You’re probably trying to figure out how it would’ve looked if Val Kilmer had played the new ‘Captain America’ rather than Chris Evans – but that’s not the film that we’re referring to here. No, Kilmer was set to play the patriotic superhero in the 1990s version of the film, long before Chris Evans ever started acting (and probably before he even made it out of elementary school.)
Kilmer shot down the chance to play the part because he was set to star in ‘The Doors’ around the same time. And he probably doesn’t have a single regret about not taking the role, which was ultimately given to Matt Salinger. The first version kind of bombed, so he dodged a bullet there.
Sam Rockwell: Iron Man
Sam Rockwell found himself in line for the role of 'Iron Man', too. In fact, he was one of the director’s top picks – that is, until RDJ threw his hat in the ring. But Rockwell excused himself from the running when he realized that Robert was perfect for the role. 'The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy' actor would be back for more of the Marvel Universe in the future.
Just because Rockwell didn’t land the lead in 'Iron Man', didn’t mean producers didn’t want him to be a part of the show. So, for the 2nd film in the franchise, he was cast as salesman Justin Hammer. Not exactly a superhero, but he played it flawlessly, nonetheless. Most recently, Rockwell has been playing the role of Bob Fosse on the TV show 'Fosse and Verdon'.
Kate Beckinsale in Wonder Woman
The 'Wonder Woman' film released in 2017 was an incredibly powerful movie that made over $820 million in the box office. The princess of the Amazon that everyone knows and loves is played by the gorgeous Gal Gadot, but that’s not how it started out when the first version of the film was almost released in 2000. In those years, the film was going to be directed by Joss Whedon and 'Underworld' star Kate Beckinsale was offered the role.
But why on Earth would Beckinsale turn down the chance to play such a massive part? The star reported in an interview that she was basically worn out from filming all of her action scenes in the 'Underworld' trilogy and didn’t want to take on such a similar role. Plus, you can almost bet that whatever version of 'Wonder Woman' would’ve made an appearance in 2000, it wouldn't have been the same as the amazing version that hit the screens 17 years later.
Alexander Skarsgård: Thor
Okay, here’s another perfect example of something that most likely would have worked out to be amazing – Alexander Skarsgård as 'Thor, the God of thunder'. Considering how badass the 'True Blood' actor was in 'The Legend of Tarzan', there’s no doubt he would’ve nailed the role. And apparently, that’s almost what happened – had it not been for Chris Hemsworth.
Skarsgård impressed in his auditions for the role, but not as much as the man who ended up with the hammer. He later expressed his gratitude for the chance to audition and called the entire experience “fun.” And he didn’t miss his shot at joining the MCU, either, because rumor has it that he’ll be appearing as Adam Warlock in 'Galaxy of the Guardians Volume 3'.
Heath Ledger Almost Didn’t Play His Iconic 'Joker' Role
Heath Ledger is hands down the best Joker in the history of Batman films. He embodied the joker. He was the joker. Except the late actor wasn’t originally set to play that role at all, but rather the complete opposite – he was to play the part of Batman in 'The Dark Knight'.
That’s right, Christopher Nolan had his heart set on casting Ledger in the role of the protagonist, but Heath had zero interest in playing the bat. As a last resort, Nolan flipped the script and asked if he’d be interested in playing the joker – a role that he not only accepted but made entirely his own. After Ledger’s untimely death, false reports started circulating the web, indicating that landing that role is what ultimately led to his doom. Ledger’s family insists there isn’t any truth to that and he was super happy playing the role, as it was the kind he loved the most.