It can be said that all the current superheroes that have appeared on the big screen are incredibly eye-catching and suitable for their roles. However, did you know that actors like Samuel L. Jackson or Chris Hemsworth weren’t the first choices for their iconic roles?
Let’s take a look at these alternative casting choices for superhero characters that made fans wonder what could have been if they had materialized.
1. David Hasselhoff as Nick Fury
David Hasselhoff indeed portrayed Nick Fury in a less well-known Marvel film adaptation. Therefore, when Marvel began to shape the character, fans were left hoping that they wouldn’t have to encounter this “bizarre” version again. Fortunately, the production team found a charismatic actor who perfectly matched the character of S.H.I.E.L.D’s leader, which is none other than Samuel L. Jackson.
2. Daniel Craig as Thor
Daniel Craig has made a name for himself as the iconic James Bond, making it hard to imagine him as Thor. It’s surprising that a star like Daniel was considered for the role of the God of Thunder before Chris Hemsworth took over and solidified the character for fans.
3. Arnold Schwarzenegger as Doctor Octopus
Have you ever imagined Arnold Schwarzenegger as Doctor Octopus in Spider-Man? Luckily, this casting never came to fruition, as it would have completely altered the character’s identity.
4. Eddie Redmayne as Star-Lord
It’s hard to imagine Eddie Redmayne, a talented actor, stepping into the comedic shoes of Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy. The role only found its perfect fit when Chris Pratt stepped in, delivering an unforgettable performance.
5. Johnny Depp as The Wolverine
Can you picture Jack Sparrow as Wolverine in the X-Men series? It’s hard to fathom what the fan reactions would be if this had actually happened, considering Johnny Depp’s popularity. The character of Wolverine required a grittier portrayal than what Depp typically embodies.
6. Bill Murray as Batman
One could say Bill Murray would have been incredibly fortunate if he had taken on the role of Batman, which would have made for a uniquely “quirky” performance in the film industry.
7. Will Smith as Superman
A few years ago, when studios were considering a reboot for Superman, Will Smith was among the first names mentioned. Notably, this was following his performance as the “anti-hero” Hancock. However, this idea was quickly shelved.
8. Tom Cruise as Iron Man
Tom Cruise is a talented actor with charisma that would suit the role of Iron Man. However, he reportedly turned down the opportunity (allegedly due to salary disputes), paving the way for Robert Downey Jr. to embody the character perfectly.
9. Jack Black as Green Lantern
While Ryan Reynolds’ version of Green Lantern received mixed reviews, it would certainly be more entertaining than Jack Black’s portrayal, considering his comedic background in films.
10. Leonardo DiCaprio as Spider-Man
It seems like a “blessing” that Spider-Man didn’t end up in the hands of Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio, as a philosophical take on the character would have left many fans confused.
