Did Chris Hemsworth Almost Land A Role In G.I. Joe: Rise Of Cobra Before Becoming Thor?

Did Chris Hemsworth Almost Land A Role In G.I. Joe: Rise Of Cobra Before Becoming Thor?

**Did Chris Hemsworth Almost Land a Role in G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra Before Becoming Thor?**

Before Chris Hemsworth became a global superstar for his iconic portrayal of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he was a relatively unknown actor vying for major roles. One of the most intriguing “what if” moments in his early career revolves around his near involvement in *G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra*, the 2009 action blockbuster based on the popular toy franchise. According to various reports, Hemsworth was considered for a role in the film before he was ultimately cast as the God of Thunder. So, could the Australian actor have been part of the *G.I. Joe* universe before taking on his signature superhero role? Let’s explore this fascinating piece of Hollywood history.

### **Chris Hemsworth and the Early Days of His Career**

Before *Thor* catapulted Hemsworth into international stardom in 2011, he was relatively unknown to mainstream audiences. The actor had appeared in several Australian TV series and a few minor roles in Hollywood films. However, it was his appearance in *Star Trek* (2009) as George Kirk, Captain James T. Kirk’s father, that helped him land more significant opportunities in Hollywood. As his career was gaining momentum, Hemsworth was eyeing roles in big-budget action films, and one of those was the 2009 *G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra*, directed by Stephen Sommers.

### **The Role Hemsworth Almost Played**

In *G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra*, there were multiple significant roles, with characters from the G.I. Joe universe coming to life on the big screen. Hemsworth was reportedly in the running to play the role of **Duke**, the charismatic and heroic leader of the G.I. Joe team, a role that eventually went to Channing Tatum. The character of Duke was a central figure in the film, and Tatum’s performance as the character became a fan favorite, especially in subsequent *G.I. Joe* films.

While Hemsworth did not land the role of Duke, his audition for the film is remembered as a pivotal moment in his career. The actor was reportedly very close to securing the part, but ultimately the producers decided that Tatum was a better fit for the character.

### **What If? Hemsworth and G.I. Joe: A Different Timeline**

Looking back, it’s interesting to imagine what would have happened if Hemsworth had been cast in *G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra* instead of Tatum. Hemsworth, known for his physicality and natural charisma, could have brought a different energy to the character of Duke, and perhaps his involvement in the *G.I. Joe* franchise might have propelled his career in a different direction. Would he have still become Thor? Or would the role of Duke have helped him land other major action roles in Hollywood, maybe even putting him on a different path altogether?

Interestingly, Hemsworth has spoken about the audition process and how, although he didn’t get the *G.I. Joe* role, he didn’t let it discourage him. He was determined to keep pushing for bigger and better opportunities. Just a few months later, he was cast as Thor in Kenneth Branagh’s *Thor* (2011), a role that would change his career and set him on a trajectory to become one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.

### **The Thor Role and Its Impact on Hemsworth’s Career**

While missing out on *G.I. Joe* might have been disappointing at the time, Hemsworth’s casting as Thor in the MCU proved to be a transformative moment in his career. *Thor* not only gave him an iconic character to portray but also provided him with numerous opportunities to appear in other blockbuster films, including the *Avengers* series, *Snow White and the Huntsman* (2012), and *Men in Black: International* (2019).

Hemsworth’s portrayal of Thor has earned him a dedicated fanbase and made him one of the most recognized actors in the world. It’s safe to say that if he had been in *G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra*, the MCU might have looked very different, and perhaps Hemsworth wouldn’t have become the global sensation he is today.

### **Conclusion: Fate’s Timing in Hollywood**

In Hollywood, timing is everything, and Chris Hemsworth’s rise to fame was a result of being in the right place at the right time. Though he almost landed a role in *G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra*, it was his casting as Thor that truly defined his career. Looking back, it’s clear that Hemsworth’s journey to stardom wasn’t solely about luck but also about persistence, talent, and taking on the right roles at the right moments.

While we’ll never know what might have happened if Hemsworth had joined the *G.I. Joe* franchise, one thing is certain: his portrayal of Thor has secured his place as one of Hollywood’s most beloved action stars. As for *G.I. Joe*, the franchise continues to thrive, and who knows? Hemsworth might still make an appearance in future films, but this time, as a hero in his own right.