17 Well-Known Actors Who Were Almost In Marvel Movies

From Ryan Gosling as Doctor Strange to John Krasinski as Captain America.

1. Emily Blunt as Black Widow

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According to many reports, Blunt was allegedly almost cast as both Black Widow in Iron Man 2 AND Peggy Carter in Captain America, but turned down both roles.

2. Sam Rockwell as Iron Man

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The 2018 Oscar winner was a friend of Iron Man director Jon Favreau and screen-tested for the titular role, which ultimately went to Robert Downey Jr.; however, he still entered the Marvel-verse via Iron Man 2 as sleazy salesman, Justin Hammer.

3. Joaquin Phoenix as Bruce Banner/The Hulk

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It was heavily rumored that, after Ed Norton exited the project, Marvel Studios was seriously considering Phoenix for the role in the first Avengers film. Bonus fact: Phoenix ALSO turned down the role of Doctor Strange.

4. Olivia Wilde as Gamora

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Wilde actually turned down the role in 2014's breakout smash Guardians of the Galaxy because she was worried about constantly being typecast as "the badass."

5. Liam Hemsworth as Thor

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Yup, you read that correctly. Chris Hemsworth's own BROTHER was considered for the God of Thunder. Runs in the family, I guess.

6. Matthew McConaughey as Ego

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Not only was McConaughey considered for the role of Peter Quill's celestial father in Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2, fans actually found early character designs with McConaughey as the model.

7. John Krasinski as Captain America

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The Marvel-verse was almost a family affair, between Blunt and her husband, Krasinski. He's talked openly about screen-testing for the role, and even jokes about how seeing Chris Hemsworth as Thor intimidated him out of pursuing it.

8. Ryan Gosling as Doctor Strange

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Back in 2014, when a Doctor Strange film in itself was just a rumor, Gosling was so seriously considered for the lead role that concept art of him in the costume exists. More fun: Jared Leto, Justin Theroux, Ethan Hawke, and Keanu Reeves were all ALSO in the running at the time.

9. Josh Hartnett as Loki

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It was heavily rumored back in 2009 that Hartnett would see a comeback to film as the Lord of Mischief in 2011's Thor, a role that ultimately catapulted Tom Hiddleston into stardom.

10. Rachel McAdams as Pepper Potts

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Similar to Rockwell, McAdams was allegedly one of Favreau's top choices for Tony Stark's love interest. She turned down the role, but still entered the Marvel-verse in Doctor Strange as Doctor Christine Palmer.

11. Lindsay Lohan as Maria Hill

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This ones a little sticky, as it was never confirmed OUTRIGHT that it was Maria Hill; however, Lohan insists that she lost a part in The Avengers to an "unknown" actor. Through the process of elimination, most outlets believed that part in question likely went to the How I Met Your Mother alum.

12. Adam Sandler as Rocket Raccoon

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Sandler was rumored to be part of the short list to voice the foul-mouthed "Trash Panda," alongside Jim Carrey and Bradley Cooper in Guardians of the Galaxy. The role went to Cooper, but it's a pretty hilarious visual to imagine Sandler as the sweet, sweet rabbit.

13. Jason Momoa as Drax

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Momoa revealed in an interview that he turned down the role for professional reasons stating, "Dave [Bautista] is perfect for that role, for Drax. It didn't really fit in my time because I've done so many things where I don't say much and I'm colored up and I have my shirt off again."

14. Saoirse Ronan as Scarlet Witch

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Back in 2013, the three-time Oscar nominee was rumored to be the prototype for writer/director Joss Whedon while he was drafting the script for Avengers: Age of Ultron.

15. Timothée Chalamet as Spider-Man

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Like Krasinski, Chalamet has openly talked about his experience auditioning for Marvel Studios. “I read twice and I left sweating in a total panic,” Chalamet stated. “I called my agent, and I said, ‘Brian, I thought about this a lot and I have to go back and knock on that door and read again.'"

16. Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Star-Lord

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The story of Chris Pratt overcoming stereotypes and winning the role of Star-Lord is the stuff of legend, but he was not the only guy in line for the job. Heavily rumored actors considered for the role included Gordon-Levitt, Jim Sturgess, and Zachary Levi.

17. David Hasselhoff as Nick Fury

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Yup. You read that correctly. Back in 1998, Hasselhoff actually starred as Nick Fury in a made-for-TV movie titled Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. While he was never linked to possibly being cast in the Marvel-verse, he was very vocal about wanting to reprise the role. Still, he got to join the MCU via Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2 in the absolute best cameo ever.