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Iron Man

Casting What-Ifs

Cage; Cruise; Tarantino; Whedon; Cassavetes; Rockwell; McAdams; Howard’s sequel departure

In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 00:28:22Read transcript
  • Cage reportedly showed interest in 1997.
  • Cruise reportedly showed interest in 1998.
  • Tarantino reportedly considered involvement in 1999.
  • Whedon was reportedly approached during New Line development.
  • Cassavetes was reportedly approached in 2004.
  • Favreau initially wanted Rockwell, but Downey’s screen test settled the lead.
  • McAdams reportedly declined Pepper before later joining Doctor Strange; Pepper is considered the better opportunity.
  • Howard reportedly had a three-film agreement and the highest initial pay, but left after a lower sequel offer; rumored performance friction is distinguished from the panel’s own appreciation of his work and uncertainty about the dispute.