Amanda Seyfried came close to entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy.
In a conversation with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Seyfried revealed that she was offered the role of Thanos’s adopted daughter. Although she found her meeting with James Gunn to be “wonderful,” she ultimately decided against taking on the character due to practical considerations.
“I was genuinely apprehensive about being stuck for long hours while being painted a different color,” she said. “I received the offer and thought about it for a few days. I just didn’t want to commit to living in London for six months out of the year.”
Instead of joining the Guardians, Seyfried chose to collaborate with Seth MacFarlane on A Million Ways to Die in the West.
During the early 2010s, the Marvel Cinematic Universe was only beginning to gain traction. Guardians of the Galaxy didn’t include well-known superheroes like Spider-Man or Captain America. Seyfried felt uncertain about taking a chance on a relatively obscure franchise.
“Let’s keep in mind that starring in Marvel’s first underperforming film wouldn’t do wonders for your career,” Seyfried remarked. “I worried this movie about a talking tree and raccoon might flop, and that Chris Pratt and I would struggle to find work afterward. I was mistaken! But I was just being practical; that’s not cowardly.”
Ultimately, Zoe Saldaña secured the role of Gamora, and history was made. Nonetheless, Seyfried remains content with her choice.
“The thought of spending four-and-a-half hours in a chair every morning didn’t seem appealing. I’ve done some green screen work, and it wasn’t my forte at the time,” she explained. “I have no regrets. I made the right decision for myself then, and I still believe that.”
