Jon Hamm has taken on some fascinating roles in the past but in a new interview with the Radio Times the Mad Men actor revealed there’s one role he’s glad he’s never said yes to: the superhero.
Hamm noted he’s “been in contention for quite a few of those” superhero starring roles, but maintained he made the “right decision” in turning them down. He went on to say:
“The deals that they make you do are so draconian. And, of course, you are signed on for not only the movie that you are signed on for… but at least two more that you haven’t read and you have no idea what they are going to be and all the crossover ones you are going to have to do. For me to sign on now to do a superhero movie would mean I would be working until I am fifty as that particular superhero. It’s a lot of work at one thing which is not necessarily the reason I got into the business which is to do many things. If you want to spend all day pressing the same key that… seems an odd choice.”
Yet Hamm also acknowledges the downside of opting out of the superhero genre, especially as Hollywood gears up for an onslaught of Marvel films. “[If] you don’t wear a cape and tights for a living, you literally have a hard time making an impression,” he said. “Ask anyone under the age of twenty if they have heard of me and they will go ‘no, that guy looks like my dad.’”
Not that Hamm should be beating himself up. Fans of all ages are getting excited for his appearance in the British dystopia Black Mirror: White Christmas special, which will air in the U.K. on Tuesday.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Donald Trump Is TIME's 2024 Person of the Year
- Why We Chose Trump as Person of the Year
- Is Intermittent Fasting Good or Bad for You?
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- The 20 Best Christmas TV Episodes
- Column: If Optimism Feels Ridiculous Now, Try Hope
- The Future of Climate Action Is Trade Policy
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Contact us at letters@time.com