‘Thor: Ragnarok’ Almost Lost Jeff Goldblum

The latest movie from Marvel Studios introduces many new, memorable characters to the superhero universe. While everyone has their own favorite, Jeff Goldblum‘s portrayal of the Grandmaster stands out.

So imagine how different Thor: Ragnarok would have been if Goldblum wasn’t in the movie, as screenwriter Eric Pearson recently revealed to Yahoo! that the actor dropped out for a short period.

While writing the film, Pearson knew there were a few directions the script could take the Grandmaster in the movie, and it wasn’t until Goldblum’s name was being kicked around that he decided how to write the Elder of the Universe.

“There are so many different ways you can go with that character,” Person said. “He could be a power-hungry monster. Or he’s cool and vindictive. And they’re like, ‘We’re going to Jeff Goldblum.’ And I’m like, ‘Got it.’”

The character’s dialogue and characteristics were crafted specifically for Goldblum’s unique speech patterns and mannerisms, but then it almost fell apart.

“And then at one point they came back and said it’s not going to work out. I’m like, ‘No! Who’s going to do all this now?’” Pearson said.

Luckily, it all came together and Marvel Studios has yet another hilarious character in the MCU to play with in future films, should Goldblum return.

Though no reason was given for the back and forth on the actor’s participation, there are a few possibilities. Goldblum’s name was also being kicked around for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom around the same time as he was being courted for the project, and he’s also voicing a character in Wes Anderson’s new stop-motion animation film Isle of Dogs. Whether the productions interfered with each other isn’t clear.

Either way, Goldblum is definitely among the unique actors working in Hollywood today, and to see a Marvel Studios movie play to his strengths is somewhat surprising. It obviously paid off, as the Grandmaster is one of many hilarious characters in the new film.

And while he doesn’t serve as the primary antagonist in Thor: Ragnarok, his menacing presence does drive a lot of the film’s plot. It wouldn’t be the same without him.

Thor: Ragnarok is now playing in theaters.