Iron Man, released in 2008 with Robert Downey Jr. in the lead role, kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe in style. The film turned out to be a major success, paving the way for the studio to plan an elaborate cinematic universe that will churn out a plethora of films in the years to come. Had the film not worked out, the MCU might not have come into existence. However, there was a possibility that Iron Man was played by someone else, with Al Pacino being the villain.
Given the film’s impact on the industry and the superhero genre, it’s imperative to consider how Iron Man could have been. Some of the studio’s early ideas for Tony Stark’s story were pretty radical. These decisions could have influenced not just the film’s reception but also the fundamental elements of the timeline that we know of in the MCU.
Sam Rockwell Was Considered For Iron Man With Al Pacino As Villain
Rachel McAdams might not be the only person who was previously refused an MCU role but later joined the MCU. Sam Rockwell, known for his roles in The Green Mile and Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy, had the ability to blend humor and drama, putting him in the race for the role of Tony Stark. However, Rockwell’s lack of star power hampered his chances of playing the MCU’s leading man.
If Rockwell had landed the part, it’s pretty obvious that Tony Stark would’ve been a completely different character, probably incorporating the actor’s passion for shaking a leg in his films. Moreover, Sam Rockwell’s casting as Iron Man could have also made some room for Al Pacino to play the villain, Justin Hammer (later played by Sam Rockwell) in Iron Man 2.
While Sam Rockwell’s portrayal of Tony Stark is far from reality, the idea of seeing Al Pacino as Justin Hammer is still intriguing. It could’ve been a way different experience than the comical Justin Hammer that fans witnessed.
Al Pacino Has Been Called “Certified Insane” By Johnny Depp
Known for his antics, Johnny Depp is famous for his pranks on movie sets, where he constantly teases his co-actors and crew members. It seems that the actor tried doing the same to the seasoned actor Al Pacino while shooting their 1997 film Donnie Brasco.
During an interview, Johnny Depp recalled his encounter with the renowned Godfather actor on the set. Recounting that Pacino would often look at him from a distance, Depp jokingly labeled the actor as “strange” too.
Depp said (via YouTube):
“I started pulling gags on Al [Pacino]. That was the moment I realized he was absolutely out of his mind. He’s certified insane! I wouldn’t spend a night anywhere near his house. We’re about three weeks in the shooting. He’s sitting there, kind of just, kind of staring out. Finally, I just couldn’t take it anymore. I said ‘Hey, the one thing that I never ever expected or imagined was that, I mean, you actually certifiably insane’. I felt good for saying it.”
As the interview continued, Depp revealed how Al Pacino responded on his pranks, showing the actor wasn’t shy about giving it back to Depp.
