The Chronicles of Narnia film series, based on C.S. Lewis’s beloved literary works, mesmerized the audiences with its magical world and memorable characters. However, it may come as a surprise that Andrew Garfield, now a beloved actor of his generation, was almost cast as Prince Caspian before the role went to Marvel’s Punisher star Ben Barnes.
While Garfield has openly discussed his audition experience and the reasons for losing the part, both actors went on to forge successful careers in their own unique ways. Garfield has since praised Barnes for his portrayal of the character, who played a crucial role in the franchise’s second and third films.
Andrew Garfield’s missed opportunity and reason for rejection
Andrew Garfield’s rejection for the role of Prince Caspian may seem surprising considering his subsequent success and widespread adoration. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Garfield revealed that the film’s crew deemed him not “handsome enough” for the character. Although it is difficult to imagine such a rejection based on Garfield’s current status, director Andrew Adamson believed that Ben Barnes better matched the fans’ perception of Prince Caspian built from the books.
“So, I remember, I am so desperate. I auditioned for Prince Caspian in The Chronicles of Narnia and I thought ‘This could be it! This could be it!’ and the handsome brilliant actor Ben Barnes ended up getting the role. I think it was down to me and him and I remember like I was obsessed…I was like ‘Why not me? Why not me?”
At the time of the audition, Garfield was only 20 years old, and he admitted that the Chronicles of Narnia rejection had a profound impact on his perspective of the industry. He expressed his desperation to find a breakthrough role, but despite missing out on Prince Caspian, Garfield’s career thrived through other avenues. He continued,
“I was saying to my agent ‘Just tell me, tell me straight.’ And she was like protecting me and doing all that stuff. And I was like ‘No, why not me? Why not me? Why not me?’ And she eventually just broke under my incessant nagging and she just said ‘Because they don’t think you’re handsome enough Andrew’ (Garfield laughs). And Ben Barnes is a very handsome and talented man.”
Throughout his twenties, Garfield acquired various roles that capitalized on his good looks and heartthrob status, effectively proving The Chronicles of Narnia’s experience an exception.
The positive outcome of losing the role of Prince Caspian
While Garfield understandably felt disappointed about losing the opportunity, in retrospect, the rejection may have been a blessing in disguise for his future prospects. Despite the initial success of the $1.5 billion worth franchise, subsequent sequels failed to capture the same magic, drifting away from the original story and receiving criticism for poor pacing and writing.
If Garfield had been cast as Prince Caspian, particularly at a young age, it is uncertain whether his career would have developed as effectively as it did. Being associated with a faltering franchise could have potentially damaged his reputation and hindered opportunities to join other successful film series.
There is also speculation that portraying Prince Caspian would have prevented Garfield from taking on the role of Spider-Man, a character that propelled him to even greater fame and popularity than The Chronicles of Narnia. If he had been cast as the charming and handsome Prince Caspian, it is unlikely that The Amazing Spider-Man’s creators would have considered him for the nerdy and less charismatic Peter Parker. Additionally, juggling commitments between two franchises happening concurrently would have posed logistical challenges for Garfield.
Source: Entertainment Tonight
