MovieChat Forums > American Assassin (2017) Discussion > Was this an origin film from the start?

Was this an origin film from the start?

posted 8 years ago by ImGrumpy
2 replies | jump to latest

I heard Chris Hemsworth was considered for this role first. I thought it was a bit odd to ask Chris Hemsworth to do this role first, and then Dylan O'Brien is cast instead. Dylan and Chris are not only different as far as appearances go, but there's also a bit of an age gap between them too. And I don't think Chris Hemsworth can pass for a 20 something yr old college kid.

My question is, was this an origin movie when Chris was asked to play the part, or did it get turned into one after he turned it down? And that's when a younger actor was considered instead?

And was there any other young actor besides Dylan consider?

I was just curious.

[–] eahmouse 8 years ago

It was always an origin story. I hear a lot of names thrown around that fans of the book wanted for the role and they were all way to old and to muscular and bulky. I think the casting of Dylan is perfect. I haven't heard of any other actors having actually been considered but some people in the general public have tossed around some other younger guys like Taylor Lautner and the guy who played Peeta in the hunger games. I don't think either of them would be right for the part at all.

[–] creolegurl81 8 years ago

The names that were being tossed around in the beginning were so completely wrong for this, with Hemsworth the most wrong. He doesn't even look remotely like Mitch Rapp. Dylan's eyes are brown but not real dark brown but other than that, he's physically perfect to play Mitch.

I'm sure Taylor Lautner is a nice guy but no one should be casting him in anything.