James Cameron says Chris Evans and Channing Tatum were almost cast in Avatar

James Cameron, the director of Avatar, has revealed that Chris Evans and Channing Tatum were nearly cast in the role occupied by Sam Worthington.

Sam Worthington’s appearance as Jake Sully in Avatar means that he has starred in the most successful movie of all time but we have now learned that there were two more high profile actors that could have got the role.

Speaking to Empire, director James Cameron name drops two big stars, saying that Worthington was one of three names in line for the role: “Chris Evans, and Sam, and Channing Tatum. That was my choice. I really liked Channing’s appeal. I liked Chris’ appeal. They were both great guys. But Sam had a quality of voice and a quality of intensity. Everybody did about the same on all the material through the script, except for the final speech where he stands up and says, ‘This is our land, ride now, go as fast as the wind can carry you.’ That whole thing. I would have followed him into battle. And I wouldn’t have followed the other guys. They’ve since gone onto fantastic careers and all that, but Sam was ready. He was ready.”

While Worthington will be reprising the role in the in-production Avatar sequels it’s interesting to think how different the film could have been if he hadn’t nailed that speech during the audition. Would you have liked to have seen Chris Evans or Channing Tatum in Avatar?

SEE ALSO: James Cameron confirms rumoured Avatar sequel titles, but they are subject to change

Originally published February 19, 2019. Updated January 5, 2020.