Tom Cruise was almost cast as Rorschach in Watchmen, as revealed by director Zack Snyder, who shared that Cruise expressed eagerness to join the project during its early stages. Ultimately, the casting took another route, and the role went to Jackie Earle Haley, changing the direction of the film’s characters and impact.
Director Considered Tom Cruise for a Major Character
Tom Cruise, known for his high-octane action roles and blockbuster films, was a prominent contender during the casting process of Zack Snyder’s 2009 adaptation of Watchmen. The film’s production sought out actors able to provide compelling performances tasked with bringing complex, morally ambiguous comic book characters to life, rather than simply relying on A-list star power.
Zack Snyder, with a reputation for grand visuals and strong character work, wanted Cruise for the role of Ozymandias. Cruise, however, was drawn to a different part. According to the director, the Hollywood superstar set his sights on playing Rorschach, one of Watchmen’s most psychologically tormented anti-heroes.
“I wanted Tom Cruise for Ozymandias. Tom wanted to play Rorschach. He wanted to play Rorschach, which I mean, obviously he could have done. But yeah, we had Jackie [Earle Haley] already, and Jackie is like, unbelievable. But I certainly would have considered Tom, in retrospect if I hadn’t had Jackie.”
—Zack Snyder, Director
Snyder shared this insight during a press tour interview for his upcoming film, Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver, on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. His comments gave fans a look behind the scenes into the considerations that shape casting decisions for major comic book adaptations.
Jackie Earle Haley’s Gritty Performance Defined Rorschach
By the time Tom Cruise expressed interest, Jackie Earle Haley was already set to play Rorschach. Haley, known for roles that dive deep into intense and troubled psyches, brought a fiercely gritty and raw edge to the character. This performance captivated both fans of the original graphic novel and new viewers, as Haley delivered the heavy themes and dark ambition that define the anti-hero.
The possibility of Tom Cruise stepping into the role sparked curiosity among fans. With his reputation for full-bodied physicality and commitment to demanding parts, Cruise might have brought a completely different energy to Rorschach. However, the film’s creative direction rested on choosing talent that suited the story’s unconventional and complex nature rather than defaulting to the biggest name available.
Matthew Goode Embodied Ozymandias with Chilling Intelligence
Instead of Cruise, Matthew Goode was cast as Adrian Veidt, also known as Ozymandias. At the time, Goode was not a household name, but his portrayal offered a calculated poise, subtle detachment, and a cold, cerebral quality aligned with Snyder’s vision for the film. Goode’s performance provided a distinct layer to the movie’s examination of power, moral compromise, and heroism.
Watchmen, recognized for its striking visuals and philosophical depth, earned praise for its strong characterization and thoughtful world-building. Audiences responded well to Haley’s Rorschach, calling attention to the “grittiness” he brought to the masked vigilante, while Goode’s Ozymandias and the ensemble cast contributed to the dark, atmospheric tone that set the movie apart from typical superhero fare.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 71% rating, reflecting generally favorable reviews. Viewers commended the complex social commentary, intricate cinematography, and intimate focus on flawed heroes, rather than spectacle alone.
A Different Watchmen if Cruise Had Been Cast
If Tom Cruise had taken on either the role of Rorschach or Ozymandias, audiences could have witnessed his knack for transforming physically and mentally into his characters applied in an entirely new context. Whether he could have captured Rorschach’s relentless, haunted intensity or Ozymandias’s cool philosophical detachment remains an open question for fans and critics alike.
Yet, it’s clear that Watchmen intentionally cast talented but less globally-recognized actors. This approach allowed the film’s layered characters to truly emerge, free from the overshadowing presence of Hollywood mega-stars. For many viewers and cinephiles, this move brought the comic’s world to life in a way that showcased the story over celebrity.
The casting debate also highlights the importance of matching the right performer with the emotional demands and depth of a character, a decision that shaped Watchmen’s legacy as a distinctive entry in the superhero genre.
Zack Snyder’s Watchmen can currently be streamed on HBO Max in the USA. Tom Cruise was almost cast as Rorschach in Watchmen, but the path taken ultimately made the film a standout for its performances and character-driven storytelling.
