20 Wild Horror Movie Casting Choices We Almost Got

When Mike Flanagan began developing his hugely anticipated sequel to The Shining, Doctor Sleep, there was intense speculation about who might be cast in the role of an adult Danny Torrance, previously played by Danny Lloyd in Stanley Kubrick's astonishing original.

Flanagan reportedly whittled the casting down to two actors, one of whom was Chris Evans.

Evans is certainly a plenty likeable and solidly talented actor, but have we seen much in his filmography to suggest he has the range and nuance to play a character as complex as Danny?

No shade to Evans, but it would've felt a little like studio-encouraged casting, that Warner Bros. wanted an Avenger in the film to help sell tickets.

But ultimately Evans was passed over for Ewan McGregor, a more seasoned actor who simply brings a ton of natural gravitas and maturity to basically any role he takes.

And that was absolutely the case here. Flanagan is an actor's director who can get the best out of anyone, and McGregor duly turned in one of his finest performances to date as Danny.

Evans' casting would've probably helped Doctor Sleep's box office, but resulted in a bit of a lesser film.