MCU: 30 Actors Who Could Have Starred In Avengers: Infinity War

28. Tom Cruise (Iron Man)

By far the most high-profile actor considered for Tony Stark aka Iron Man was the man himself, Tom Cruise, who at the time was fresh off rejuvenating the Mission: Impossible franchise.

Cruise expressed interest in the part from the late 90s all the way through to the mid-2000s, but eventually felt like it wasn't the right fit.

Would It Have Worked?: Yes, though his version of Stark would've been a pretty far cry from Robert Downey Jr.'s.

Last year's The Mummy reboot was proof perfect that Cruise doesn't thrive playing arrogant douchebags: he's better as the fearless, ultra-determined, earnest hero, hence why he's so great in the Mission: Impossible movies.

For what it's worth, Cruise himself doesn't seem too cut up about missing out on the MCU. He said, "I love Robert Downey Jr. I can’t imagine anyone else in that role, and I think it’s perfect for him."