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Known for starring in the crime thrillerReacher, Alan Ritchson has transited a remarkable journey since his early days, marked by his debut as Aquaman in the superhero seriesSmallville. His portrayal of DC’s Hawk in Max’sTitansfurther solidified his presence in the comic book realm.
Along with his DC roles, the actor also attempted to conquer the Marvel Cinematic Universe, by auditioning for the role of Thor. While the part ultimately went to Chris Hemsworth, Ritchson’s potential for embodying legendary figures like Hercules remains evident, presenting a missed opportunity for Marvel.
Marvel’s Missed Opportunity for Hercules in the MCU
The 2022 MCU filmThor: Love & ThunderintroducedBrett Goldsteinas Hercules, who made a brief appearance in the mid-credit scene of the movie. But theTed Lassostar’s future in the superhero universe following the brief cameo remains uncertain.
However, many have argued thatAlan Ritchsoncould have been a much better choice for the role of the demigod. The actor not only has a striking appearance but also has an on-screen presence that commands attention, making him a natural fit to portray larger-than-life personas like Hercules.
“He has no dedication at all”: Henry Cavill Has Some Not So Nice Things to Say About Alan Ritchson Before He Breaks Character
His stature with chiseled muscles is perfect to embody the physicality and strength synonymous with the character.Love & Thundershows Zeus sending Hercules to confront Thor, and Ritchson has the physicality and demeanor that could make him a formidable opponent to the God of Thunder.
His versatility as an actor and significantfan supportmake him the ideal candidate. However, despite Ritchson’s suitability for the role, Marvel decided to cast Goldstein instead. The decision has also left many fans disappointed, who have argued that theFast Xactor would have been a better fit for the role of Hercules.
Alan Ritchson Auditioned For the Role of Thor in the MCU
In a recent interview withMen’s Health, Alan Ritchson revealed that he auditioned for the role of the Marvel superhero Thor. He shared that he was tired of being the“loud funny guy”and decided to audition for the role of Thor for the 2011 Marvel film.
However, the actor did not take it seriously and believed that he would get the role based on his looks.“I didn’t take it seriously,”he said before adding,“I was like, ‘They’ll throw me the part if I look like the guy; nobody really cares about acting.'”
“He leads by example, I’m so impressed”: Even Reacher Star Alan Ritchson is a Fan of Henry Cavill’s Work Ethics and Discipline
He was later told that although he had a significant opportunity, he had not showcased “the craft”to make a noteworthy impact during auditions. Ritchson would go on to lose the opportunity to star in the MCU to the Australian actorChris Hemsworth, who has since portrayed the character.
Despite losing such a significant opportunity, the 41-year-old actor has continued to make his mark in the industry, relying not only on his looks but also on the strength of his performances and his ability to fully embody his characters. Ritchson is set to star in the upcoming spy action comedy film,The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, which is set to release on July 28, 2025.
TheThorfilm series is available to stream on Disney+.
Laxmi Rajput
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3450
Laxmi Rajput is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, with over 3,300 articles published covering film, TV, and pop culture. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism and over three years of experience in content writing, she pivoted to entertainment journalism because let’s be honest, superheroes, sitcoms, and Netflix binges are way more fun. Laxmi frequently covers Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and popular TV shows, offering both fan-first enthusiasm and thoughtful analysis. Her work often dives into Marvel theories, revisits the genius of The Big Bang Theory, or unpacks the Netflix phenomenon of Stranger Things.
