“I’m open to almost talking to anybody”: Eminem Dodged a Bullet After Star Wars Legend Hayden Christensen Stole His $225M Movie Role Starring Samuel L. Jackson

Eminem has conquered the rapping world with his legendary skills. He is perhaps one of the biggest rap icons to grace the American music industry. His fame transcends national boundaries and even linguistic ones. The Rap God hitmaker has even showcased his acting skills in a couple of films in Hollywood, with the most popular one being 8 Mile, which won several awards and is widely even considered one of the best movies made on the art of rapping.

What is lesser known, is the fact that he came close to playing a lead role in the 2008 American sci-fi action film Jumper starring Samuel L. Jackson, which was ultimately played by Hayden Christensen. Director Doug Liman met Eminem, who was initially interested in playing that role. However, they couldn’t come to a suitable agreement. Nevertheless, the same might be a blessing in hindsight as the film’s performance was quite underwhelming.

Eminem Nearly Played the role of David Rice in Jumper

Eminem is one of the most influential rappers, songwriters, and record producers who has earned enormous success and fame in his multi-decade reign as a top-notch performer. His music is incredibly moving. Fans of the vocalist love his work, and his tracks often topped worldwide charts, making him one of the most successful rappers. The hip-hop artist has delivered dozens of record-smashing albums and often gives show-stopping performances in his lucrative music gigs. 

In addition to his legendary musical career, The Monster hitmaker has made head-turning appearances in a handful of movies since 2002. Director Doug Liman once revealed that Eminem nearly played a lead role in his 2008 sci-fi action film Jumper. Liman shared that he was looking for the perfect actor to play the character of David Rice, and that’s when producers of the project suggested casting him in the movie. 

The acclaimed filmmaker claimed that he met with the rapper, who showed interest in taking on this role. However, when the 58-year-old creative visionary met Star Wars actor Hayden Christensen, he felt the actor would be the perfect fit, which convinced him to cast him as David Rice in the flick.

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Doug Liman Wanted to Cast Hayden Christensen in the Movie

In a candid interview with MTV News, director Doug Liman shared that Jumper movie producers suggested casting Eminem in the lead role, so he met with him, and they discussed the part. He told the outlet, “We did have a meeting. We did have conversations with Eminem.”

Also Read: “I was a hater because he’s a better rapper”: After Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Wahlberg Won Over Rap God Eminem Despite Their Initial Feud That Lasted for Years

According to reports, actor Tom Sturridge was initially offered the role of David Rice. However, he was dropped off from the project because the studio wanted Liman to cast a more well-known and famous star, therefor he met the rapper and actor Hayden Christensen. He recalled meeting the River singer and shared:

“[The idea to meet with the rapper] was sort of coming from the producer and [Eminem’s] manager,” 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.”

Despite their meeting and Eminem’s probable interest in the project, the movie director offered the lead part to Christensen, who was his choice for the role. However, Jumper received an underwhelming response from critics and audiences alike, grossing $225 million at the global box office.

Also Read: Producer Todd Lieberman Reveals Eminem was the First Choice for Mark Wahlberg’s Role in the Oscar Winning Film: ‘The Fighter’

Source: MTV News