These days, everyone knows and adores the castings of Chris Evans as Captain America, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, or Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man. What many might not know is that most castings in the MCU were not the first, second, or even third choices for Marvel Studios.
Many famous faces were tested, offered roles, or auditioned for many heroes and villains of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness, director Sam Raimi could bring back some of the runner-ups for a special guest appearance, creating a "What If?" version of the Avengers.
Joseph Gordon Levitt - Ant-Man
After The Dark Knight Rises was given no sequel, Joseph Gordon Levitt would later almost join Marvel. Not only was he looked at to play Star-Lord in Guardians Of The Galaxy, but also Ant-Man. The first Ant-Man movie went through many production issues, especially with directors.
Joseph Gordon Levitt has played many types of roles that are dark, bright, heroic, villainous, grounded, strange, and more. His take on Scott Lang would likely be drastically different than the equally talented Paul Rudd.
Bruce Campbell - Mysterio
Though he was not a choice for Spider-Man: Far From Home's Mysterio, Bruce Campbell was almost Mysterio in the canceled Spider-Man 4 by Sam Raimi. With the Evil Dead and Spider-Man director returning to Marvel with Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness, a Bruce Campbell cameo is likely.
A fun way to tribute what he had planned for Spider-Man 4 would be to include a quick cameo of Quentin Beck from another universe. This would also be harking back to Mysterio's lie in Spider-Man: Far From Home.
Liam Hemsworth - Thor
That's right: before Chris Hemsworth got the role, it almost went to his brother Liam. Having two Hemsworth brothers play alternate versions of Thor is already a fun gimmick, but this would actually make three Hemsworth brothers who have played Thor.
Appearing Thor: Ragnarok and returning in Thor: Love And Thunder is Luke Hemsworth, who plays the Asgardian actor playing Thor.
Timothée Chalamet - Spider-Man
Now known for his stellar performances in Call Me By Your Name and Lady Bird, Timothée Chalamet was one of the many people to audition for the MCU's Spider-Man. Chalamet admitted that he botched his original audition but today, everyone knows the actor could nail the character.
Of course, adding Timothée Chalamet as an alternate Spider-Man will further expand the Spider-Verse. This could allow for Chalamet to team up with Tom Holland or start a new series of Spider-Man movies.
Billy Crudup - The Hulk
Before Eric Bana got the role of Bruce Banner in 2003's Hulk, Billy Crudup almost got it. Later, Crudup would join DC as both Doctor Manhattan and Henry Allen. Much like Levitt, Billy Crudup has played many types of roles in the past.
Even in Watchmen, he portrayed a mild-mannered scientist who was hit with an experiment gone wrong. Billy Crudup also matches in age to play another veteran Incredible Hulk similar to the Mark Ruffalo version.
Wesley Snipes - Black Panther
Before the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there was an attempt to bring Black Panther to life years prior. The actor in mind at the time was none other than action hero and Blade actor Wesley Snipes. In the 90s, Wesley could have been as perfect as the late Chadwick Boseman was.
Since Snipes likely won't be returning to Blade, he could cameo as an alternate version of T'Challa, or just another iteration of the Black Panther character.
Jensen Ackles - Hawkeye
Originally, Jensen Ackles was pretty close to landing Hawkeye, but due to scheduling conflicts with Supernatural, he sadly turned it down. Sure, Jeremy Renner is loved now, but Jensen Ackles embodied the more carefree version of the character from the comics.
Jensen is also a proud nerd, as he has played Red Hood in the Batman: Under The Red Hood animated movie, has cosplayed DC heroes nearly every Halloween, and is the new animated Batman voice in Batman: The Long Halloween. He likely would love to play Hawkeye, even if just for a cameo.
Gemma Arterton - Black Widow
Many would like love to see Emily Blunt take on the role she originally turned down. Unfortunately, Blunt has stated that she does not care for the comic book movie subgenre. However, there was another fantastic actor who tested for Black Widow, and that is Gemma Arterton.
After her role in Quantum Of Solace, Marvel was interested in her as Natasha Romanoff. Gemma is no stranger to action-packed roles and she likely could have pulled it off. Though she deserves her own large role in the MCU, fans would still get joy out of seeing her cameo as an alternate Black Widow.
John Krasinski - Captain America
A lot of people auditioned for Captain America, including John Krasinski. At the time, he had only been known for playing Jim on The Office. Today, John Krasinski has shown how well he can play dramatic or action-hero roles, including Jack Ryan and his directorial debut A Quiet Place.
Now Krasinski has become a favorite choice for Reed Richards in the MCU Fantastic Four reboot. However, before he can become Reed, he should be given his fair shot as Captain America. Even if it's only for a few minutes.
Timothy Olyphant - Iron Man
Interestingly, on the same day Robert Downey Jr. auditioned for Tony Stark, Timothy Olyphant did as well. An actor who has played in comedies, horrors, action films, drama, and so much more.
Olyphant is no stranger to surprise guest appearances as shown from his quick role on The Mandalorian. On top of that, Olyphant is an actor who deserves a big MCU role and likely could have carried the Iron Man mantle just as well as Robert Downey Jr. did.