With Avengers: Infinity War, Marvel has now entered unchartered territory. This marks the end of a phase that has literally been 10 years in the making. While all of us now hold our breath for part two, let’s take it back to the most important part, a part that gave us all these beloved characters, the casting. While it may be hard to imagine anyone else playing the role of these superheroes, here are 9 who came really close to being cast.

1. Emily Blunt As Black Widow

Believe it or not, Emily was actually a front-runner for the role. Everything was in place until 20th Century Fox decided to play their hand and Blunt had to fulfil her contractual commitment. The role later landed in the lap of Scarlet Johanson and we think it’s for the better.

2. John Krasinski As Captain America

It’s funny when you think about how there could have been an actual couple playing a part in the Avengers. While many claims said that he almost signed the dotted line, the truth is a little funnier than that. Apparently, he saw Chris Hemsworth in costume and realised he was nowhere buff enough to play a superhero. After that, he pulled himself out from consideration.

3. Tom Hiddleston As Thor

Before playing the now iconic Asgardian God of mischief, Marvel actually wanted to cast him as Thor. While both parties were on board for it, the results of the screen tests proved that he was a better fit as Loki.

4. Saoirse Ronan As Scarlet Witch

The stunning Irish actress has been a part of many great movies. While there were many rumours floating around about her casting, people actually thought she would play the role. After all, Joss Whedon and Marvel themselves openly admitted to building the character of Scarlet Witch around her. She was what they called the “prototype” for the role. The reason why she turned it down is still undisclosed.

5. Jensen Ackles As Hawkeye

The Supernatural heartthrob had actually auditioned for the role of Captain America. However, he was edged out by Chris Evans. Marvel actually liked Jensen and as consolation, they offered him the role of Hawkeye, which he turned down. He mostly turned it down because he didn’t have the space to shoot something new amidst his ongoing schedule for Supernatural. For us, this one is a win-win situation.

6. David Duchovny As The Hulk

There is no denying that playing The Hulk is not an easy task. It’s been played by many actors in the past, each for a different adaption. Before Edward Norton locked the part, it was actually David Duchovny who had locked the part. However, things went sideways and Norton took it from him. While Norton campaigned hard to reprise the role, he had a tiff with the top brass and they dropped him from all future projects. Alas, they took Mark Ruffalo on board to play The Hulk.

7. Matthew McConaughey As Doctor Strange

The role of Doctor Strange was tried out by many actors, including Matthew. However, none of them gelled well with the character they were supposed to play. When Benedict Cumberbatch joined the race, Marvel quickly realised how good he was and that the roll, fit him like a glove.

8. Joseph Gordon-Levit As Star-Lord

Before Chris Pratt joined the MCU, the casting for the lead role was all over the place. Gordon was a front-runner for them as they had also wanted him for the part of Ant-Man. While Chris eventually won the director over, Gordon could still quite likely be a part of an upcoming movie as Marvel seems to be really keen, to cast him.

9. Timothée Chalamet As Spiderman

The Call Me By Your Name star was neck to neck with Tom Holland for the role of Spiderman. Eventually, he was edged out and we think that it’s for the better. While Tom has done a great job as the friendly neighbourhood spider, so has Timothee.

Who would you have loved to see as your favourite superhero? Let us know in comments below.

Don’t forget to follow us at @missmalinilifestyle to never miss a beat!