Marvel Wants Charlie Hunnam in the MCU, But Does the ‘Sons of Anarchy’ Star Want to Be a Superhero?
Marvel reportedly wants Charlie Hunnam to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the near future. The Sons of Anarchy star has been linked to several Marvel projects over the years but has yet to ink a deal with the studio. Marvel may have grand plans for Hunnam, but does he want to play a superhero on the big screens?
Marvel reportedly tried to cast Hunnam for ‘The Eternals’
After Marvel announced its full slate of Phase 4 movies, rumors circulated that the studio was eager to cast Hunnam for a small role in The Eternals. Sources claimed that Hunnam was only available to shoot for a few days, so his cameo was expected to be small.
Apart from Hunnam, the studio was reportedly looking at Matthew Rhys to play Young Odin and had a role in mind for Keanu Reeves as well. None of these rumors turned out to be true and Marvel seemingly missed out on another chance to land Hunnam.
Although Marvel was not able to cast Hunnam, Reeves, or Rhys, for parts, The Eternals still boasts a stellar cast. The film, which is due out in theaters next February, stars Richard Madden, Angelina Jolie, Gemma Chan, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek, and Kumail Nanjiani.
This is also not the first time Hunnam has been linked to a major project in the MCU.
Hunnam auditioned for Thor
Back in 2009, Hunnam was one of the frontrunners to play the lead role in Thor. According to MTV, inside sources claimed that Hunnam had been in talks with Marvel to play the Asgardian hero and even performed a screen test.
“Hunnam didn’t know what the status of the casting was but said that his people have been talking to Marvel,” a source revealed. “He believes that since Marvel pushed the start date of Thor back a few months the studio is taking its time to make the best decision for the film.”
Hunnam later confirmed that he did a screen test for the part and that he was in negotiations with Marvel to sign a contract. Unfortunately, Hunnam was not sold on the idea and Marvel was unsure he was a good fit.
In the end, the deal fell through and Marvel ended up casting Chris Hemsworth to play the superhero.
“I auditioned and I met with the director and the guys at Marvel several times, four of five times, and it was sort of this awkward dance that we were having,” Hunnam shared. “I wasn’t 100 percent sure I wanted to do it and they weren’t 100 percent sure they wanted me to do it… Then they found Chris Hemsworth and that ended abruptly.”
Aside from Hunnam, other names were mentioned as potential candidates for the role of Thor. This includes Alexander Skarsgård and Josh Hartnett, who was also rumored to be in the running to play Loki.
Fans want Hunnam to be the new Captain America
Thor is not the only role Hunnam has been linked to. Fans have recently expressed an interest in seeing the actor portray the new Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Chris Evans retired from the MCU following the events in Avengers: Endgame. Although he handed his shield to Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson, a.k.a. The Falcon, Marvel is debuting a second Captain America in the upcoming series, Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
The role has already gone to Wyatt Russell, but some fan art makes a convincing argument that Hunnam would have looked pretty slick in Cap’s uniform.
Considering all of the times Marvel has tapped Hunnam for a role, it seems like only a matter of time before the actor joins the MCU. That is, of course, assuming that Hunnam wants to play a superhero in the first place.
Does Charlie Hunnam even want to be a Marvel superhero?
While promoting his film, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, Hunnam discussed playing a superhero on the big screens. According to Cinema Blend, there were rumors that the Sons of Anarchy star was going to play Green Arrow in the DCEU, something Hunnam immediately shut down.
“I didn’t grow up a comic book fan and I haven’t really seen any of those Marvel films or the Batman films… It’s not part of my vision for my career or what I aspire to,” Hunnam explained.
Hunnam’s interview happened in 2017, so there is a chance that things could have changed on the superhero front. Regardless, fans clearly would love to see Hunnam take on a role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Hunnam’s latest film, Waldo, is currently in post-production. The actor is also working on a new televisions series titled Shantaram, which was recently delayed after the showrunner dropped out.
Marvel has not commented on the rumors that they would like to add Charlie Hunnam to the MCU.
