There are a lot of interesting cases when you look through the MCU’s casting history. But one that I really like was the story of Thor.
That’s right, Chris Hemsworth.
You see, initially, when Chris auditioned for the role, director Kenneth Branagh was… unimpressed, to say the least.
Chris, in his suave repose, thought that he’d nailed the audition. He believed himself to be a shoo-in for the role.
In fact, he checked into a hotel room and spent several weeks rehearsing with his mom, in anticipation of a second audition. He wanted the role that badly.
But weeks went by, without a callback.
And then a month went by, still without word from the director.
Soon, multiple months passed. Still no callback.
Eventually, Hemsworth just gave up. He assumed that he’d blown the audition.
But what Chris didn’t know, was that he was actually ignored because the director was infatuated with his little brother, Liam Hemsworth.
When Chris heard the news, he was irritated. He was frustrated and ashamed that his 7-years younger brother absolutely thrashed him in a competitive audition.
But that’s not all of it.
The most ironic part, is that Liam barely even tried for the role!
He sent his audition in by tape all the way from Australia, and when he was called back for further screening, he didn’t even show up to the event!
And that only pissed Chris off more. He was getting wrecked by someone who wasn’t even trying as hard as him!
It was then that Chris’ manager took the opportunity to call Kenneth, saying “You know, Liam actually has an older brother. His name is Chris…”
Apparently, Mr. Branagh had totally forgotten about Chris the moment he walked out of the audition room the first time around, because immediately after his second try, fueled by the rage and shame of being beat by his little brother, everyone instantly thought he was perfect for the role.
In Chris’ own words:
I came in [to my second audition] with a little motivation, and maybe frustration, that my little brother had gotten further than me. It's a little family, sibling rivalry sort of kicked up in me.
Then it moved pretty quick from there. It was cool.
Let’s assume that Liam was so nonchalant because he somehow knew that snubbing the directors would bag his big bro the role. What a great brother! ;)
Bonus: This isn’t as interesting, but Joaquin Phoenix was originally cast to play Stephen Strange. And though the exact details remain a mystery, talks reportedly fell out between him and Marvel, leading them to chose Benedict Cumberbatch instead.
I think we can all be glad those negotiations failed.
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