For over a year, Amanda Seyfried has hinted that she was the first choice to play Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy. The subject always comes up when the actress is interviewed and asked about playing a superhero.
Previously, Seyfried stated that she turned the role down because she'd heard from X-Men actress Jennifer Lawrence that removing Mystique's blue paint was a real chore. However, in a new interview, Seyfriend admits that she turned the part down because she didn't think the movie would be good, and didn't want to be associated with a failed superhero film.
"I didn’t want to be part of the first Marvel movie that bombed," said Seyfired. She added, ‘Who wants to see a movie about a talking tree and a raccoon?’ Which is clearly – I was very wrong."
The Les Misérables actress went on to explain; "The script was great, [but my fear] was all based on not wanting to be ‘that guy’. Because if you’re the star of a giant movie like that, and it bombs, Hollywood does not forgive you. I’ve seen that happen to people and it was a giant, giant fear. I thought, 'Is it worth it?"
Given how successful the Guardians franchise went on to become and how pivotal the role of Gamora was to the MCU's Thanos narrative, Seyfried is definitely kicking herself for declining.
Early concept art for Gamroa, back when the character was more blue than green, bears a striking resemblance to the actress.