In a revelation that will have Marvel fans everywhere imagining an entirely different cinematic universe, A-list actor Channing Tatum has disclosed he once threw his hammer into the ring to play the God of Thunder himself.
The Magic Mike star confirmed on a recent podcast appearance that he formally auditioned for the titular role in Kenneth Branagh's 2011 blockbuster Thor. The part, of course, famously went to then-relative unknown Chris Hemsworth, catapulting the Australian actor to international superstardom and defining a character for over a decade.
'I remember I auditioned for Thor,' Tatum stated matter-of-factly, before quipping about the outcome, 'I did not get a callback.'
The admission offers a fascinating 'what if' for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Tatum, known for his charismatic, often comedic roles in films like the Jump Street series, would have undoubtedly brought a different energy to the Asgardian hero compared to Hemsworth's now-iconic portrayal.
This isn't the only near-miss for Tatum in the world of comic book adaptations. He was famously attached to play the mutant Gambit in a solo X-Men film for years, a project that languished in development hell before ultimately being shelved by Disney after its acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
While the Thor role wasn't meant to be, Tatum's career has hardly suffered. He remains one of Hollywood's most bankable leading men, with a diverse filmography spanning action, comedy, and drama.
The story serves as a reminder of the countless alternate realities that exist in Hollywood's casting rooms, where a single decision can change the trajectory of an actor's career and the fate of a billion-dollar franchise.
