Superheroes are highly sought-after roles for most Hollywood actors. Whether in movies, television, or comic books, fans love superhero characters. The most well-loved superheroes are undoubtedly fictional icons of pop culture. However, as much as most actors would jump at the chance to portray these heroes, there are times when that desire just doesn’t work out. Whether it’s because of scheduling conflicts or vision changes, some actors miss their chance to save the world onscreen, and another actor becomes associated with their coveted part.
10. Leonardo DiCaprio Almost Played Spider-Man
Actor Leonardo DiCaprio has had many memorable roles over the years, but there’s one role he passed up: Spiderman. In the early 2000s, James Cameron worked on a script featuring the well-loved superhero. He had DiCaprio in mind for the role, but this team-up never came to pass. So instead, DiCaprio recommended Tobey Maguire for the superhero role in the 2002 Spiderman movie. Furthermore, Sam Raimi directed the film instead of James Cameron.
9. Joaquin Phoenix Almost Played Dr. Strange
Joaquin Phoenix is well-known for playing the joker, but he almost appeared in another superhero role as well. Before Marvel cast Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Strange, Phoenix was a top contender for the part. Phoneix was supposedly in negotiations with Marvel during pre-production, but the actor ultimately decided not to take the role. However, most Dr. Strange fans love Cumberbatch’s portrayal of the iconic sorcerer in the original film and the 2022 sequel.
8. Nicholas Cage Almost Played Superman
It might be hard to believe, but actor Nicholas Cage was previously tapped for one of the most iconic superhero roles an actor can play. Cage nearly starred in a film called Superman Lives, which was supposed to premiere sometime in the 90s. The film had two potential screenplays, and photos of Cage in a Superman costume hit the web in 2009. However, the filmmakers ultimately scrapped the project.
7. Adrien Brody Almost Played The Joker
Heath Ledger gave a legendary performance as The Joker in The Dark Knight, but he wasn’t the only actor considered for the part. Adrien Brody almost snagged the supervillain role in the critically-acclaimed Christopher Nolan film. Furthermore, the actor almost played The Joker again in 2022’s The Batman. The classic bad guy didn’t have a significant presence in the movie, and the producers gave the part to a different actor. Compelling concept art depicting Brody as The Joker was well-received by fans, so perhaps he’ll be considered for future Batman films.
6. Robin Williams Almost Played The Riddler
Late comedian Robin Williams probably would’ve made a great Riddler, but he turned down the supervillain role out of principle. When Batman Forever was in development, Warner Brothers offered Williams the role. However, they previously offered him the role of The Joker in Tim Burton’s Batman, only to give the part to Jack Nicholson. Williams was reportedly reluctant to work with the studio on a Batman project due to this incident. Instead, the producers cast Jim Carey as The Riddler.
5. Johnn Krasinski Almost Played Captain America
Fan-favorite actor and director John Krasinski graced the silver screen as Mr. Fantastic this year, but he tried to work with Marvel on a different project in 2011. Krasinski was one of many actors who auditioned for the part of Captain America in Captain America: The First Avenger. Although Krasinski was short-listed for the superhero role, Marvel ultimately cast Chris Evans as the lovable hero. Over the years, Krasinski has made countless good-natured jokes about almost playing Captain America. However, Mr. Fantastic was an excellent role for him within the Marvel universe.
4. Vin Diesel Almost Played Hellboy
Director Guillermo Del Toro initially struggled to get the Hellboy franchise off the ground due to studio resistance. In particular, the executives insisted on casting a major action star for the role of Hellboy. Vin Diesel was among those on the studio’s list, along with Bruce Willis and several others. Diesel enjoyed significant commercial success from 2001’s blockbuster The Fast And The Furious and was top-of-mind for many film producers. Ultimately, Del Toro was able to cast Ron Pearlman as Hellboy. Vin Diesel has a very fruitful career as a main character in the longstanding Fast & Furious franchise.
3. Jack Black Almost Played Green Lantern
Around 2006, internet rumors circulated about a script for an action-comedy version of the film Green Lantern. DC Comics was planning to cast actor Jack Black for the superhero role. However, DC fans weren’t excited about the prospect of the lovable comedian portraying a classic comic book hero. The studio scrapped the Jack Black version of the film. They replaced the film with the script for the official 2011 theatrical release of Green Lantern. The final version starred Ryan Reynolds instead of Black. Although Reynolds is very popular in Hollywood, the movie fell short of its projected benchmarks. It received mixed-to-low critical ratings across the board but is now performing surprisingly well on Netflix.
2. Pierce Brosnan Almost Played Batman
Pierce Brosnan played an excellent James Bond for years, but he nearly played a superhero as well. The actor almost starred as Batman in Tim Burton’s 1989 film, Batman. However, Brosnan had some issues with the costume design. Ultimately, he cited the superhero’s costume as why he would rather not be a part of the project. Brosnan’s loss was undoubtedly Michael Keaton’s gain: he went on to play Batman in the film instead. Keaton’s rendition is still considered one of the best Batman portrayals.
1. Tom Cruise Almost Played Iron Man
Robert Downey Jr. won over audiences as Iron Man when the first film hit the big screen in 2008. However, another actor had also been in the running for the role: Tom Cruise. In fact, Cruise was Marvel’s first choice for the role. Although he was interested in pursuing the project, Cruise declined the role because of creative issues. He did not believe he would have enough decision-making power in the filmmaking process. This refusal was a lucky break for Robert Downey Jr., who struggled to land roles in the early 2000s due to personal issues. He has since become synonymous with the Iron Man franchise.
