Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man is perfect casting. But for the sake of argument, let’s say what if he didn’t take the role? Imagine a world where he isn’t the top choice for the role. Is there someone more deserving than him since he is one of those rare, irreplaceable casting choices?
There are a few selected who can portray the iconic comic book hero well, if not to his standards. Plenty of names, television actors, and movie stars will bring their touch to the part that could change the direction of their career. Some might even take the role up a notch than Robert Downey Jr.
Hollywood Stars Who Could’ve Done Justice To Iron Man
10. Jon Hamm
You better believe the man who played the hard-drinking and enigmatic Don Draper will make a great Iron Man. He can pull off the persona and the snarky humor of the genius philanthropist playboy we have all come to love.
9. Sam Rockwell
It took Sam Rockwell many small parts and an Oscar to establish himself as a Hollywood star. He played Justin Hammer, a much more malicious version of Tony Stark, in the ‘Iron Man’ sequel to a perfect pitch. Imagine having him play Tony Stark himself! Like looking into a mirror.
8. Hugh Jackman
The role of Iron Man initially came to this Australian actor, who turned it down due to a scheduling conflict. Having seen him nail down the bearded antihero Wolverine, fans can only dream of the version Hugh Jackman could have brought to the screen.
7. Nicolas Cage
He’s undoubtedly the most wild card entry in the list of actors in consideration. A self-professed comic book fan who came close to playing Superman, Nicolas Cage‘s name came up in the conversation to play Iron Man in the 90s. His rendition of Iron Man could have been unpredictable. Perhaps, but that alone would have drawn legions of fans to this casting choice. We wouldn’t mind seeing him as an Iron Man variant in future MCU movies.
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6. Joaquin Phoenix
Just because he wouldn’t go with it doesn’t mean he deserves a spot on this list. Joaquin Phoenix was associated with Doctor Strange for a long time, but we would have loved him to play a charismatic billionaire who moonlights as a superhero.
5. Leonardo DiCaprio
Another A-lister who was on the shortlist for MCU’s franchise-defining part. Leonardo DiCaprio had the perfect swagger and acting chops to save the universe from the threat of Thanos. Too bad we missed out on him in the MCU.
4. Timothy Olyphant
Be it comedies, western dramas, or franchises, Timothy Olyphant has a history of playing smart-aleck characters with perfection. Unfortunately, his Iron Man audition happened on the same day as Robert Downey Jr. We can see him suited up to save the world in another lifetime.
3. Justin Theroux
He’s not on the list just because he wrote ‘Iron Man 2’ and knows the story well, but it doesn’t hurt. Anyone who’s seen the HBO series ‘The Leftovers’ will agree he’s got the right amount of Stark’s snark and the looks to play the part.
2. Johnny Depp
What’s not to love about this casting? After all, Jack Sparrow is Johnny Depp doing a version of Tony Stark’s know-it-all- persona. He has a proven track record of carrying a franchise and an incredible range to bring one of the most beloved comic book creations to the screen.
1. Tom Cruise
The ‘Mission: Impossible’ actor continues to be associated with the role forever. Many speculated Tom Cruise would appear as an Iron Man variant in the ‘Doctor Strange’ sequel. He’s full of charisma and magnetism needed to play someone like Tony Stark/Iron Man. On any list in the world, he would be the first pick to take the mantle from Robert Downey Jr.
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