Will Smith is a tried and tested actor in Hollywood whose acting skill sets have led to blockbusters of many genres. As Tinseltown’s mainstay, Smith has given birth to several projects from remarkable makers during the three decades of his acting career that other artists only wish they had their hands on. Despite being regarded as Hollywood’s one of the most dependable stars, there was a film where Smith was not initially the director's first choice. Before the filmmakers decided on the Oscar winner, they considered two other esteemed actors.

The movie involved a doppelgänger and underwent several recastings before the filmmakers ultimately chose Smith as their preferred lead.

In October 2019, a doppelgänger flick, Gemini Man starring Will Smith, was released in the theaters that had long undergone consecutive hassles of recasting. As per official reports, the slots for the dual role were initially slated for filling by Nicholas Cage and Sean Connery when the film was re-titled Gemini in 2000. In 2009, Joe Carnahan developed a test footage with Clint Eastwood as the assassin. 

Carnahan reportedly also considered Jon Voight for the role. However, in 2016, Skydance Media ultimately acquired the film from Disney with Jerry Bruckheimer as the producer, along with David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger. Ang Lee was hired to direct the film for Paramount Pictures and Skydance in April 2017, the same month Smith was tapped for the lead role. 

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For those presuming these names as the only actors considered for running in the role played by Smith, they could not be more wrong. The film previously had undergone a set of casting preferences in the 90s as well. 

The story of Gemini Man is not a Gen Z product but a true millennial outcome. In 1997, Darren Lemke sold his pitch for the movie, which was pursued by Walt Disney Pictures, who outdid Warner Bros. for the project. As Tony Scott was in talks to direct the film, Harrison Ford was in the running for the lead roles along with Chris O'Donnell.

As the producers were considering the idea of visual effects, Mel Gibson also briefly boarded the movie. However, his induction was limited to a shot of test footage before he took his leave from the project. After that, Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery were considered as possible contenders for the lead role. However, in 2017, Will Smith settled the debate and took on the roles of Henry Brogan and Jackson Brogan, making them known worldwide.

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Did you know the actors who were being considered for Will Smith's role in Gemini Man before him? Let us know in the comments below!