It isn’t unknown that Tom Cruise was about to play Iron Man, and a number of other great and beloved actors were to join the huge cast of Marvel and DC. But in most cases, the idea just couldn’t “bring together a group of remarkable people”. Some of them rejected the script while a few thought that the role would hold their growth.

The world could have been a different place if the roles were to be played by the ones who rejected them. Moreover, we would have a totally different perspective if these super-powered characters were played by someone who has won an Oscar.

Speaking of which, here’s a list of Oscar winners who rejected a role offered by Marvel or DC.

Joaquin Phoenix 

Joaquin Phoenix as The Joker

Well, yes he did play a DC villain who gave us a film to remember for centuries and a reason to approach life very differently. But Joaquin Phoenix was also offered multiple roles by Marvel that he rejected. The Joker actor was chosen to play Hulk and later Dr. Strange.

Robin Williams 

Robin Williams

This great actor was too close to be a part of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. The Good Will Hunting actor also missed upon the opportunity to play the character of Joker in Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) and Riddler in Batman Forever (1995).

Leonardo DiCaprio 

Leonardo DiCaprio

Everyone loves Spider-Man. They would’ve loved it more if it was played by the Inception actor and if it were to be directed by James Cameron. What a duo! Before Leo actually turned down the role, despite the fact that he even went through the screenplay and had it all in his favor.

Sandra Bullock

Hollywood star Sandra Bullock

In an interview with MTV, the Oceans 8 actress has expressed herself  “There’s other people much better suited to play Wonder Woman than me. I’ll just do it at home, at night, in my little Underoos”. And this is how we lost another remarkable actor to portray a superhero, Wonder Woman.

Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey

Before it was given to Kurt Russell, the Living Planet, Ego’s role in Guardians of the Galaxy 2 was given to the Interstellar actor. Yes, the Dallas Buyers Club actor was almost close to playing Peter Quill’s father.

Heath Ledger

Heath Ledger

Before the most loved villain actually became the one he is often remembered for, Heath Ledger was considered to play his nemesis, Batman. The Brokeback Mountain actor had no interest in playing a superhero, but he joined the cast of Nolan’s trilogy as Ahem! The Joker.

The Marvel star cast as of now fits the franchise perfectly and so does DC’s cast. But what do you think would have changed if these above-mentioned actors played the role they denied?