--- title: 10 Stars Who Were Almost in the Marvel Cinematic Universe description: From TV stars to other superhero characters, here are 10 actors who almost played leading roles in Marvel Cinematic Universe movies. canonical: https://time.com/5537020/stars-almost-in-marvel-movies/ author: Rachel E. Greenspan article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2019-03-05T20:00:19.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-05-11T04:46:09.860Z article:section: Entertainment og:title: 10 Stars Who Were Almost in the Marvel Cinematic Universe og:description: These actors almost wore the capes og:url: https://time.com/5537020/stars-almost-in-marvel-movies/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt9604a8cb931697fb/698946318fd2ee448b35de44/stars-almost-in-marvel-movies.jpg?branch=production&width=2400&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 1200 og:image:height: 675 og:image:alt: stars-almost-in-marvel-movies og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: 10 Stars Who Were Almost in the Marvel Cinematic Universe twitter:description: These actors almost wore the capes twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt9604a8cb931697fb/698946318fd2ee448b35de44/stars-almost-in-marvel-movies.jpg?branch=production&width=2400&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # 10 Stars Who Were Almost in the Marvel Cinematic Universe > Sponsored content. 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Terms and conditions apply. * Savings buckets are a feature of Ally Bank's Savings Account. * No ATM fees from Ally Bank at Allpoint and Moneypass ATMs plus we reimburse for fees charged by other ATM owners nationwide up to $10 per statement cycle. * Early direct deposit offers eligible direct deposits up to two days sooner. * Spending buckets are a feature of Ally Bank's Spending Account. by [Rachel E. Greenspan](https://time.com/author/rachel-e-greenspan/) ## Rachel E. Greenspan Mar 5, 2019 8:00 PM UTC  John Krasinski and Emily Blunt attend the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 27, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. John Krasinski and Emily Blunt attend the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 27, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.Kevork Djansezian—Getty Images by [Rachel E. Greenspan](https://time.com/author/rachel-e-greenspan/) ## Rachel E. Greenspan Mar 5, 2019 8:00 PM UTC Beyond the special effects, fight scenes and cheeky dialogue, it’s the stars who wear the superhero costumes who really define Marvel movies. In the decades since the [Marvel Cinematic Universe](http://time.com/5531408/best-reviewed-marvel-movies/) (MCU) took flight, some of Hollywood’s biggest actors have played integral roles in the franchise, from [Samuel L. Jackson](http://time.com/5533325/nick-fury-marvel/) to Robert Downey Jr. And with [Oscar winner](http://time.com/5534976/oscars-2019-winners/) [Brie Larson](http://time.com/5542826/samuel-l-jackson-brie-larson-shallow/) starring in [_Captain Marvel_](http://time.com/5543991/captain-marvel-review/)_,_ it’s clear that the film industry’s biggest players are game for the [MCU](http://time.com/5523398/highest-grossing-marvel-movies/). Naturally, there are many famous actors who almost played leading roles in Marvel movies, but due to conflicts or, in some cases, artistic choices, either turned the studio down — or didn’t end up playing the part when the studio went in another direction. Here are all the stars who were almost in the [Marvel Cinematic Universe](http://time.com/5156771/black-panther-after-credit-scenes-vibranium-and-bucky-barnes-explained/). ## Emily Blunt  Emily Blunt attends the 71st Annual Writers Guild Awards New York Ceremony at Edison Ballroom on February 17, 2019 in New York City. Noam Galai—WireImage Though it may be difficult to imagine anyone other than [Scarlett Johansson](http://time.com/5338524/scarlett-johansson-transgender-movie/) playing the part of Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow now, [Emily Blunt](http://time.com/5524168/emily-blunt-john-krasinski-romance/) has been vocal about how she auditioned for the role in years past. But after the success of her film _A Quiet Place,_ the star said she didn’t regret not having a spot in the MCU. “I don’t think I would have been able to do a lot of projects that I’ve loved doing,” Blunt told [_Yahoo Movies_](https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/emily-blunt-relieved-didnt-join-mcu-black-widow-exclusive-152132500.html?guce%5Freferrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kaWV3aXJlLmNvbS9nYWxsZXJ5L2FjdG9ycy10dXJuZWQtZG93bi1tYXJ2ZWwtY2luZW1hdGljLXVuaXZlcnNlLw&guce%5Freferrer%5Fsig=AQAAAJ0Bg1ss9UTFHG4vvlicrttixQfUgpG190ldMbizx4Qrp0PIExKM8m1rSKGN1AE3Fak98DUNFNO3Q2VOJbYbm3yI2pRhnT7WaBTM8fcqhI13rXjMi0BXHCQEFqSrAt4OkpBVZ1mgN8Ez-J00zvvN-OUneVHpLdELiIyxuKcCpupk&%5Fguc%5Fconsent%5Fskip=1551731146), reflecting on the contractual and obligatory nature of signing onto a role in a Marvel franchise. Though Blunt couldn’t take on the role for _Iron Man 2_, and she couldn’t play Peggy Carter in _Captain America: The First Avenger,_ due to [scheduling conflicts](https://www.indiewire.com/2018/04/emily-blunt-john-krasinski-turned-down-marvel-cinematic-universe-1201950403/). Luckily, the star of [_Mary Poppins Returns_ ](http://time.com/5484129/review-mary-poppins-returns-blunt/)has no shortage of box office hits on her resume. ## John Krasinski  John Krasinski arrives at the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the The Shrine Auditorium on January 27, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Rodin Eckenroth—Getty Images Blunt’s husband almost joined the MCU, too—but he is equally happy that it didn’t work out. Krasinski told [_Yahoo_](https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/emily-blunt-relieved-didnt-join-mcu-black-widow-exclusive-152132500.html?guce%5Freferrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kaWV3aXJlLmNvbS9nYWxsZXJ5L2FjdG9ycy10dXJuZWQtZG93bi1tYXJ2ZWwtY2luZW1hdGljLXVuaXZlcnNlLw&guce%5Freferrer%5Fsig=AQAAAJ0Bg1ss9UTFHG4vvlicrttixQfUgpG190ldMbizx4Qrp0PIExKM8m1rSKGN1AE3Fak98DUNFNO3Q2VOJbYbm3yI2pRhnT7WaBTM8fcqhI13rXjMi0BXHCQEFqSrAt4OkpBVZ1mgN8Ez-J00zvvN-OUneVHpLdELiIyxuKcCpupk&%5Fguc%5Fconsent%5Fskip=1551731146)that despite his shot at playing Steve Rogers/Captain America, everything worked out for the best. The actor, who co-starred with Blunt in [_A Quiet Place_ ](http://time.com/5234757/john-krasinski-a-quiet-place-jokes/)(which he also directed and co-wrote), said that the horror film wouldn’t have been possible if he took on the Marvel mantle. “I think _A Quiet Place_ definitely wouldn’t exist,” he said. “There are benefits, and Chris Evans seems to be having a wonderful time.” Krasinski went on to say that he’s a longtime friend and fan of Chris Evans, who has played Captain America in all MCU films since the character’s 2011 debut, [_Captain America: The First Avenger_](http://time.com/5282412/captain-america-detention-meme/)_. “_I love Chris, I’ve been a friend of his for a while. Those movies are so much fun and I love watching them, I tell him I’m first in line to see his new movies,” Krasinski shared. ## Tom Cruise  Tom Cruise onstage during the 10th Annual Lumiere Awards at Warner Bros. Studios on January 30, 2019 in Burbank. Michael Kovac—Getty Images for Advanced Imagin Robert Downey Jr.’s role as Tony Stark and Iron Man is legendary for superhero fans today, after the character’s three solo films and supporting roles in the rest of the franchise’s big hitters. But it’s [long been rumored](https://www.vulture.com/2018/04/all-the-actors-marvel-almost-cast-in-avengers-infinity-war.html) that another Hollywood megastar, Tom Cruise, was sought out as a potential casting choice for role. Cruise clarified the reports in an interview last year with [ComicBook.com](https://comicbook.com/marvel/2018/04/26/tom-cruise-iron-man-mission-impossible-stunt-/), explaining that he really wasn’t close to playing Marvel’s leading man. “Not close, and I love Robert Downey Jr,” he said. “I can’t imagine anyone else in that role, and I think it’s perfect for him.” ## Sam Rockwell  Sam Rockwell attends the 91st Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on February 24, 2019 in Hollywood, California. Dan MacMedan—Getty Images The comic book character of [Iron Man](http://time.com/5256584/avengers-infinity-war-spider-man-iron-man/) had some large, robotic shoes to fill before the [first film’s debut in 2008](http://time.com/5271738/iron-man-suit-disappearance/) — and the group of celebrities rumored for the role was no smaller. [Sam Rockwell](http://time.com/5534976/oscars-2019-winners/), who was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at this year’s Oscars for his role in [_Vice_](http://time.com/5495266/christian-bale-satan-dick-cheney/)_,_ was actually in talks for the role before Downey Jr. won the spot. Rockwell [told _A.V. Club_ in 2013](https://film.avclub.com/sam-rockwell-on-dialects-working-with-woody-allen-and-1798240878) that _Iron Man_ director Jon Favreau had asked him to audition for the original role of Tony Stark in 2008, but Downey Jr. ultimately won the gig before he got the chance. “And whatever happened, I think I was out of the running. Robert \[Downey Jr.\] just killed it, you know, and I never heard anything after that,” he said. But Rockwell did end up in the MCU, playing Justin Hammer in _Iron Man 2\. “_So in a way, I think Jon \[Favreau\] was basically saying, ‘This is your chance to be Tony Stark. This will be your version of Tony Stark,'” he said. ## David Duchovny  Actor David Duchovny visits SiriusXM Studios on May 14, 2018 in New York City. Matthew Eisman—Getty Images David Duchovny, the TV star known for _Californication_ and _The X-Files_, was a contender for the role of Bruce Banner/Hulk before Edward Norton’s stint in the role’s debut solo film, 2008’s [_The Incredible Hulk_](http://time.com/5344101/jon-stewart-hulk/)_,_ [according to Rotten Tomatoes](https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/david-duchovny-set-to-hulk-up/). The actor would have actually been taking over for Eric Bana, who had played the character in 2003’s comic book adaptation, _Hulk_. ## Joseph Gordon-Levitt  Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt arrives for the Comedy Central Roast Of Bruce Willis held at Hollywood Palladium on July 14, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Albert L. Ortega—Getty Images [Joseph Gordon-Levitt](http://time.com/4141705/joseph-gordon-levitt-favorite-film-of-2015-the-walk/) has plenty of _super_ roles, from playing the witty and bright Arthur in _Inception_ to Bruce Willis’ character’s younger self in _Looper —_ and Blake in Christopher Nolan’s _The Dark Knight Rises_. And according to [_IndieWire_](https://www.indiewire.com/2013/01/joseph-gordon-levitt-passes-on-guardians-of-the-galaxy-joins-sin-city-a-dame-to-kill-for-will-be-in-3d-102579/) and [_Deadline_](https://deadline.com/2013/01/joseph-gordon-levitt-joins-the-guardians-of-the-galaxy-race-395282/) both reported in 2013 that Gordon-Levitt was in the race for the leading role in [_Guardians of the Galaxy_](http://time.com/5353136/guardians-of-the-galaxy-cast-james-gunn-reinstatement/)_._ Ultimately played by [Chris Pratt](http://time.com/5503754/what-is-the-daniel-fast/) in the MCU, Gordon-Levitt turned down the role of Peter Quill/Star-Lord to instead play the lead in 2014’s _Sin City: A Dame To Kill For._ ## Jason Momoa  Jason Momoa arrives at the 91st Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on February 24, 2019 in Hollywood, California. Steve Granitz—WireImage Though [Jason Momoa](http://time.com/5478702/jason-momoa-haka-aquaman-premiere/) is holding his spot in the center of the superhero world as DC Comics’ [Aquaman](http://time.com/5484268/aquaman-post-credits-scene/), he once had a shot to be a part of its competition, the MCU. In [an interview with _Entertainment Weekly_](https://ew.com/movies/2018/07/19/jason-momoa-aquaman-interview/?utm%5Fcampaign=entertainmentweekly&utm%5Fsource=twitter.com&utm%5Fmedium=social) last year, Momoa said that he had met with Anthony and Joe Russo, the directors of four MCU films, to discuss a possible role. Unfortunately, Momoa said, the role didn’t work out. “It was one of the best meetings I’ve ever had,” he said. The role which he had the chance to play is not clear, though Momoa said it was for a villain. Separately, the actor also auditioned for a role in _Guardians of the Galaxy. “_I got to audition with \[Chris Pratt\], who’s just a legend and a gentleman,” he said. ## Joaquin Phoenix  Joaquin Phoenix attends the 2019 Film Independent Spirit Awards on February 23, 2019 in Santa Monica, California. Amy Sussman—Getty Images Joaquin Phoenix is _not_ a cinephile, or so he claimed [in an interview with _Little White Lies_](https://lwlies.com/interviews/joaquin-phoenix-you-were-never-really-here/). The _Her_ star was once in talks for Benedict Cumberbatch’s role in [_Doctor Strange_](http://time.com/4559922/doctor-strange-box-office-weekend/). It didn’t play out, but Phoenix said it’s for the best. “I think everybody was really happy with how things turned out. All parties were satisfied,” he said in the interview. ## Timothee Chalamet  Timothée Chalamet attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at Royal Albert Hall on February 10, 2019 in London, England. Pascal Le Segretain—Getty Images Before Tom Holland was decided as [the next generation’s Spider-Man](http://time.com/4784729/spiderman-homecoming-sony-marvel-reboot/), a number of other [young male actors were considered for the role](https://www.thewrap.com/spider-man-shortlist-includes-paper-towns-star-nat-wolff-hugos-asa-butterfield-exclusive/), including Oscar-nominated [Timothée Chalamet](http://time.com/5414291/timothee-chalamet-call-me-by-your-name-sequel/). The list also included Nat Wolfe and Liam James, according to [_TheWrap_](https://www.thewrap.com/spider-man-shortlist-includes-paper-towns-star-nat-wolff-hugos-asa-butterfield-exclusive/)_,_ and Sony had tested out offers with the different options before announcing Holland would take the film’s helm. ## Asa Butterfield  Asa Butterfield visits SiriusXM Studios on December 05, 2018 in New York City. Dominik Bindl—Getty Images Butterfield, known for [_Sex Education_ ](http://time.com/5492639/sex-education-netflix-review/)and _Hugo,_ was another actor shortlisted for [Tom Holland](http://time.com/5532424/jake-gyllenhaal-on-fallon/)‘s role in [_Spider-Man: Homecoming_](http://time.com/5503235/spider-man-far-from-home-trailer-breakdown/). Butterfield and Holland are both British, though the character, Peter Parker/Spider-Man, was born and raised in New York City. Ultimately, he [said he thought Holland](https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2016/09/exclusive-asa-butterfield-talks-spider-man-and-the-dc-extended-universe/) “nailed it.” ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/5537020/stars-almost-in-marvel-movies/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/5537020/stars-almost-in-marvel-movies/"},"headline":"10 Stars Who Were Almost in the Marvel Cinematic Universe","datePublished":"2019-03-05T20:00:19.000Z","dateModified":"2026-05-11T04:46:09.860Z","description":"These actors were in talks for leading roles in the MCU","url":"https://time.com/5537020/stars-almost-in-marvel-movies/","keywords":["movies","Newsfeed","onetime"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt9604a8cb931697fb/698946318fd2ee448b35de44/stars-almost-in-marvel-movies.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Rachel E. 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