Taron Egerton put himself on the map after starring in Kingsman: The Secret Service, meaning no one was surprised when he was mentioned as being in line for the role of Cyclops in X-Men: Apocalypse. The part ultimately went to Tye Sheridan, and while Egerton's name briefly came up in regards to Spider-Man (among fans, at least), he's yet to join the Marvel or DC Universes.
The Welsh actor remains a fan-favourite choice to play Wolverine, of course, but just how close did he come to suiting up as the X-Men's leader, Scott Summers?
"I don't mind saying it: That was a real thing, that was a real conversation," Egerton confirms in the video below. "I've never said this, actually. To be honest, the reason that conversation never went anywhere further is because I didn't want to play a character for a potential series of movies where you don't see my eyes."
"For me, I felt, instinctively, creatively, that - like, the eyes are the windows to the soul. I would find that challenging, and I just didn't find it an intriguing prospect," the actor continued. "It's not that they ever offered it to me, but there was a conversation - a real conversation - that never went any further."
It's a shame we didn't get to see the Rocketman star's take on Cyclops, but his reasoning is understandable. Clearly, it wasn't a challenge Egerton was interested in taking on, and he probably had a lucky escape seeing as X-Men: Apocalypse marked the beginning of the end for that franchise.
As for the chatter that continues to surround him about playing the MCU's Wolverine, Egerton added: "I made the mistake of saying that I had had a general meeting with Marvel around four years ago, which is true. But it got kind of spun and twisted into this thing."
"Look, I've always said...I don't know if I'm the right guy to play that part. I was with Hugh [Jackman] yesterday, briefly, who obviously played the role originally - it was such different vibes. I don't know if I would be the right person to follow him," he continued. "But I've always said I would be open to it, but at the moment, there's no truth, other than the fan-casting thing, which goes kind of crazy every time I mention it. But, you know, who knows."
While Egerton isn't convinced he would be the right choice to pick up the claws from Hugh Jackman, fans believe otherwise, and there has to be a plan for Wolverine in the MCU. As per usual, it appears we'll have to wait and see, but Marvel Studios would be wise to scoop up the talented actor sooner rather than later.
Check out the full interview with Egerton below: