Over a career that spans three decades, Leonardo DiCaprio has appeared in everything from sitcoms to independent films to massive blockbusters — but never a superhero movie. It’s easy to assume that an actor who has been nominated for six Academy Awards (he won for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in 2016 for The Revenant) might shy away from movies that lack the cache of the character-driven fare that usually attracts DiCaprio; however, with projects like Watchmen and Joker elevating the genre beyond pure (mindless) action films, there have been ample meaty roles that DiCaprio could have sunk his teeth into. So, why hasn’t he ever appeared in a superhero movie?
DiCaprio appeared in the critically-acclaimed films This Boy’s Life and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (for which he received his first Oscar nomination), as well as less well-received fare such as The Quick and the Dead, Total Eclipse, and The Basketball Diaries before starring in the film that made him a heartthrob and a household name, Titanic. DiCaprio has spoken in interviews about his affection for the film. It paved the way for DiCaprio to work with directors such as Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, and Quentin Tarantino. DiCaprio is impossible to pigeonhole, playing a wide assortment of characters from a reclusive billionaire, to a charismatic con artist, to a mental patient, to a washed-up TV actor, to an undercover cop — so why is he conspicuously absent when it comes to the superhero genre? Oscar winners Jeff Bridges, Brie Larson, Gwyneth Paltrow, William Hurt, Ben Affleck, and Natalie Portman are just a few who have gone on to appear in a Marvel or DC project.
It isn’t because DiCaprio hasn’t had the opportunity. In an interview with ShortList, DiCaprio confirmed he hadn’t found the right project. He met with director Joel Schumacher about possibly playing Robin in Batman Forever, but DiCaprio confessed he wasn’t interested in the role despite considering Schumacher to be a “very talented director.” DiCaprio also mentioned being contacted about Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man, but again, DiCaprio “didn’t feel ready to put on the suit yet.” The part the eventually went to DiCaprio’s friend Tobey Maguire. DiCaprio was careful not to disparage either franchise. When asked if he wanted to play a superhero, DiCaprio responded, “You never know. They’re getting better and better as far as complex characters in these movies. I haven’t yet. But no, I don’t rule out anything.” It seems DiCaprio is open to a superhero movie under the right circumstances.
When the news of Warner Bros. Joker origin movie broke, Martin Scorsese was listed among the producers. Sources stated the studio was hoping Scorsese’s involvement would lure DiCaprio to the project. The plan didn’t work, and with DC introducing the multiverse in 2022, this could be one reason DiCaprio shied away from these types of movies. A stand-alone film might tempt DiCaprio more than recreating a character in a long-running franchise.
DiCaprio remains elusive when it comes to headlining a superhero vehicle, despite many A-listers eagerly attaching themselves to these high-profile projects. DiCaprio is familiar with the Marvel universe: his father was an underground comics distributor [via Rolling Stone]. The actor is also a huge fan of Stan Lee. Before his death, Lee claimed DiCaprio was interested in playing the comic book legend in a biopic. DiCaprio may always be the type of actor who is more interested in playing the man behind the masks than any of the characters wearing them.
News
How did Jodie Foster typecast herself by being so good at her job?
Jodie Foster has portrayed a wide range of characters on screen. She captured hearts as the precocious teen in Freaky Friday and stunned audiences with her role in Taxi Driver. In The Silence of the Lambs and Panic Room, she demonstrated a steely resolve paired with human…
Jodie Foster sets her next film, and more casting news this week
Jodie Foster is going from Night Country to wine country. According to Variety, the Academy Award-winning actress has set her first project since starring in True Detective‘s fourth season earlier this year. She’ll lead the film Vie Privée, an upcoming French language project from director Rebecca…
Justin Bieber has ‘alienated’ people around him amid ex-mentor Sean Diddy’s arrest: ‘His family members are…’
Justin Bieber has “alienated” people around him as he “doesn’t trust them”, said an insider, claiming that the singer has done “some really crazy s-t.” While Justin Bieber has strongly rejected any connection with the allegations against Sean Diddy Combs, the American…
Oscar-Winner Jodie Foster Cast in Rebecca Zlotowski’s Latest French Film
Jodie Foster Cast in New French Film Academy Award-winning actress, Jodie Foster, has come on board the latest film from director Rebecca Zlotowski, Vie Privée. Jodie Foster, who is fluent in French, will be starring in the upcoming international film, Vie Privée. This film…
‘Yellowjackets’ Season 3: Everything To Know So Far About The Doomed Team’s Return To The Wilderness
Yellowjackets has been streaming on Paramount+ for years, but the survival/coming-of-age series recently received the famed Netflix boost. The series’ second season did lose some momentum while it aired, and that season isn’t on Netflix as of yet (and hopefully, you aren’t reading…
Jodie Foster Reacts To First Emmy Win
Jodie Foster, one of the most celebrated actresses of our time, has made headlines with her recent Emmy win, marking a remarkable comeback year in her illustrious career. After being nominated for an Academy Award for the first time in…
End of content
No more pages to load