10 More Movie Roles Obviously Designed For Other Actors
8. Rachael Leigh Cook As Rogue - X-Men
Before the MCU, there was Sony and 20th Century Fox's respective Spider-Man and X-Men’s trilogies. The first instalment in the latter, released in 2000, is fondly remembered for how it adapted the source material for the big screen. Whilst Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine was the convincing breakout star of the show, a character just as central to the story was Rogue and her internal battle with her abilities, expertly portrayed by Anna Paquin.
21 years after its release, Paquin’s She’s All That co-star Rachael Leigh Cook revealed that she had originally been approached about and offered the role of Rogue but had passed on it.
Describing the experience, Cook recounted that she had been told by acquaintances within the industry that it was important for her to be seen as a “serious” actor, which led to her rejecting the offer from Sony to star in the upcoming superhero film.
Whilst they’re all the rage now, it’s worth noting that superhero films have largely been a big risk; usually seen as kitsch and not the kind of thing that actors pursuing deep character performances and awards should involve themselves with.
Cook also said the first time she saw the film’s posters and intense marketing she realised her mistake and has regretted it ever since.