Zack Snyder revealed that Tom Cruise fought to secure a key role in his film Watchmen, although he couldn’t decide which one.
Tl;dr
- Tom Cruise wanted to star in Zack Snyder’s film Watchmen.
- Tom Cruise wanted to portray the character of Rorschach, but Zack Snyder had considered him for Ozymandias.
- Tom Cruise’s ambition could have led to an interesting portrayal of Rorschach.
- Zack Snyder ultimately chose Jackie Earle Haley for the role.
Tom Cruise, a Missed Rorschach?
American director Zack Snyder has revealed that actor Tom Cruise showed keen interest in a key role in his film Watchmen. Although the 2009 adaptation of Alan Moore’s graphic novel was praised for its fidelity and dark aesthetics, it puzzled some viewers unfamiliar with the original work.
A Bold Choice
Tom Cruise, best known for undeniable hero roles like Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible or Maverick in Top Gun, could have delivered a dark and morally complex interpretation of the character Rorschach. However, Zack Snyder had already chosen Jackie Earle Haley for that role. According to Zack Snyder, Tom Cruise would have been entirely capable of embodying this complex and obscure character.
Divergent Choices
During an interview with Happy Sad Confused, Zack Snyder stated: “I wanted Tom Cruise for Ozymandias. Tom wanted to play Rorschach.” The filmmaker admitted that he could have considered Tom Cruise for the role of Rorschach if Jackie Earle Haley had not already been selected.
A Different Rorschach
Despite Zack Snyder’s final decision, Tom Cruise’s ambition and commitment to his roles could have led to an interesting portrayal of Rorschach. Known for performing most of his own, often dangerous stunts, the actor could have utilized this skill for a more action-oriented Rorschach.
What Do We Think?
While the choice of an actor for a specific role may seem insignificant at first glance, it can actually radically transform the interpretation and perception of a character. Imagining Tom Cruise as Rorschach offers a fascinating perspective on what could have been. It underscores the importance of casting in the success of a film adaptation. Perhaps in an alternate universe, we would have seen a different, equally captivating Rorschach.