Kevin Feige Reveals True Culprit Behind Tom Cruise's Failed Iron Man Casting

Longtime followers of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are well aware of the persistent rumors surrounding Tom Cruise's supposed casting as Iron Man. For years, there have been conflicting reports about the Hollywood icon's involvement in the franchise with Cruise even dismissing it.

Now, Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige appears to have confirmed that the Top Gun star was indeed in the running to play Tony Stark before the role went to Robert Downey Jr.

But the wildest thing about it is that it was apparently supposed to happen 10 years even before the MCU's inception.

Also Read: Robert Downey Jr. Jokes About Tom Cruise's Potential Involvement in Iron Man 4

Real Reason for Tom Cruise's Failed Iron Man Casting Finally Revealed

Credit: Paramount Pictures

The new tell-all book MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios written by Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, and Gavin Edwards (via CinemaBlend) offers never-before-heard information that sheds new light on what exactly went wrong with Cruise's supposed Marvel involvement.

According to the book, Cruise was indeed considered for the part but it was long before the idea for the MCU was even conceived. His asking fee was also reportedly too much for 20th Century Fox to gamble on, especially considering Iron Man wasn't as formidable in terms of box office potential as other high-profile superheroes during the time.

The book reads: "Ten years earlier, when the Iron Man rights were at 20th Century Fox, Tom Cruise, then thirty-four, had flirted with the idea of playing Stark. According to Feige, however, Cruise’s asking fee at the time was more than even a profitable studio like Fox was willing to risk on an untested superhero property."

Also Read: Tom Cruise Wasn't Marvel Studios' Original Choice to Play Iron Man After All

Considering Batman was dominating the 90s, it was a smart move on Marvel's part not to pit Iron Man against the caped crusader. Then again, 1997's Batman & Robin bombed so hard that thinking about it now, it might have been the perfect opportunity for Marvel to capitalize on DC's fumble and get the upper hand.

The original Iron Man film is available to stream on Disney+.