In the glitzy, high-stakes world of Hollywood, every audition counts. The industry is rife with stories of actors who narrowly missed out on roles that went on to define the careers of others. For Alan Ritchson, one such story involves one of the biggest franchises in cinematic history: the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Ritchson, now celebrated for his portrayal of Jack Reacher, once had the chance to play a major Marvel superhero, but his casual approach to the audition may have cost him the role of a lifetime.

Alan Ritchson is no stranger to the spotlight. He has spent years navigating the turbulent waters of the entertainment industry, honing his craft, and steadily building his reputation. With his chiseled physique and undeniable screen presence, Ritchson seemed like a natural fit for superhero roles. However, when the opportunity arose to audition for the role of Thor, the God of Thunder, in the MCU, Ritchson’s approach was far from what one might expect from an actor vying for such a coveted part.

Back in 2011, when the casting process for Thor was still ongoing, Ritchson decided to throw his hat into the ring. The role, which required both physical prowess and a commanding screen presence, seemed like it could be a perfect match for the actor, who had already made a name for himself with his portrayal of Aquaman in the TV series Smallville. Yet, despite recognizing the potential impact the role could have on his career, Ritchson made a critical error: he underestimated the importance of the acting itself.

In a candid interview with Men’s Health, Ritchson reflected on his mindset during the audition process. He admitted that he didn’t take the audition as seriously as he should have. “I didn’t take it seriously,” Ritchson confessed. “I was like, ‘They’ll throw me the part if I look like the guy; nobody really cares about acting.’ ” It was a statement that revealed not just a misunderstanding of the casting process, but also a missed opportunity to showcase his full range of talents.

Ritchson’s belief that the role of Thor would be awarded based on physical appearance alone was a significant miscalculation. While it’s true that superhero roles often require actors to embody the larger-than-life physicality of their characters, the ability to convey depth, emotion, and relatability is equally crucial. The casting directors were not merely looking for someone who looked the part; they wanted an actor who could bring the character to life in a way that resonated with audiences on a deeper level.

Unfortunately for Ritchson, his lackluster approach to the audition cost him dearly. Despite his impressive physique and his potential to fill the role, the casting team decided to go in a different direction. Chris Hemsworth, an Australian actor who was relatively unknown at the time, ultimately landed the role of Thor. Hemsworth’s portrayal of the Norse god would go on to become iconic, with the actor bringing both the physicality and the emotional depth necessary to make Thor one of the most beloved characters in the MCU.

Looking back, Ritchson has acknowledged his mistake, recognizing that he had missed a golden opportunity. His team was reportedly told that the role was his to lose, but his nonchalant attitude towards the acting aspect of the role led the casting directors to believe he didn’t have the “craft” necessary to do it justice. It’s a lesson that Ritchson has carried with him, one that underscores the importance of fully committing to every aspect of a role, no matter how physically suited one might be.

Despite this setback, Ritchson’s career didn’t come to a standstill. After losing out on the role of Thor, he continued to pursue other opportunities in Hollywood. He auditioned for several major roles, including Finnick Odair in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, though he didn’t land that part either. However, these experiences didn’t deter him. Instead, they fueled his determination to find a role that would finally give him the recognition he deserved.

In 2014, Ritchson joined the cast of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, voicing the character of Raphael. The role allowed him to tap into his physicality while also showcasing his vocal talents, but it was still a far cry from the leading man status he sought. As the years went on, Ritchson continued to build his resume with guest appearances in popular shows like Black Mirror, New Girl, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. These roles, while significant, still didn’t provide the breakthrough he was looking for.

Then, in 2022, everything changed for Ritchson when he was cast as the lead in the Amazon Prime series Reacher. The role of Jack Reacher, a character created by author Lee Child, proved to be the perfect fit for Ritchson. His portrayal of the towering, no-nonsense former military police officer was met with widespread acclaim. Fans and critics alike praised Ritchson for his ability to capture the essence of Reacher, blending physical intimidation with a nuanced performance that brought the character’s complexities to life.

The success of Reacher marked a turning point in Ritchson’s career. Finally, he had found a role that not only showcased his physical abilities but also allowed him to demonstrate his acting chops. The series’ popularity quickly propelled Ritchson into the spotlight, leading to a surge of new opportunities. “I had about 50 offers the weekend after season 1 of Reacher opened,” Ritchson shared. “I knew my life had changed.”

Indeed, Reacher has done for Ritchson what the role of Thor might have done a decade earlier. It has solidified his status as a leading man in Hollywood, with the added bonus of proving that he is much more than just a physically imposing figure. The critical success of the series, which boasts a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, has opened doors for Ritchson that were previously out of reach.

As Reacher gears up for its third season, Ritchson’s career shows no signs of slowing down. He has now become one of the most sought-after actors in the industry, with a range of projects in the pipeline. His journey from losing out on a major Marvel role to becoming the star of a hit series is a testament to his resilience and growth as an actor. Ritchson’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes, the roles we don’t get can teach us the most valuable lessons.

Reflecting on his journey, Ritchson has expressed gratitude for the path his career has taken, even with its ups and downs. Missing out on Thor may have been a disappointment at the time, but it ultimately led him to where he is today—a place of success and fulfillment in his craft. “Everything happens for a reason,” Ritchson has said in interviews, acknowledging that his career’s trajectory, though unexpected, has been rewarding in ways he couldn’t have anticipated.

In an industry where looks and physicality often take precedence, Alan Ritchson’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of the craft of acting. His experience with the Thor audition underscores the need for actors to take every opportunity seriously, to approach each role with the dedication it deserves, and to understand that true success comes from a combination of talent, hard work, and the right mindset.

As Ritchson continues to rise in Hollywood, his story will likely serve as an inspiration to aspiring actors who face similar challenges. His journey from a missed opportunity to a major breakthrough highlights the importance of perseverance and the value of learning from one’s mistakes. And while the role of Thor may have slipped through his fingers, Alan Ritchson has proven that with the right attitude and determination, even the biggest setbacks can lead to greater successes down the road.

In the end, Alan Ritchson’s tale is not just about losing out on a superhero role; it’s about finding the hero within himself—one who is determined, resilient, and ready to take on whatever challenges come his way. As he continues to make his mark on the industry, there’s no doubt that Ritchson’s star will only continue to rise, proving that sometimes, the roles we lose are just stepping stones to the ones that truly define us.