Action filmshave proven to be one of the most invigorating genres to watch on any screen due to their death-defying stunts, high stake environments with relatively impressive visual effects and unrealistic yet intense scenarios. While these elements typically make up some of the best action movies of all time, nothing propels these films further than the effortless portrayals of their hardcore main characters.
Performances like Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo, Milla Jovovich as Alice in theResident Evilseries, and Bruce Willis as John McClane often become synonymous with their respective series. However, not every performer had the opportunity to land these career-defining roles. Here are 12 major action roles that almost went to different actors.
12Asa Butterfield as Spider-Man – Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
The introduction of the teenage, web-slinging superhero Spider-Man into the Marvel Cinematic Universe first began with a deal between Sony, Disney and Marvel Studios in February 2015. The deal would allow the companies to share the film rights of Spider-Man, allowing the popular superhero to join the likes of Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America in the highest-grossing film franchise in North America.
Before Tom Holland was cast in the role, multiple actors such as Nat Wolff, Timothée Chalamet, Charlie Rowe andAsa Butterfieldeither were considered or screen tested for the role. Butterfield, known at the time for his performances inThe Boy in the Striped Pyjamas,HugoandEnder’s Game, was considered a front-runner along with Holland for the street-level hero.
While Holland eventually adorned the costume inSpider-Man: Homecoming, Butterfield’s passing of the role allowed him to work onSex Education, one of Netflix’s most critically acclaimed original series.
11Bruce Willis as Bill – Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Quentin Tarantino’s epic two volume series,Kill Bill, follows the Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks revenge on the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad and its leader, Bill (David Carradine). Tarantino originally wrote Bill for Warren Beatty, and he idealized the character as a James Bond-esque villain. When negotiations with Beatty fell through,Bruce Willisbecame one of the potential names Tarantino considered portraying the film’s central antagonist.
In an interview on theReelBlend podcast, Tarantino stated, “I mean, frankly, the closest [to Bill’s original version] would have been Bruce.” And while theDie Hardstar’s depiction of Bill would not have strayed from the original, Carradine’s version is often considered one of hisbest performances.
10Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Black Canary – Birds of Prey (2020)
BeforeGugu Mbatha-Rawmade her debut as Ravonna Renslayer in Marvel’sLokiseries, she was under consideration to join the DC Extended Universe inBirds of Prey. The film, starring Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, follows Quinn as she joins forces with the Birds of Prey to take down Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor) and save Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco).
According toDeadline, Mbatha-Raw was heavily considered to take on the Black Canary moniker, a role that eventually went toLovecraft Country’sJurnee Smollett. While Black Canary would not have been Mbatha-Raw’s first superhero role, something she achieved with Fast Color in 2018, it would have been exciting to see another actress possibly venture into another studio’s lineup of superhero films.
Related:Actors Who’ve Starred in DC and Marvel Movies
The 2015 post-apocalyptic action filmMad Max: Fury Roadwas plagued by a tumultuous pre-production period. The film’s director and writer, George Miller, came up with the movie’s concept in 1987; however, pre-production did not begin until the early 2000s. Mel Gibson was sent to reprise his iconic portrayal of Max Rockatansky in the film, but a lengthy period of postponements due to the Iraq War, the Sept. 11 attacks and controversies surrounding Gibson led to the original plan being scrapped.
The film eventually began official production in 2009, with the casting process immediately getting underway. Among the many names contemplated for the central part of Max, three emerged as top contenders: Tom Hardy,Jeremy Rennerand Armie Hammer. Even though Hardy’s audition eventually edged out his fellow competitors, Renner later found high success with his inclusion in the MCU as Hawkeye.
8Matthew Modine as Pete Mitchell – Top Gun (1986)
2022 saw the return of Tom Cruise as Pete Mitchell inTop Gun’s long-awaited sequel,Top Gun: Maverick. The film, released 36 years after its predecessor, became a critical and financial success, grossing $1.493 billion and becoming the second highest-grossing film of the year. With all that in mind, it is hard to imagine anyone besides Cruise portraying the charismatic “Maverick.” However,Matthew Modinewas initially considered for the lead role.
At the time, Modine was only known for a few minor roles and a breakthrough as the titular character in the 1984 drama,Birdy. When he was approached to lead the film, Modine turned down the offer. Years later, Modine said in an interview withSalonthat he declined the offer because he “thought the movie was jingoistic,” or extremely patriotic.
Related:Top Gun: Maverick: 7 Characters Who Could Return in a Potential Top Gun 3
7Denise Richards as Lara Croft – Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
When it comes to strong female protagonists in the video game industry, no name is as synonymous with that title as Lara Croft, the main protagonist of theTomb Raiderfranchise. After the release of the firstTomb Raidergame in 1996, Croft rose in popularity and eventually became a cultural icon across the world. So, when it was announced that the hit franchise would be adapted into a theatrical film, rumors and tabloids emerged surrounding the actresses vying for the coveted role of Lara Croft.
Names such as Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Catherine Zeta-Jones circulated, but the most prolific internet rumors surroundedStarship Trooper’sDenise Richards, whom many claimed was the favorite to take on the role. While it was stated inEntertainment Weeklythat Richards was among the list of names considered forLara Croft: Tomb Raider, she was “not at the top of it.”
Even though she did not win the role, Richards was still able to fulfill her action desires as Bond girl Christmas Jones inThe World is Not Enough.
6Thandiwe Newton as Alex Munday – Charlie’s Angels (2000)
In an interview withVulturein 2020, British actressThandiwe Newtonrevealed that she turned down the role of Alex Munday inCharlie’s Angelsdue to feeling uncomfortable with incidents including the film’s director, McG, and Amy Pascal, former co-chairperson of Sony Pictures. Newton recalled McG wanting to use a close-up of her character’s ass in the opening shot, and Pascal describing her portrayal of Munday as not believable because the character has “been to university and is educated.”
Lucy Liu replaced Newton after she stepped down from the role, starring alongside Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore in the 2000 film and its sequel in 2003. Fortunately, Newton’s chops in action were fulfilled with roles inShadeandMission: Impossible II.
5Arnold Schwarzenegger as John McClane – Die Hard (1988)
Action movies in the 1980s were prime locations for actors who fit the muscular, macho man archetype in the industry. And while casting was underway for the role of John McClane in the 1988 hitDie Hard,Arnold Schwarzenegger’s physique fit the mold.
Schwarzenegger was initially offered the role, but he declined due tohis role inThe Terminatorearlier that year. He wanted to break out of action and into comedy, opting to star inTwinsinstead. Conversely, Bruce Willis ended up taking the role — only this time, opting to break out of comedy and into the action genre.
4Tom Selleck as Indiana Jones –Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Harrison Ford’s career has spanned many decades, becoming theseventh highest-grossing actor in North America. His resume is full of memorable roles that he has made his own, such as Han Solo in theStar Warsseries, Rick Deckard inBlade Runnerand its sequel, and Indiana Jones in the titular film series. However, he was not the original choice for the world-traveling archaeologist.
Tom Selleckwas the original choice for Indiana Jones inRaiders of the Lost Ark, due to story creator George Lucas being weary of Ford’s involvement after his role as Han Solo in the recentStar Warsfilm. Before Selleck could commit to the film, his ties to the development of the CBS crime dramaMagnum, P.I.led to his withdrawal from the film.
Selleck’s adaptation of Indiana Jones would have been interesting to witness, but there is no denying that Ford’s account has becomeone of the most iconic roles in film.
3Maika Monroe as Alita – Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
The breakout star ofIt Follows,Maika Monroe, was one of three actresses vying for the titular role inAlita: Battle Angel. Monroe, Zendaya, and Rosa Salazar all screen tested for the major part in April, according toThe Hollywood Reporter, with Salazar winning the part in May. The role centers around Alita, an abandoned cyborg with no recollection of her past. As the film progresses, Alita’s memories emerge, and her true destiny is revealed.
Even though Monroe did not land the role of Alita in 2016, her work in action continued with prominent roles in profitable films such asThe 5th WaveandIndependence Day: Resurgence.
