20 Things You Didn't Know About Star Trek: Nemesis
11. Jude Law Was Considered For Shinzon
In the summer of 2001, a few months before shooting was set to begin, rumours did the rounds online that Jude Law had been cast in the role of Shinzon, and though this of course turned out to be untrue, he was indeed in contention for the part.
Originally, the plan was to find a name actor who resembled a younger Patrick Stewart to portray Shinzon, and Rick Berman settled on Law.
However, director Baird argued that Shinzon should be portrayed by a basically unknown actor, eventually leading to Tom Hardy being cast in the part following an extensive, and by Hardy's word "appalling" audition process.
While it's easy to imagine Law pulling off the required menace, it was probably better to go for a less-established actor in the role.