Sebastian Stan’s Near Misses: Roles That Got Away
Sebastian Stan opens up about two blockbuster roles he almost secured, revealing how close he came to playing iconic characters that later proved challenging for their stars.
It’s easy to imagine Sebastian Stan breezing through Hollywood, given his reputation for charm and versatility. Whether he’s delving into weighty dramas or stepping back into the Marvel universe, he seems to have his pick of projects. Yet, like most actors, his path has been anything but straightforward. Before his breakout, Stan found himself in the running for some of the most recognisable roles in modern cinema—only to watch them slip through his fingers.
Reflecting on his early career, Stan recalled a particularly close call with a legendary science fiction figure.
“Captain Kirk for JJ Abrams was one of the first things that I got very close to,”
he shared.
“I was really close, and I had a screen test with him at Paramount studios, and my manager had me do a separate photoshoot where I would try and replicate all of these William Shatner pictures.”
Ultimately, the part of the young starship captain in the rebooted Star Trek franchise went to Chris Pine, who would go on to lead the Enterprise through three films. The first instalment revitalised the series, bringing it back into the cultural conversation. Over time, though, the impact of the sequels waned, and even Pine himself would later refer to the franchise as “cursed.”
Screen Tests and Second Thoughts
Stan’s brush with Star Trek wasn’t his only near miss. Another major opportunity came in the form of a superhero blockbuster.
“Green Lantern was another that I screen tested for,”
he explained.
“I remember getting there, and it was like me, Justin Timberlake, Jared Leto, Ryan Reynolds and maybe one other person, and I’m looking at these guys going, ‘I’m fucked! There’s no way this is happening!’”
As it turned out, his instincts were spot on. Ryan Reynolds landed the role of Hal Jordan in the DC adaptation, a decision that would haunt Reynolds for years. The film’s lukewarm reception nearly derailed his career, and he’s since spoken candidly about his dislike for the project.
Stan’s own disappointment was short-lived. While those two franchises became something of a poisoned chalice for their leading men, he soon found his own place in the spotlight. His first appearance as Bucky Barnes in Captain America: The First Avenger was just the beginning, but it was his turn in The Winter Soldier that truly established him as a household name.
Sliding Doors and Silver Linings
For Stan, missing out on those high-profile parts proved to be a blessing in disguise. The roles he didn’t get ended up being more trouble than triumph for their stars, while his own career took a different, arguably more rewarding, trajectory. Sometimes, the parts you don’t play are just as significant as the ones you do.