Hiring Jim Caviezel instead of James Marsden as Cyclops might have undermined the X-Men franchise’s core values.

Throughout its long-standing and iconic run, the X-Men franchise has cast generations of actors in superhero roles, to maintain the film series’ relevance among fans and offer fresh takes on the stories. However, there are a few stars who came inches close to the franchise, and yet failed to make the cut.

Jim Caviezel in Sound of Freedom (2023) | Santa Fe Films

Jim Caviezel happens to be one among them who was almost cast in Bryan Singer’s X-Men (2000), but lost the role to James Marsden, at the last minute. Although it was a heartbreaking loss for Caviezel, the Marvel franchise seemingly saved its reputation from tarnishing, considering the actor’s controversial views.

Jim Caviezel was Almost Cast as Cyclops Instead of James Marsden

Back in the early 2000s, the decision of who would embody Cyclops in Bryan Singer’s X-Men was more than just a casting call; it was rather a pivotal moment for the future of the superhero franchise. Therefore, Marvel was deeply invested in the casting decision of the character, when Jim Caviezel was considered for the role.

Famously known for The Passion of the Christ and Person of Interest, Jim Caviezel told IGN in 2004, about how he was initially sought for the role of Cyclops. But unfortunately, Caviezel was forced to withdraw himself from being linked to the project due to scheduling conflicts with the sci-fi thriller Frequency.

It really happened really quick. The role, Cyclops, was at the time between doing Cyclops and another film I made at the time, Frequency. I can’t remember. I was more involved in the Frequency film than [X-Men].

Following Jim Caviezel’s drop out, two other actors were rumored to be in talks – Vince Vaughn and Edward Norton. But eventually, it seems James Marsden was fated to play Cyclops in Bryan Singer’s X-Men. Therefore, after a bunch of actors lost the role, Marsden ultimately stepped into the mutant character.

Jim Caviezel’s Casting Might Have Wrecked X-Men’s Reputation and Legacy 

In retrospect, it seems James Marsden saved the X-Men franchise from downfall since Jim Caviezel’s casting as Cyclops could have proved to be disastrous for the franchise. Given Caviezel’s appearance as Jesus in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, which not only won him acclaim but also associated him with Gibson’s polarizing views, it might have had a negative impact on the X-Men series.

As per MSN, after appearing in the 2004 movie, Jim Caviezel, unfortunately became tabloid-laden with supposed controversies for his unrestrained opinions. Further, considering his political observations and alleged involvement in conspiracy theories, Caviezel’s public persona would have evidently diverged from the values embodied by the X-Men franchise.

Jim Caviezel as Jesus in Mel Gibson’s 2004 movie

Since its inception, the X-Men series has been more than just about superheroes. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the comics highlighted the struggles faced by marginalized communities. Further, adapted into live-action films, the franchise’s core themes of diversity, tolerance, and the fight against prejudice were flawlessly brought to the screen, and resonate strongly with audiences.

James Marsden as Cyclops in the X-Men franchise | Marvel Studios

Therefore, had Jim Caviezel been cast as Cyclops, his appearance might have affected the reputation of the franchise. Caviezel’s presumed controversial stances could have brought unwelcome scrutiny and divisiveness to the X-Men films, overshadowing the franchise’s message of unity. So, in contrast, James Marsden’s portrayal of Cyclops seems like a safe choice, in retrospect.

X-Men (2000) is available on Disney+.