19 Actors Who Were Almost Cast as Characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

I thought it’d be fun to take a look back at some of the big named actors who almost landed roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s always interesting to look back and see what could have been, especially in a series of films that helped change the face of cinema.

It’s hard to imagine anyone else playing the characters that we’ve grown to love over the years, but it’ll be fun to try! You might see how some of these actors would have worked great in the roles they were up for, and you might be grateful that Marvel didn’t end up going in these directions.

Below you’ll find a list of 18 actors who were up for roles certain roles in the MCU. When you’re done reading through them, let us know what you think!

Jessica Chastain as The Wasp

While Edgar Wright was still attached to Ant-Man, he was in talks to bring Jessica Chastain on board to play Hope Van Dyne, a.k.a. The Wasp. She ultimately turned it down. Chastain would have made a great choice, but in the end, I love what Evangeline Lilly has brought to the character.

Jim Carrey as Rocket Raccoon

Before Bradley Cooper was offered the role of Rocket Raccoon in Guardians of the Galaxy, Carrey was in the running for the role. It would have been interesting to see what he would have brought to the character, especially with how animated he is.

Adam Sandler as Rocket Raccoon

I can totally see Sandler providing the voice of Rocket Raccoon! He just has to do that raspy and wild Adam Sandler voice he does. Now that I think about it, Bradley Cooper kinda sounds like he’s doing an Adam Sandler impression when he plays the character.

Mel Gibson as Odin

Gibson as Odin would’ve been cool! While Anthony Hopkins fits into the role perfectly, I could totally see Gibson in the role as well. The actor confirmed he was up for the role in during an interview with The Guardian in which he said: “Yeah, [I was approached] long time ago to play Thor’s dad,” Gibson said. “But I didn’t do it.”

Joaquin Pheonix as Doctor Strange

I was excited about the prospect of Pheonix playing Doctor Strange for Marvel but in the end, it wasn’t the right role for him. He previously explained: "I think they make some great, fun movies. I enjoy those movies sometimes, and I think they keep the fucking industry going in some ways, so I don't have a problem with it at all. I think everybody was really happy with how things turned out. All parties were satisfied."

Lindsay Lohan as Maria Hill

Well, what can I say? Marvel dodged a bullet with this one. Lohan said that she was wanted for the role of Maria Hill, but her manager failed to chase it down for her. The role ultimately went to Cobie Smulders.

Chadwick Boseman as Drax

Boseman in the role of Drax!? That would have certainly been different and interesting! Marvel Studios casting director Sarah Finn told THR that Boseman initially auditioned to play Drax in James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy. The role ultimately went to Dave Bautista, and Boseman ended up playing Black Panther instead. Things worked out the way they should have. It’s hard to imagine Boseman in the role of Drax!

Jason Mamoa as Drax

Yeah, I can see why Marvel was looking to cast Momoa in the role. He would have been fun to see in the role. But, during the negotiation process, he dropped out because he couldn’t get the high pay he was looking for. He’s now playing Aquaman, which seems like a much better role for the actor in the end.

Mark Ruffalo as Hulk

Wait, what? He does play the Hulk! Yes, but he was also director Louis Leterrier's first choice for the role in The Incredible Hulk. Marvel didn’t like the casting at the time and they decided to go with Ed Norton instead, which might have been a decision they ended up regretting. There were a lot of creative differences between the actor and the studio.

Emily Blunt as Black Widow

I would have loved to see Blunt play Black Widow! She was originally offered the role, but due to a contract she signed with Fox, she was required to star in another movie they cast her in. That movie was Guilliver’s Travels. She was later offered the role of Peggy Carter in Captain America: The First Avenger, but she wasn’t able to do that either due to scheduling conflicts.

Eliza Dushku as Black Widow

After kicking ass in the Joss Whedon series Dollhouse, Dushku was primed and ready to take on a role like Black Widow in the MCU! She knew how to speak Russian, she had mad martial arts skills, and she had the look. Things didn’t work out, though, and the part went to Scarlet Johansson.

Timothy Olyphant as Iron Man

Olyphant revealed that he auditioned for the role of Tony Stark in Iron Man the same day as Robert Downey Jr. and he amusingly jokes that he’s still waiting to hear back about whether he got the part.

Sam Rockwell as Iron Man

I love Sam Rockwell, and if there’s one other person that I would have liked to see play Iron Man it’s him. I bet he would have been great. It’s ok that he didn’t get it, though, he went on to play Justin Hammer in Iron Man 2, and I’m still waiting for that character to return!

Tom Cruise as Iron Man

Cruise was in the running to play Iron Man for years! It wasn’t until Jon Favreau jumped on board as the director that he was cut from the list. Favreau had to fight to cast Robert Downey Jr. in the role, and it’s a good thing he won because Downey Jr. is Iron Man.

Sebastian Stan as Captain America

While Sebastian Stan ended up playing a great character in the MCU, he was originally up for the role of Steve Rogers. During an interview with CNBC, Stan shared that he was told he was not "right for the part." But, hey! Everything worked out for the best.

Glenn Howerton as Star-Lord

The It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia actor was very close to landing the role. I can see why Marvel was considering him, he would have made a good fit. But Chris Pratt was the right choice, and he ended up knocking it out of the park.

John Krasinski as Captain America

I thought for sure Krasinski was going to land the role of Steve Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America. I knew people working at Marvel at the time who told me Krasinski had it in the bag. He even put on the costume! Then, to everyone’s surprise, Chris Evans was cast! You can watch Krasinski talk about being up for the role here.

Olivia Wilde as Gamora

Before Zoe Saldana was cast as Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy, the role was originally offered to Wilde! As a fan of Wilde, I would have loved to see her play the character! She would have fit that character perfectly. Why did she turn it down? I have no idea.

Liam Hemsworth as Thor

Talk about sibling rivalry! Yes, Chris Hemsworth’s brother Liam was also up for the role of Thor. During an insightful interview with W Magazine, Chris Hemsworth offered up the details on the “disappointing” audition process for Thor. While Liam received multiple callbacks, Chris had a much more rocky start. He thought he lost the opportunity until his manager was able to convince Marvel to give him a another chance. He obviously nailed it and the studio sent his little brother Liam packing.

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