Everyone always harkens back to the fact that Tom Cruise nearly played Iron Man before Robert Downey Jr. was eventually cast in the role, but it seems actor Timothy Olyphant also auditioned for the chance to lead the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Speaking to The Playlist to promote his upcoming new series (interview was conducted prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike), Olyphant shared what his thoughts were when he auditioned for the role nearly 20 years ago.
“I can only tell you that I remember thinking that was the first time where, because I’m a bit of a slow learner and I think I was scared to death of the things that come with success in this business, but that was the time where I remember thinking, ‘Well, I can’t get any more grounded and so this would be fun," said Olyphant.
He added, "And so, if you’re going to go down that road, you’re not going to find anyone better to go down it with [than Jon Favreau], so I have fond memories of that experience, you know? I try to see things simply for what they are and not what they could be and any conversations I had with Jon about that job and about that process, I remember it very fondly. It was an enjoyable process…And, well, he’s the one who hired me for [‘The Mandalorian’], so he doesn’t owe me anything."
Though he missed out on playing Tony Stark in the MCU, many years later, Olyphant was cast as Cobb Vanth in The Mandalorian and also appeared in The Book of Boba Fett.
Interestingly enough, Olyphant revealed that he and Robert Downey Jr. actually auditioned on the same day. One little twist of fate, and the MCU could look very different from the one we know and love today.
Clive Owen was actually Marvel's top choice for the role of Iron Man and he reportedly had the offer in hand but ultimately passed.
The 8-episode Justified: City Primeval revival premiered on FX back on July 18, 2023. The season finale will air on August 29, 2023.