One of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness's major cameos was reportedly almost played by Daniel Craig. Major spoilers ahead!
In the Marvel movie, the MCU's version of the Illuminati is introduced. The secret superhero group consists of Hayley Atwell's Captain Carter, Lashana Lynch's Captain Marvel, Chiwetel Ejiofor's Mordo, Anson Mount's Black Bolt, Patrick Stewart's Professor X, and John Krasinski's Mr. Fantastic.
It's that last major appearance that was almost played by the James Bond actor. Despite Krasinski being a popular fan cast for the role, it turns out he reportedly wasn't top of the list.
According to Deadline's Justin Kroll: "Fun fact, Krasinski wasn't the first choice, the actor originally set to play the role was all set to shoot but when there was an uptick in COVID cases, he backed out as he was living in London and didn't think the quick shoot [was] worth risk of bringing back COVID to the fam." If that all sounds too vague, he accompanied his tweet with a GIF of Craig.
Fun fact, Krasinski wasn’t the first choice, the actor originally set to play the role was all set to shoot but when there was an uptick in COVID cases, he backed out as he was living in London and didn’t think the quick shoot wasn’t worth risk of bringing back COVID to the fam pic.twitter.com/sD9nT0omkiMay 14, 2022
Fans rejoiced to see Krasinski in the role, so maybe the change was for the best – though it would've definitely been a huge surprise to see Craig suited up as the super stretchy hero. It also would have meant a mini No Time to Die reunion with Lynch, who played the new 007 Nomi in Craig's final movie as Bond.
Unfortunately for Mr. Fantastic, though, he didn't make it out of Doctor Strange 2 alive. Elizabeth Olsen's fully powered up Scarlet Witch ended up killing every single member of the Illuminati bar Mordo, so it remains to be seen if Krasinski will return to the role for the upcoming Fantastic Four movie.
Doctor Strange 2 is in theaters now. For much more on the movie, check out our guides to:
- Doctor Strange 2 ending explained
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- Our guide to Marvel Phase 4
- The rumored Doctor Strange cameos that never came true
- All the Doctor Strange 2 Easter eggs listed
- What does 616 in Doctor Strange 2 mean?
- Where Doctor Strange 2 fits on the Marvel timeline
- Who is Charlize Theron in Doctor Strange 2?
- Our full WandaVision recap
- The Marvel movies and shows to watch before Doctor Strange 2
- When is Doctor Strange 2 on Disney Plus?
- How to watch the Marvel movies in order
- Is Doctor Strange 2 too scary for children?
