Here are 5 actors who were top contenders for Avengers' iconic superhero roles

Avengers: Endgame is exactly three weeks away and by this time, three weeks later, you would know what goes down in the ultimate film of all time. The hype and anticipation is real given the fact that pre-bookings for the film in the US have sky rocketed and have been the highest ever so far. Avengers: Endgame, directed by Russo Brothers, is the culmination of all of Marvel Cinematic Universe's 22 movies and 11 years later we will be able to witness that on April 26. 

A huge part of MCU films being successful has a lot to do with actors who have played certain superheroes. Now, would you imagine anyone else apart from Robert Downey Jr playing Iron Man? Let's take a look at actors who were considered for the iconic superhero roles we know as of today: 

1. Tom Cruise as Iron Man

This name sits at the top of the list. Given a string of hits, the Mission Impossible star was once the most bankable and expensive actor to have been considered for the role of Iron Man. Cruise, however, admitted that he was "not close" to playing Iron Man. But  Marvel Chief Kevin Feige said in 2004 the studio had talked to Cruise since the late '90s, but no deal was made, reported Loopr.com. Reports also suggest that Robert Downey Jr was signed because back then the studio couldn't afford Cruise. Well, a win-won situation for both we say. 

2. Emily Blunt as Black Widow

If international reports are anything to go by, then the Mary Poppins star not only turned down one MCU role but two. As per reports, Marvel has been trying since quite some time to get Emily Blunt on board but the actress said the primary reason was due to conflicting schedules. Marvel had approached Emily to play Peggy Carter in Captain America: The First Avenger and Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff in Iron Man 2. Scarlett Johanson has played the part in a pretty epic manner. 

3. John Krasinski as Captain America

Does this run in the family? Emily Blunt's husband John Krasinski was super close to donning the superhero costume but turned down Captain America's role himself. The reason? John Krasinski admitted in an interview that he got as far as a costumed audition, during which he saw Chris Hemsworth walk in full Thor outfit. It was at this point that John  realized what he was about to get himself into and had a change of heart. "I went, 'I'm good. This is stupid. That's okay, I'm not Captain America,'" the Jack Ryan star said in an interview. We are, however, totally floored by how Chris Evans has held the mighty shield high.

4. The Hemsworth brothers as Thor 

How did Marvel decide to cast Chris Hemsworth instead of his brother Liam Hemsworth? Turns out, Chris auditioned for Thor and did not hear back from the director for a couple of months. Whereas, younger brother Liam Hemsworth sent an audition tape and was also called several times. As per a report in Looper, Liam was one of the final five when Chris' manager contacted Thor's casting team, reminding them Liam had an older brother. Chris then got another audition and must have impressed this time, as he was cast soon after. 

5. Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Ant Man

The race to cast the lead of Ant Man came down to these two stars. Actors Paul Rudd and Joseph Gordon-Levitt were the final two contenders for Ant Man and while we obviously know who bagged the role, director Edgar Wright wanted to cast someone who had more of a comedic tone as opposed to the beefed up Marvel characters. Levitt, however, rubbished these rumours saying they were 'nothing but lies'.