Ant-Man, Pierce Brosnan, Emma Stone, Ewan McGregor – they almost joined in, cinema news reveals.

The Marvel Multiverse of “What Ifs”: Hollywood’s Near-Miss Castings That Almost Rewrote the MCU

The Marvel Cinematic Universe. A finely tuned machine of blockbuster hits and beloved characters. But what if we told you the faces of some of your favorite heroes (and villains) were almost entirely different? Recent buzz and deep dives into Hollywood’s casting crypts have unearthed some truly surprising “almosts,” particularly concerning the ever-expanding Ant-Man corner of the MCU and other major Marvel roles. Grab your Pym Particles, because we’re shrinking down to explore the tantalizing near-misses involving stars like Pierce Brosnan, Emma Stone, and Ewan McGregor.

The Ant-Man franchise, now a beloved part of the MCU tapestry with Paul Rudd charming his way into our hearts as Scott Lang and Michael Douglas grounding the narrative as the original Ant-Man, Hank Pym, wasn’t always set in stone. Like any major Hollywood production, the casting process was a winding road of considerations, screen tests, and those ever-present “what could have beens.”

Imagine, if you will, 007 himself, Pierce Brosnan, stepping into the brilliant, and sometimes curmudgeonly, shoes of Hank Pym. Reports and industry whispers suggest that the former James Bond was indeed in consideration for the role that ultimately went to Michael Douglas. Can you picture Brosnan, with his suave demeanor, passionately explaining the intricacies of quantum mechanics or sternly mentoring a new generation of heroes? It certainly would have brought a different, perhaps more debonair, energy to the founding Avenger.

Then there’s the incredibly versatile Emma Stone. Before she (again) wowed audiences in films like “La La Land” and “Cruella,” Stone was reportedly in the running for the role of Hope van Dyne, a.k.a. The Wasp, in “Ant-Man.” While Evangeline Lilly expertly embodied the fierce and intelligent Hope, it’s fun to speculate on Stone’s potential take. Her signature blend of wit and vulnerability could have offered a unique dynamic opposite Paul Rudd’s Scott Lang. Beyond Ant-Man, rumors also swirled that Stone was considered for the role of Sue Storm/Invisible Woman in the upcoming “Fantastic Four” reboot, though reports suggest this ultimately didn’t materialize due to contractual or financial reasons. One can only imagine the powerhouse performance she would have delivered as a cornerstone of Marvel’s First Family.

And what about the master of the high ground, Ewan McGregor? Before Benedict Cumberbatch donned the Cloak of Levitation, McGregor was one of the names strongly considered to bring Doctor Strange to life. Furthermore, and perhaps more surprisingly given his later comments about not actively seeking out another major franchise after Star Wars, McGregor was also on the list of potential Scott Langs. Seeing the charismatic McGregor shrink down to ant-size or battle mystical threats would have undoubtedly been a cinematic treat, offering a different flavor to both iconic characters. While McGregor has stated he isn’t actively pursuing an MCU role, enjoying his continued work in the Star Wars universe, he hasn’t entirely closed the door, saying, “I feel like I shouldn’t say I wouldn’t do it because in two years time you’ll be like, ‘You said you were never going to do this!’ But I’m not looking for it particularly.”

These aren’t isolated incidents, of course. The annals of Hollywood casting are littered with “almosts” that could have drastically altered our cinematic landscape. Joseph Gordon-Levitt was also in contention for Scott Lang, and even for Star-Lord in “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Jessica Chastain was an early consideration for Hope van Dyne and reportedly turned down a role in “Iron Man 3,” holding out for a more substantial MCU part. The list goes on: Tom Cruise as Iron Man? Emily Blunt as Black Widow or Peggy Carter? John Krasinski as Captain America (though he did get a taste of the multiverse as Mr. Fantastic!)? These near-misses are a fascinating glimpse into the intricate dance of scheduling, creative vision, and sometimes, sheer luck, that goes into populating our biggest blockbusters.

Casting director Sarah Finn, the architect behind much of the MCU’s iconic lineup, has often spoken about the exhaustive process of finding the perfect actor for each role. It involves countless auditions, meetings, and considerations of how an actor’s unique qualities will mesh with the character and the broader universe. Sometimes, an actor is perfect but unavailable. Other times, a different, unexpected choice captures the filmmakers’ imaginations.

So, the next time you settle in for a Marvel marathon, take a moment to ponder the infinite possibilities. What if Pierce Brosnan had been the original Ant-Man, mentoring a Ewan McGregor-Scott Lang, with Emma Stone buzzing alongside them as The Wasp? It’s a fun thought experiment that highlights not only the talent of the actors who ultimately landed these iconic roles but also the fascinating, often unpredictable, journey of bringing these beloved characters to the big screen. The Marvel Universe we know and love is just one version of a story that could have been told in a multitude of equally exciting ways.