You won’t believe who almost landed the role of Four in the Divergent series. This A-list megastar was this close to playing the mysterious Dauntless leader and love interest of Tris Prior. We’re talking about none other than Tom Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick co-star Val Kilmer. Just imagine if Iceman had taken on the part instead of Theo James. It would have been a totally different dynamic with Shailene Woodley. Not that Val isn’t talented, but Theo brought the perfect mix of tough yet tender. And let’s be real, seeing 56-year-old Val kiss 20-something Shailene would have been more than a little creepy. Theo was definitely the right choice. But an action star like Val probably dodged a bullet not getting sucked into a YA franchise that fizzled out.
Theo James Landed the Role of Tobias Eaton in the Divergent Franchise
As a fan of the Divergent book series, you were likely excited to find out who would play the mysterious and stoic Tobias “Four” Eaton. The role ultimately went to up-and-coming British actor Theo James, who beat out many well-known actors for the part.
James’ audition blew away producers and executives at Summit Entertainment. His natural charisma and ability to portray Tobias’ intensity and tough exterior while hinting at a softer side made him the perfect choice. Some fans were hesitant at first, since James was not very well known, but he quickly won viewers over with his spot-on portrayal of Tobias.
It’s hard to imagine now, but Tom Cruise was actually considered for the role early on. While Cruise is obviously a huge star, he did not fit the image of Tobias nearly as well as James. Tobias is meant to be youthful and a bit rough around the edges, which contrasts with Cruise’s polished action hero persona. James’ relative newcomer status also allowed audiences to see him as Tobias first, rather than as a big-name celebrity.
Casting James as Tobias turned out to be the perfect choice and helped launch him into stardom. His natural chemistry with Shailene Woodley as Tris elevated the romance in the films. James’ dedication to the role and ability to capture Tobias’ complicated nature endeared him to both fans of the books and general audiences. While the Divergent films were not always critically acclaimed, James’ and Woodley’s performances were frequently praised.
Without Theo James, the Divergent films would have felt incomplete. He embodied the Tobias Eaton from the books and brought the character to life on screen. James’ star has continued to rise following the series, but for many fans he will always be the perfect Four.
Tom Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick Co-Star Val Kilmer Was Originally Cast as Four
Val Kilmer was initially cast in the role of Four for the Divergent film adaptation, but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts with other projects. Instead, the role went to up-and-coming British actor Theo James. Looking back, Kilmer dodged a bullet here. While the Divergent series went on to become a commercial success, earning over $347 million at the box office, the films received mixed to negative reviews from critics.
As Kilmer told an interviewer, “I was offered a lead role in that Divergent film but had to turn it down to do small role in Top Gun.” At the time, reprising his role as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick alongside co-star Tom Cruise was a higher priority. Cruise, who also served as a producer on the sequel, emphasized the importance of bringing back Kilmer to reprise his iconic role.
Kilmer’s decision proved to be the right one. Top Gun: Maverick earned rave reviews and over $1.4 billion at the worldwide box office. Meanwhile, the Divergent series stalled after the third film, with the final installment, Ascendant, ultimately being canceled. While James’ performance as Four was praised, the films were criticized as “clichéd” and “predictable”.
Looking back, Kilmer dodged a bullet with his choice to pass on Divergent in favor of the Top Gun sequel. His reprisal of Iceman ended up being an integral part of Maverick’s success and pop culture resurgence. At the same time, the Divergent series failed to live up to expectations as just another YA dystopian franchise lost in the shuffle. Kilmer’s gut instinct to stick with the classic ‘80s blockbuster franchise over the unproven YA series was clearly the right choice. Sometimes you have to go with what you know.
Why Val Kilmer Ultimately Turned Down the Role of Tobias Eaton
When it came time to cast the role of Tobias “Four” Eaton in the Divergent film franchise, Val Kilmer was actually one of the top contenders. However, health issues ultimately prevented the actor from taking on the part. ###Throat Tumor Diagnosis In 2014, the same year Divergent began filming, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer. The tumor and subsequent treatment severely impacted his ability to speak, making it impossible for him to take on such a prominent role that required extensive dialogue. ###Recovery Process Kilmer underwent intensive treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation, to combat the throat tumor. The recovery process was long and arduous, often leaving the actor unable to speak for days at a time. Kilmer has said that at some points, he could barely whisper. A role like Four, which demanded emotional depth and verbal nuance, would have been extraordinarily taxing in his condition.
Right Role at the Wrong Time
By Kilmer’s own accounts, he would have loved to play Four and felt it was the right role for him. However, the timing could not have been worse given his health crisis. The physical demands of filming a major action franchise were more than he could take on during treatment and recovery.
While the role of Four ultimately went to Theo James, who starred opposite Shailene Woodley’s Tris Prior, Kilmer has expressed no regret. His health and recovery were far more important. Though his throat cancer caused a long hiatus from acting, Kilmer has since reprised some minor roles and continues to make the most of second chances post-treatment. For Kilmer, real life took precedence over any movie role, no matter how ideal it seemed. His battle against cancer allowed him to gain a new perspective on priorities and separate the significant from the superficial in his life and career.
Could Tom Cruise Have Played the Divergent Character?
Have you ever wondered what the Divergent series would have been like if Tom Cruise had played Four instead of Theo James? As strange as it seems, Cruise actually auditioned for the role. While the blockbuster actor likely would have brought extra star power, we’re glad the role ultimately went to James.
A Younger Choice
At the time of filming, Cruise was in his early 50s, nearly twice the age of Four in the books. James, on the other hand, was in his late 20s, much closer to the character’s age. Having an actor who’s visibly far too old play a character can be distracting for audiences and damage the believability of a story. James was able to embody a youthful, rebellious spirit that matched Four’s personality.
Better Chemistry
James and Shailene Woodley (who played Tris) had an instant chemistry that showed through on screen. Their age similarity and comparable life experiences probably helped them connect during filming. While Cruise is a seasoned actor, the age gap may have made it harder to establish that kind of believable romance and rapport, especially given Tris’ youth and inexperience.
Avoiding Typecasting
Cruise playing Four may have felt like typecasting, as he frequently takes on roles as a charismatic action hero. James brought a fresher take on the character without the baggage of being strongly associated with similar parts. His casting allowed Four’s complex, mysterious nature to shine through unencumbered by the audience’s preconceptions.
In the end, James embodied the role of Four perfectly and brought authenticity that may have been missing with another choice. While Cruise will continue to shine in other blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick, Divergent found its ideal leading man in Theo James. The series just wouldn’t have been the same without him.
Theo James Was the Perfect Choice to Play Shailene Woodley’s Love Interest
When the casting for Four in the Divergent series was announced, some fans were skeptical about the selection of Theo James for the role. At 30, he was a decade older than Shailene Woodley, who had already been cast as Tris Prior. However, James and Woodley had an instant chemistry and connection that translated beautifully on-screen. ###Their real-life friendship and affection for one another made their romance as Tris and Four believable and endearing to fans.
Four is a complex character. As an instructor for the Dauntless, he is stern, intimidating, and takes his job seriously. However, there is a sensitive, compassionate side to Four that he only reveals to Tris. James was able to capture this duality and depth, showing Four’s toughness in training and action sequences but also his tenderness in private moments with Tris.
If Tom Cruise had taken the role instead, the dynamic between Tris and Four would have likely felt very different. At over 20 years Woodley’s senior, Cruise may have struggled to establish the natural, youthful chemistry she shared with James. The age difference could have also made some of their romantic scenes feel inappropriate or forced. While Cruise is a seasoned action star, James brought a raw physicality and spontaneity to the stunts and combat that matched Woodley’s fresh-faced enthusiasm as she trained to become a Dauntless.
Overall, Theo James was perfectly cast as Tobias “Four” Eaton. He and Shailene Woodley made the perfect on-screen pair, and their natural charisma and teamwork were essential to the success and passionate following of the Divergent series. James brought heart, complexity and believability to the character of Four. It’s hard to imagine what might have been if Tom Cruise had sailed into the role instead. In the end, James was the right choice to play Woodley’s handsome, enigmatic love interest.
Conclusion
You never know how things could have turned out differently. While Theo James was great as Four in the Divergent series, it’s crazy to think Tom Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick co-star Val Kilmer was almost cast instead. Who knows if Val would have had the same on-screen chemistry with Shailene Woodley’s Tris. And could the franchise have been as successful, going on to earn over $765 million worldwide? In the end, Theo was the perfect Four and it all worked out. But it makes you wonder how different Divergent would have been if Tom Cruise’s buddy was throwing knives instead. Val dodged a bullet for sure. Theo killed it and the fans are glad he landed the part. It just goes to show how unpredictable Hollywood casting can be. The stars aligned for Theo James to become Four and launch his career. But it could have gone a totally different direction if Val said yes. Crazy right?
