“As long as the person has acting chops”: Eminem Came Stupendously Close to Stealing Hayden Christensen’s Role in $225M Sci-fi Cult-Hit

Musicians making an appearance in movies and TV shows are certainly exciting to watch, especially if it’s Eminem. The rapper has only made cameos in a handful of films but he once came very close to playing the lead role in Doug Liman’s 2008 movie, Jumper. The director revealed that the studios wanted the rapper for the role of David Rice, adding that he was ready to tailor the role specifically for the rapper.

2008’s Jumper narrated the story of David Rice, a young man capable of teleporting, as he is chased by a secret society intent on killing him. The film was a financial success but received negative reviews from critics.

Also read: “How the f*ck is Ivanka Trump in the trunk of my car?”: Eminem Made Enemies With Secret Service after Calling President’s Daughter “Dumb little blonde”

Eminem almost played the lead role in Jumper (2008)

The director of 2008’s Jumper, Doug Liman, appeared for an interview with MTV News in 2008 and revealed that rapper Eminem was initially considered for the lead role,

“We did have a meeting. We did have conversations with Eminem,” adding, “If I’ve proven anything to myself, it’s that I can tailor a role to an actor… [I could] develop the role with [someone like Eminem] and make it extremely specific to them. So as long as the person has acting chops, I’m open to talking to almost anybody for almost any role.”

However, the director met actor Hayden Christensen shortly after. He felt like Christensen was perfect for the role but the studio was interested in the rapper. In the end, Liman made a decision and Christensen was hired.

Also read: “After Eminem recorded it, he scrapped it”: Legendary Rapper Nearly Destroyed Rihanna With Domestic Abuse Lyrics in 1 Album

Eminem turned down another blockbuster hit a few years later

Jumper wasn’t the only action sci-fi film the rapper turned down as he was also offered the lead role in director Neill Blomkamp’s 2013 dystopian sci-fi action film, Elysium, however, the rapper turned it down because the director would not change its location from Los Angeles to Detroit. The film went on to gross $286 million worldwide and garnered positive reviews.

Despite these missed opportunities, the rapper has made a name for himself in the industry with his remarkable discography. He has showcased his acting skills by playing the lead role in the semi-autobiographical 2002 film 8 Mile and with cameos in films like Funny People (2009), The Interview (2014), and Da Hip-Hop Witch (2000).

Related: 10 Most Unforgettable Musician Cameos on TV Shows