his audition and presence during the process. After reviewing the footage the team cast him as Dr. Jonathan Crane instead. His Scarecrow went on to appear across multiple films.

Eion Bailey

Eion Bailey was among the finalists who tested in the Batsuit for ‘Batman Begins’. He performed scenes on camera to evaluate fit and tone. The production compared multiple actors in identical setups for consistency. The role went to Christian Bale after those tests.

Heath Ledger

Before playing the Joker Heath Ledger met with Christopher Nolan during the search for Batman. He declined the hero at the time as the direction did not align with his interests then. Later he responded to the director’s new pitch for the villain. That conversation led to his casting as the Joker.

Pierce Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan auditioned for Bruce Wayne during the casting of Tim Burton’s ‘Batman’. He met with the creative team and discussed the character and tone. The role required a particular balance of charm and intensity. The part went to Michael Keaton after the audition process.

Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke has said he was approached about taking on Batman during the franchise’s transition period. Talks explored his availability and interest in the role. He chose not to pursue it further at that time. The studio continued its search and cast another lead.

Josh Brolin

Zack Snyder met with Josh Brolin for the older Bruce Wayne in ‘Batman v Superman’. The discussions focused on the character’s veteran status and physical presence. Schedules and creative direction led the studio to select a different actor. Ben Affleck ultimately played the role.

Nicholas Hoult

Nicholas Hoult advanced to the final stages to play Batman in ‘The Batman’. He reportedly completed multiple tests and meetings as the shortlist narrowed. The filmmakers evaluated contrasting interpretations for the detective driven story. Robert Pattinson secured the part after the final decision.

Jessica Biel

Jessica Biel met for Selina Kyle during the casting search for ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. She went through the audition process as the studio considered several high profile candidates. The role required a mix of physical training and character work. Anne Hathaway was chosen after the final round.

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley also auditioned for Selina Kyle around the same period. Her name appeared on the same shortlist with other contenders. Casting sessions compared screen presence and chemistry with the returning lead. The filmmakers selected Anne Hathaway for the final cast.

Annette Bening

Annette Bening was originally cast as Catwoman in ‘Batman Returns’. Pre production moved forward with her in the role before she exited due to personal circumstances. The studio then reopened casting for the part. Michelle Pfeiffer replaced her for the finished film.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer was attached to play Superman during the ‘Superman Flyby’ development phase. He participated in extended casting steps while the script and director lineup changed. The project stalled as the studio revised its approach to the character. The role later relaunched under a different production.

Jude Law

Jude Law was offered a take on Superman during early attempts to revive the franchise. He even tried on a suit prototype while considering the commitment. He ultimately passed on the part after deliberation. The studio continued development and moved on to another direction.

Share your favorite near miss and which casting you wish had happened in the comments.