10 MCU Actors Almost Cast As OTHER Marvel Movie Characters

8. Mads Mikkelsen Missed Out On Malekith Because Of His Schedule

The Role He Got: Kaecilius

The Role He Almost Had...

Back before Thor: The Dark World turned into a bit of a dumpster fire thanks to a "troubled" production and studio "creative enthusiasm," the legend that is Mads Mikkelsen was top choice to play the villain.

Somewhat fortunately for him, he couldn't play the leader of the Dark Elves because of a scheduling conflict on Hannibal. He'd already built a strong reputation as a villain - mostly thanks to Casino Royale - but he just couldn't make the Thor gig work and Christopher Eccleston was cast.

Ultimately, Mikkelsen turned up as another much-maligned MCU villain - though the criticism of Kaecilius is a little unfair - playing opposite Benedict Cumberbatch in Doctor Strange. He deserves way better than both, to be honest.