Starting his acting career with the teen drama Skins, Dev Patel has compiled a strong and varied resume. He has established himself as an acclaimed actor in the industry and allegedly is now a contender for one of the leading characters in Marvel’s Fantastic Four.
However, the actor doesn’t seem too content with joining a mega-franchise like Marvel, as he has shared that he hasn’t found the right opportunity or project for himself.
The actor talked about the possibility of joining a comic book franchise and a failed Star Wars audition during a 2021 interview with Games Radar.
Dev Patel on the Possibility of Joining a Comic Book Franchise
Dev Patel is known for starring in critically acclaimed projects like Slumdog Millionaire, The Newsroom, and Lion and has also landed an Oscar nomination for the latter. The actor is among some of the Hollywood stars who have made it big in the industry without being a part of any major franchise.
During an interview with Games Radar, Patel opened up about his thoughts on the possibility of joining a comic book franchise in the future. The Green Knight star acknowledged that working in superhero movies can be a spectacular cinematic experience if they are done right.
He also said that although he is not against the idea of playing a superhero, he has not come across an ideal project or character that aligns with his artistic sensibilities. The 33-year-old actor told Total Film, as per Games Radar,
“I mean, look, I’m not opposed to it. Those movies are a real spectacle when done right. I guess if I fit in these worlds… I don’t know. The alchemy hasn’t been right for me, personally yet.”
He also explained how working with people like David Lowery, the director of his 2021 film The Green Knight, has been one of the most rewarding experiences in his career. While he is looking for the right character in the superhero franchise, the Lion star has been rumored to be a contender for the role of Reed Richards in Marvel’s Fantastic Four.
Dev Patel Failed His Star Wars Audition
While the actor has achieved success without being part of any major franchises, Dev Patel did attempt to join one. During his conversation with Total Film, he also shared that he auditioned for a significant role in Lucasfilm’s sci-fi franchise Star Wars. He said,
“But yeah, I think everyone did. Everyone auditioned for Star Wars. I remember, I think I was doing Marigold 2, and I sent them an iPhone video from my trailer in India. The next minute, I got a call-back, and I was there, and that was fascinating.”
Patel said that he could not reveal much about the audition due to the NDA he had to sign with the studio. However, based on his statement that he was filming for the 2015 film The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, it is assumed that he auditioned for the role of Poe Dameron or Finn in The Force Awakens.
