Daniel Craig Rejected Playing One of the Strongest Asgardians in MCU – Setting Himself Up to Play One of Marvel’s Smartest Men Alive
Daniel Craig, who is renowned for playing James Bond to perfection, dazzled us in five 007 films. Fans adored him when he played Bond for the first time in Casino Royale. He was prepared for a new adventure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the titan of franchises, after his time as James Bond. Phase 4’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was a big deal, and Craig received an offer to play a strong Asgardian. He, however, turned down the role stunning many in the process. He appears to be keeping his eye on playing the role of one of Marvel’s smartest men alive.
Did Daniel Craig’s Doctor Strange 2 rejection signal a lost opportunity or a future bigger role?
After Spider-Man: No Way Home in Phase 4, a major film titled Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness premiered. This mind-blowing film transported us to multiple universes and variations of beloved characters. And Daniel Craig was slated to play Balder the Brave, an iconic Asgardian character from Marvel Comics who was first introduced in 1962 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
Balder the Brave, a major Asgardian from Marvel Comics, was supposed to be played by Daniel Craig. Although Balder is Thor’s half-brother, the film may have changed things somewhat to surprise us. As so far, the MCU has made Thor’s lineage as straightforward as possible. Balder played by Craig would have been a fantastic plot twist. But in this case, due to reasons unknown Craig rejected the role.
Some speculate that he may have declined this part because the character of Reed Richards, one of Marvel’s smartest men alive, caught his attention and there is a pretty good reason for this speculation. Many are unaware that the role of Reed Richards in Doctor Strange 2 was first offered to Craig and not John Krasinski.
Daniel Craig is up for a more significant role in Marvel?
Reports had been buzzing about Daniel Craig’s near appearance in the MCU as Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic, in Doctor Strange 2. Unfortunately, COVID-19 issues prevented the contract from going through, and John Krasinski ended up playing the part. Craig playing Mr. Fantastic was still a tantalizing possibility, and it would have been a dream come true for fans.
There is a lot of anticipation about the potential for Daniel Craig to have a key part in the MCU. Although Craig was passed over for the character of Reed Richards in Doctor Strange 2 there is hope that he may eventually play a more significant part in the MCU.
Given that fans have loved John Krasinski, who ultimately assumed the character of Reed Richards, this may even turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Krasinski’s Richard dies a little too quickly in the movie. Craig’s fans would have been left craving for more if he had taken on the role. Mr. Fantastic’s tiny role in Doctor Strange 2 opens the door for Craig to perhaps play a much more major role, extending his stay in the MCU. Mr. Fantastic of the Fantastic Four is one of Marvel’s greatest geniuses and Craig would be able to do the role justice.
Source: ScreenRant and Happy Sad Confused Podcast
