30-Year After Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Hanks Rejected $42,000,000 Worth of Colossal Box-Office Flop, Son-in-Law Chris Pratt Daringly Saved It

Choosing movies in Hollywood is often considered a gamble for many actors, as success or failure can significantly impact their careers. While most actors tend to think twice before becoming part of a movie franchise that has given flops earlier, Chris Pratt has successfully challenged this notion. The ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ actor’s recent animated project, ‘Super Mario Bros,’ has been making waves across the movie industry as it is breaking box office records. However, not many people know that a different version of the project was once offered to his father-in-law, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The earlier version of the Super Mario Bros franchise, which appeared in 1993, didn’t get much success back then. However, things have drastically changed as the latest movie of this franchise has grabbed the limelight from all across the globe.

Chris Pratt chose to select a movie that Arnold Schwarzenegger once rejected

In a recent turn of events, the Super Mario Bros franchise, which performed poorly at the box office back in 1993, has found redemption in the most unexpected way. In 1993, a live-action adaptation of Super Mario Bros was released with Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo being the lead actors. However, the film failed to connect with the audience.

While the budget ranged around $42 million, the movie struggled to earn capital equal to its investment and also left the franchise’s future hanging in the balance. Moreover, popular celebrities of that time like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Hanks, were offered major roles in the film, but for some reason, things did not materialize with the actors.

Read More: Despite $450 Million Net Worth and Unparalleled Fame, Arnold Schwarzenegger Says He “Never Felt Like a Star”

However, after three decades after Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Hanks turned down the opportunity to star in the franchise, his son Chris Pratt was at the perfect place at the perfect time. According to Express UK, the 43-year-old American bodybuilder grabbed the opportunity of starring in the latest franchise and ended up becoming a piece of global news as the movie has got widespread recognition and applause. 

What Role was offered to Arnold?

The 1993 live-action Super Mario Bros movie makers approached Arnold Schwarzenegger and Michael Keaton for the villain role of Kooper. They also offered Danny DeVito to be the lead plumber, but even he turned the offer down. Finally, Hanks was considered for the role of Luigi for a brief moment, but his box office numbers weren’t that impressive during that time.

Despite the 1993 version’s box office failure, the 2023 adaptation shattered records. The unexpected success showcases the ever-changing dynamics of the film industry.

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