Conflicting schedules often lead to difficulties in Hollywood, as an actor’s desire to participate in a project may not align with their prior commitments. If an actor is already contracted for another job, there’s simply no room for additional roles. The summer of 2023 brought about challenges for many performers due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which halted production for several months, leaving some artists unable to meet all their obligations. For instance, Steven Yeun was initially cast as Bob Reynolds (a.k.a. Sentry) in Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts, but had to withdraw, allowing Lewis Pullman to step in instead. Not only did big-budget superhero films feel the pressure, but other productions also suffered as a result.
Fresh from the success of the unexpected horror sensation “Barbarian“, director Zach Cregger was gearing up for his next cinematic venture, titled “Weapons“. Similar to “Barbarian“, “Weapons” aimed to delve into profound themes within the horror genre. Warner Bros. Discovery had no intention of holding back when it came to assembling a star-studded cast for “Weapons“. However, just before filming commenced, nearly every role needed to be filled again.
2025’s Most Important Leading Man Nearly Put a Weapons-Sized Notch on His Belt
In 2025, one can hardly envision a time without Pedro Pascal’s presence, as he consistently graces both the big and small screen with his captivating performances. Week after week, it seems there’s another movie of his poised to top the box office charts, and he’s not just limited to films – he’s also a key player on one of the most popular TV shows of the year, HBO’s “The Last of Us.”
Despite appearances, it becomes clear that Pascal manages to squeeze numerous projects into his schedule. However, what might be even more surprising is the number of roles he turns down. Initially slated to portray Archer Graff, a grieving father, in Cregger’s “Weapons,” Pascal’s busy schedule presented challenges (as reported by Entertainment Weekly). When it became evident that Pascal wouldn’t be available when the production required him, director Cregger understood that his initial vision for the cast might not materialize.
Another actor from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brian Tyree Henry from “Eternals,” and Renate Reinsve, known for her role in “The Worst Person in the World,” had to withdraw from the project. Originally cast as the schoolteacher who found herself in a controversial situation when most of her class vanished mysteriously during the night, only Austin Abrams chose to remain with the film. This decision seems to have paid off, as “Weapons” is currently generating buzz and expected to rake in substantial box office revenue following its release on August 8th.
Weapons Is a Smash Hit Despite Losing Its Original Cast
Despite numerous actors leaving his project, Cregger remained undeterred in his faith. Alongside his dedicated crew, he persevered in seeking out fresh talent to embody his intricate characters. Notable newcomers include Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, and Benedict Wong. Filming commenced in May 2024, with the film premiering in theaters approximately a year later. The reviews for Weapons have been nothing short of exceptional. On Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer, it boasts an impressive 96% Fresh rating, and audiences seem to echo this sentiment, showering the movie with praise that celebrates Cregger’s vision and the actors’ performances. Garner, in particular, has garnered acclaim for her portrayal of a complex character, with both critics and fans lauding her for bringing depth to a tragic figure.
It’s unlikely that Cregger is overly concerned about the current box office performance of other films, but it’s tough to overlook the prediction that Weapons will outperform The Fantastic Four: First Steps during its opening weekend. Even though Pascal’s new superhero movie has been released a few weeks prior, Marvel movies usually have stronger staying power, particularly in summer. This just underscores the fact that audiences are drawn to unique concepts like those created by Cregger, given the high cost of going to the theater these days. However, Cregger’s upcoming film will find him venturing into another creative world as he strives to revive the Resident Evil franchise on the big screen. Such a movie might be more appealing to Pascal, who has a knack for joining established properties with dedicated fanbases.
Weapons is in theaters now.
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2025-08-08 21:15