Leonardo DiCaprio Talks Turning Down Star Wars, Spider-Man & Robin

Leonardo DiCaprio Talks Turning Down Star Wars, Spider-Man & Robin

Did you know that the iconic Leonardo DiCaprio was once considered for roles in the Star Wars prequels, Spider-Man, and Batman Forever? He revealed these surprising details in a candid chat with ShortList recently.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Brush with Batman

The renowned actor acknowledged that he had been potentially slated to portray Robin in ‘Batman Forever’. DiCaprio stated:

I never screen-tested. I had a meeting with Joel Schumacher. It was just one meeting and, no, I didn’t end up doing it.

As I recall I took the meeting, but didn’t want to play the role. Joel Schumacher is a very talented director but I don’t think I was ready for anything like that.

Almost a Jedi and a Spider-Man

Continuing on, he confirmed rumors about discussions held with George Lucas for a role in the Star Wars prequels. DiCaprio was considered for the role of Anakin Skywalker, a role ultimately filled by Hayden Christensen.

I did have a meeting with George Lucas about that as well, yes.

Again, just didn’t feel ready to take that dive. At that point.

Before Tobey Maguire swung onto our screens as Spider-Man, DiCaprio was also approached for that superhero role:

That was another one of those situations, similar to Robin, where I didn’t feel ready to put on that suit yet. They got in touch with me.

Fear not, for fans still longing to see DiCaprio in a superhero avatar. The actor isn’t ruling it out. Apparently, Warner Bros. had wanted DiCaprio to portray the Riddler in ‘The Dark Knight’. The actor responds to questioning if he would ever like to play a superhero:

You never know. You never know. They’re getting better and better as far as complex characters in these movies. I haven’t yet. But no, I don’t rule out anything.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s latest film, ‘The Revenant’, hit the theaters on January 8, 2016.

About Matt McGloin

Matt McGloin is the editor-in-chief and publisher of Cosmic Book News, the independent entertainment news site he founded in 2008. He covers movies, comics, TV, video games and pop culture and has reported major industry scoops over the years, including revealing the Avengers: Endgame title ahead of its official announcement. Through Cosmic Book News, he helped Marvel Comics promote Guardians of the Galaxy and Nova through exclusive previews, artwork, and interviews, with the site also quoted in solicitations and on comic covers. He also reported on Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again retooling before it was later confirmed by the trades.

Recommended

Zack Snyder On The Dark Knight Returns Rumors: ‘The Rumors Work’
Zack Snyder On The Dark Knight Returns Rumors: ‘The Rumors Work’
James Gunn’s DC Contract Still Expires In 2027: No New Extension, No Batman Movie (Exclusive)
James Gunn’s DC Contract Still Expires In 2027: No New Extension, No Batman Movie (Exclusive)
Deadpool Creator Rob Liefeld Asks Zack Snyder To Call Him: ‘Why Did We Lose Our Appreciation?’
Deadpool Creator Rob Liefeld Asks Zack Snyder To Call Him: ‘Why Did We Lose Our Appreciation?’
Man of Tomorrow Box Office Needs Zack Snyder’s International Audience To Hit $1 Billion (Report)
Man of Tomorrow Box Office Needs Zack Snyder’s International Audience To Hit $1 Billion (Report)
Kathleen Kennedy Held Secret Hollywood AI Meetings Since 2023, Backing Up Our Insiders
Kathleen Kennedy Held Secret Hollywood AI Meetings Since 2023, Backing Up Our Insiders
Rob Liefeld Shuts Down Absolute Batman ‘Beef’ As Scott Snyder Backs Him Up
Rob Liefeld Shuts Down Absolute Batman ‘Beef’ As Scott Snyder Backs Him Up