The success of the MCU depends on a lot of factors and good decisions. But one of the biggest reasons why it is admired by such a large audience is the spectacular casting choice. It seems like each actor, be it Robert Downey Jr. or Chris Pratt, was born to play that particular role only. They are synonymous with each other, and we can’t think of anyone but them in the character’s shoes. While most of the other franchises keep shuffling and replacing their actors, Marvel Universe has let the same actor grow in their character’s skin over the years. But some of these faces had different plans for themselves. Before landing the part that they represent today, they had initially applied for another MCU hero. Find out the 10 Marvel actors who auditioned for other MCU characters.
Chris Pratt for Captain America
More than one Chris had eyed one of the most coveted parts, “Captain America”. Chris Pratt was a young and upcoming actor back then, mostly known for his comedic role in “Parks and Recreation”. Even though he lost it to the charming Chris Evans, the casting director found him perfect for another “Captain?”, Star-Lord in “Guardians of the Galaxy”.
Chadwick Boseman for Drax
Casting director Sarah Finn understands every Marvel character and knows exactly what she is looking for in the actors during auditions. When Chadwick Boseman and Dave Bautista had auditioned for Drax, a hero and comedic relief in “Guardians of the Galaxy”, Finn went with Dave. She knew that the late actor, Chadwick Boseman was a better fit for the wise and compassionate king T’Challa aka Black Panther. That’s why Chadwick got the role without ever having to give the audition.
Sebastian Stan for Captain America
Unlike Bucky, Sebastian Stan was aiming for Captain America in the beginning. But the eagle-eyed casting directors already knew what they wanted for each character. While Chris Evans won the part with his spark and charm, Sebastian had something else in him that resonated with Bucky Barnes aka former Winter Soldier. The pain and storm that his eyes reflect are exactly what melted our hearts and landed him the role.
Tom Hiddleston for Thor
Tom Hiddleston’s classy and witty disposition makes him the best decision ever made by the MCU. But the actor had initially approached the studios for a different character. Just like Loki, even Hiddleston was aiming for Thor. While Chris Hemsworth found the hammer, the casting directors found their Loki, God of Mischief.
Michael B. Jordan for Falcon
Thank God we have both Michael B. Jordan and Anthony Mackie in this franchise. As much as we enjoy Anthony’s portrayal as Falcon and his love and hate equation with Sebastian Stan, we can’t ignore the fact that Michael B. Jordan had also auditioned for the same part in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”. As it turns out, the directors had something else for him in store. Instead of Sam Wilson, he got to play one of the coolest and most badass antagonists, Eric Killmonger in “Black Panther”.
Jake Gyllenhaal for Doctor Strange
Before donning the cape of the pseudo hero, Mysterio, Jake Gyllenhaal had auditioned for Doctor Strange. He managed to climb till the final rounds, but ultimately lost it to Benedict Cumberbatch. Even as a villain in just a single movie, Jake blew our minds away in “Spider-Man: Far From Home”.
Sam Rockwell for Iron Man
The reason why Sam Rockwell-ed Justin Hammer was for his similarities with Tony Stark. These two foes were wildly similar yet opposites. It’s rather ironic that the man who desperately tried to be like Tony was portrayed by the same actor who was originally supposed to play Tony Stark. Before Robert Downey Jr. stole the role, Sam Rockwell was one of the short-listed names for Iron Man.
Karen Gillan for Sharon Carter
The charming actress from Scotland, Karen Gillan had auditioned for Peggy Crater’s niece, Sharon Carter in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”. As we all know, the part went to Emily VanCamp. But it wasn’t a loss for Gillan as she ended up getting something even bigger as Nebula in “Guardians of the Galaxy”.
Lupita Nyong’o for Nebula
Oscar-winner Lupita stole our hearts as the bold and clever Nakia, also the love of T’Challa. But the actress had started knocking on the doors of MCU long before Black Panther was on the cards. She was one of the many candidates who competed for Karen Gillen’s Nebula. Even though Lupita didn’t land the role, she definitely won the casting director’s attention well enough to be called for Nakia four years later.
Zachary Levi for Star Lord
Both Chris Pratt and Zachary Levi had auditioned for the entertaining superhero, Star Lord aka Peter Quill in “Guardians of the Galaxy”. But Zachary lost the role to Pratt and ended up as Fandral in “Thor: The Dark World”. As we all know by now, he was always destined for a funny and goofy role. James Gunn realized his talents and recommended his name to DCEU for Shazam.
