22 stars you might not know were almost in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Gabbi ShawApr 2, 2021, 20:26 IST

John Krasinski and Chris Evans, who played Steve Rogers in nine films.Emma McIntyre/Getty Images; Paramount

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is the world's biggest film franchise, but it wasn't a guaranteed success.
Much of its appeal is down to casting, but some of its cast members almost didn't get their roles.
These 22 actors almost made their way into the MCU instead, from Keanu Reeves to Amanda Seyfried.

Emily Blunt was almost Black Widow before prior film commitments forced her out of the running.

Emily Blunt and Scarlett Johansson, who has played Black Widow for over a decade. Pascal Le Segretain/WireImage/Getty Images; Paramount

Daniel Craig turned down the role of Thor to concentrate on playing James Bond.

Daniel Craig and Chris Hemsworth, who is gearing up for his fourth "Thor" movie, a first in the MCU. Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images; Paramount

"Grey's Anatomy" star Kevin McKidd was also reportedly in the running for Thor.

Kevin McKidd and Hemsworth. Jesse Grant/Getty Images; Paramount

John Krasinski was close to becoming Captain America, aka Steve Rogers.

John Krasinski and Chris Evans, who played Steve Rogers in nine films. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images; Paramount

Ryan Phillippe is another actor who was up for the part of Captain America.

Ryan Phillippe and Chris Evans as Captain America. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images; Paramount

Jessica Chastain almost had parts in "Iron Man 3" and "Doctor Strange," but she is holding out for something bigger in the MCU.

Jessica Chastain almost was cast as Maya Hansen and Dr. Christine Palmer. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images; Marvel/Disney

Alison Brie was one of many actresses on the shortlist for Sharon Carter in "Captain America: The Winter Soldier."

Alison Brie and Emily VanCamp, who will return as Sharon Carter in "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier." Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association; Marvel/Disney

Jason Momoa almost played Drax in "Guardians of the Galaxy," but he passed.

Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista, who was cast as Drax the Destroyer. Chris Hyde/Getty Images; Marvel/Disney

Amanda Seyfried turned down the role of Gamora in "Guardians of the Galaxy" because she didn't want to be green.

Amanda Seyfried and Zoe Saldana, who has played Gamora for the two "Guardians" films. Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images; Marvel/Disney

James Gunn has said his second choice for "Guardians of the Galaxy's" Peter Quill was Glenn Howerton.

Glenn Howerton and the eventual Star Lord, Chris Pratt. Gabriel Olsen/FilmMagic/Getty Images; Marvel/Disney

Jim Sturgess had a costume fitting for Quill.

Jim Sturgess and Pratt. Kevin Winter/Getty Images for HFPA; Disney/Marvel

Patrick Wilson was cast in an undisclosed role in "Ant-Man," but he left the film when the director changed from Edgar Wright to Peyton Reed.

Patrick Wilson. Amanda Edwards/WireImage/Getty Images

Asa Butterfield was one of the final contenders for Peter Parker in "Captain America: Civil War."

Asa Butterfield and Tom Holland, the third actor in 14 years to play Peter Parker. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images; Marvel/Disney

Joaquin Phoenix was almost cast as Stephen Strange when it was believed Benedict Cumberbatch was too busy for "Doctor Strange."

Joaquin Phoenix, who would go on to win as Oscar for "Joker" and Benedict Cumberbatch. Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic/Getty Images; Marvel/Disney

Another Joker, Jared Leto, was also in the running to play the Sorcerer Supreme.

Jared Leto and Cumberbatch. Jason Merritt/Getty Images; Marvel/Disney

Before his death in 2016, David Bowie was in talks to be one of Yondu's original crew members in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2."

David Bowie. Evan Agostini/Getty Images

Matthew McConaughey was almost Ego, the villain of "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," but passed.

Matthew McConaughey and Kurt Russell, the eventual Ego, the Living Planet. Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty Images; Marvel/Disney

Amandla Stenberg stepped away from the audition process for "Black Panther" because she thought Shuri should be played by dark-skinned actress.

Amandla Stenberg and Letitia Wright, who plays Shuri in the MCU. Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images; Marvel/Disney

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was almost cast as M'Baku in "Black Panther."

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Winston Duke, who became a breakout star from "Black Panther." Rich Fury/Getty Images; Marvel/Disney

Keanu Reeves was reportedly close to getting cast as Yon-Rogg in "Captain Marvel," instead of Jude Law.

Keanu Reeves and Jude Law as Yon-Rogg in "Captain Marvel." Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images; Marvel/Disney

Maria Rambeau was originally supposed to be played by DeWanda Wise in "Captain Marvel," but she was forced to drop out.

DeWanda Wise was replaced by Lashana Lynch in "Captain Marvel." Emma McIntyre/Getty Images; Marvel/Disney

Katherine Langford filmed a scene as the older version of Morgan Stark in "Avengers: Endgame," but she was cut.

Langford in "Avengers: Endgame." Disney

The 5 most anticipated TV shows returning in April

Cookies on the Business Insider India website