There are a few requirements for being a top-notch actor in Hollywood. Being good-looking may not be a skill, but it certainly ranks high on the list. James Marsden, who played Cyclops in multiple X-Men movies, has desirable looks. Of course, he did justice to the role, but many only accepted him as the iconic character because of his good looks. But Marsden didn’t have to do anything extreme to land the role.
Well, the same could not be said for when Marsden tried to audition for the role of Penélope Cruz’s drag queen best friend in the 2000 movie Woman on Top.
James Marsden Dressed in Drag for the Audition
Before becoming a household name for playing Cyclops in X-Men movies, Marsden was an up-and-coming actor. Evidently, he rarely refused the chance for an audition for a role.
James Marsden revealed in a 2007 interview with Box Office Mojo that he dressed in drag to audition for Penélope Cruz’s best friend in Woman on Top.
“I did dress in drag for an audition once—to play Penelope Cruz’s drag queen best friend in Woman on Top. I went to Twentieth Century Fox dressed from head to toe in high heels and a dress. I just went for it. My wife dressed me—I thought I’d throw that in there.”
Well, Marsden didn’t end up with the role. It ultimately went to Harold Perrineau, who did justice to the role. As for Marsden, his career took off following the rise in popularity of the iconic Marvel movie.
He consistently donned the role of the iconic character for years, starting in 2000. Marsden returned for a brief cameo in X-Men: Days of the Future Past as well.
Where is James Marsden Now?
Over the years, Marsden has featured in several iconic movies such as Superman Returns and The Notebook. Now, at 50 years old, Marsden is rumored to appear in Deadpool 3.
While the primary focus will be on Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, fans will be pleased to know that other members of the X-Men are rumored to return as well.
It includes James Marsden’s iconic character, Cyclops. Throughout his acting career, Marsden has played many roles, but most still know him as Cyclops from the X-Men franchise.
Apart from that, Marsden is confirmed to reprise his role as Tom Wachowski in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Both movies are slated to release in 2024.
