Who can ever forget the iconic roles of Henry Cavill and Heath Ledger in the superhero realm? While one might have played a deranged villain, the other was a classic character that soon became a fan favorite. The world might never forget their memorable performances and would probably struggle to see them take up any other character. However, before they settled into their roles, both actors tried their hands at vying for a Batman role.

While the idea of the stars going head to head for an iconic role would make for a good story on its own, the addition of a superhero role gave fans another what-if to ponder.

Henry Cavill and Heath Ledger crossed paths over Batman

Back in 2004-2005, before Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins stunned the world, Henry Cavill and Heath Ledger had both tried to audition for the role of the caped crusader. While the role eventually went to Christian Bale, the story of their efforts was one to remember. Although most would audition for a role they want, the Man of Steel star never formally auditioned and missed his opportunity.

Ledger, however, went another way. While he auditioned for the role, he started feeling as though he might not be the best fit for the superhero role. He may have been as astounding as Batman, but there is no doubt that it would have never come close to his iconic role as the crown prince of crime. Although Henry Cavill and the 10 Things I Hate About You star missed their chance to play Gotham’s protector, they eventually ended up right where they belonged.

While both the actors ended up starring in a superhero franchise of their own, Heath Ledger’s drive stood out from the rest.

How Heath Ledger and Henry Cavill got their iconic roles

After letting Christopher Nolan’s first Batman film slip through their fingers, Henry Cavill and Heath Ledger did not let it happen again. While the Superman actor upheld the character’s legacy once he got the role, it took him a while before he landed it. In 2013, the world got to see the now 40-year-old in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel. That was enough to skyrocket him to be on the list of fan favorites and causes debates to this day.

For Ledger, however, the path was quite different. After Batman Begins came out, the actor reached out to Nolan, as he felt that he would fit the role of the Joker. His intrigue in the role ended up making him the only actor to be offered the role back then. While it may have happened years ago, the battle of who was the best Joker will forever be an ongoing battle in the fandom.

What do you think about Henry Cavill and Heath Ledger trying out for the role of Batman? Let us know in the comments below.