Crisis on Infinite Earths is by far the biggest and most ambitious Arrowverse crossover that The CW has ever done. Even with two parts remaining to air on January 14, this 5-hour event will most likely be the network’s biggest crossover until they manage to outdo themselves again. With the network honoring both present and past DC media, several actors from past shows and even films made it into the ambitious multi-series production. From Smallville to Superman Returns, several past versions of DC characters got to take part in the first three hours of the event. Despite the big list of people that fans saw in the first three episodes, there are still more surprises in store according to producer Marc Guggenheim.

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But even though there are plenty of actors and characters from past DC shows and films that could have shown up, there is only so much a budget can maintain in the end. Over the last few months, several actors have revealed that they were approached, but couldn’t work it out due to scheduling issues or other factors. Some actors have even expressed interest in wanting to show up but were simply never asked. With that said, here are 7 DC characters who almost showed up and 3 DC actors who were open to coming back.

Almost Appeared: Connor Hawke

Joseph David-Jones’ Connor Hawke has been a regular this season on Arrow after he got taken from 2040 to the present. Despite having been around for almost two years now consistently, Connor didn’t show up during the crossover and will supposedly not be in the final two parts either. However, Connor was actually supposed to show up in the first part.

In an Instagram post by David-Jones, the actor revealed that he was going to be in the Earth-16 scenes with future Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell), revealing what would have been his costume for the scenes. But due to scheduling conflicts, he was cut out of the episode altogether.

Almost Appeared: Candice Patton’s Alternative Role

The Flash’s leading lady Candice Patton almost got to play another character besides Iris West-Allen. In a tweet on December 10, Patton revealed that originally she was supposed to play someone else that she described as “super fun.”

While fans do get to see Iris in parts 2 and 3, what other characters could she have possibly been set to play? Was it maybe an Iris from another universe where she is The Flash? Only Patton and TPTB can answer that mystery.

Wanted To: Superman (Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman)

Dean Cain as Superman in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman

While Dean Cain has appeared on Supergirl as Jeremiah Danvers, the actor is best known for his other DC role. Having played Superman in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman: the actor was more than game to reprise his version of the Man of Steel in the crossover.

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In an interview with ET Tonight, Cain revealed that if something had been pitched to him about coming back, he would have been open to show up in the crossover.

Almost Appeared: Superman (Superman Lives)

Nic Cage dressed as Superman

Nicolas Cage may never have gotten to play the Man of Steel in the infamous canceled Superman Lives film, but The CW almost got him to suit up. In a recent interview, Guggenheim confirmed that he wasn’t kidding when he had said on Twitter that they did try to get Cage for the crossover.

Having reached out to Cage, the producer wasn’t able to get the actor for the event while not revealing specifically what it was that didn’t get him on board.

Almost Appeared: Aquaman (Smallville)

While Alan Ritchson does appear briefly as his Titans character Hawk, the actor almost played another DC role. Before being cast as Hawk, Ritchson was best known in the DC world as Smallville’s Aquaman.

In an interview prior to the crossover airing, Ritchson revealed that he and TPTB had actually been in talks to have his version of Arthur Curry show up in the crossover. But schedule issues prevented him from being able to suit up as the King of Atlantis once again. While he does appear as Hawk, the footage was definitely not shot in Vancouver, Canada.

Wanted To: Lionel Luthor (Smallville)

While Jon Cryer’s Lex Luthor plays a pivotal role in the event, his father of another Earth wanted to show up. John Glover, who played Lionel Luthor on Smallville for 7 seasons and a few episodes in the final season, had made it very clear on social media that he would happily show up as Lionel in the Arrowverse.

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In more than one tweet has Glover expressed interest to Greg Berlanti and other producers involved with the shows that he is open to show up.

Almost Appeared: Lex Luthor (Smallville)

There were almost two Lex Luthors in the crossover event. Michael Rosenbaum’s incarnation of the character from Smallville was eyed to be included. But the way the actor was pitched made it understandable why he passed on the opportunity.

In a statement he shared on Twitter, Rosenbaum revealed that Warner Bros. had reached in a very odd manner. Not only did the studio contact the actor at a very difficult and personal time, but Warner Bros. wouldn’t reveal any details about filming dates, salary, or plot points to Rosenbaum. The big kicker was also that they had to know instantly which the actor passed on.

Almost Appeared: Wonder Woman (Wonder Woman 1975)

Lynda Carter in costume as Wonder Woman

Lynda Carter may have played the President of the United States on Supergirl, but the world knows her best as Wonder Woman. There were plans between the producers and Warner Bros. in trying to get the actress to reprise her famous version of the DC icon.

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But discussions, unfortunately, didn’t pan out the way they had hoped as Carter’s Wonder Woman didn’t get added to the event.

Wanted To: Supergirl (Smallville)

While Laura Vandervoort did fight Melissa Benoist’s Supergirl as Indigo in season 1, fans know her better as The CW’s first Girl of Steel on Smallville. The actress was another one who seemingly seemed game to pop up as the last daughter of Krypton but was simply not asked.

In a tweet in October, Vandervoort confirmed that she hadn’t heard anything from the people involved with the crossover about a guest spot.

Almost Appeared: Seg-El (Krypton)

Krypton was, unfortunately, canceled by SYFY after concluding its second season. But despite its quick end, the show’s main character Seg-El (Cameron Cuffe) was approached to show up in the crossover. Guggenheim revealed in a tweet to an inquiring fan that they had tried to get Cuffe to reprise his role as Seg-El, but due to scheduling issues, they sadly couldn’t get the Man of Steel’s grandfather.

Had Seg-El appeared and gotten to see any version of his grandson that popped up, that would have been an incredibly satisfying moment for fans of Krypton.

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