The Almost Role That Peter Dinklage Nearly Starred In Before Elf's Success

The Missed Opportunity: Bad Santa vs. Elf

Peter Dinklage, known for his role as Miles Finch in Elf, was originally considered for the role of Marcus in the iconic Christmas movie, Bad Santa. Released in 2003, Bad Santa centered on an alcoholic thief and his criminal partner posing as a mall Santa and elf in order to conduct a heist at the end of the holiday season. On the other hand, Elf starred Will Smith as a human who learns he's not actually an elf after being raised in the North Pole by Santa and goes to find his birth father.

Billy Bob Thornton as Willie Stokes dressed as Santa sitting on a throne with Tony Cox as Marcus dressed as an elf beside him in Bad Santa

Terry Zwigoff, the director of Bad Santa, recently revealed that Peter Dinklage had auditioned for the role of Marcus. Despite recognizing Dinklage's talent and truthful delivery in the audition, Zwigoff ultimately decided not to cast him, citing the delivery of lines as not being funny. This missed opportunity for Dinklage in Bad Santa became a turning point in his career, leading him to the successful role of Miles Finch in Elf.

bad santa movie poster

The Impact of the Missed Role

Before starring in Elf, Peter Dinklage had been steadily making a name for himself in indie movies, including roles in Safe Men, Tiptoes, and The Station Agent. Despite not landing the role in Bad Santa, Dinklage's career continued to flourish, with notable roles in both the British and American versions of Death at a Funeral, his award-winning role in Game of Thrones, and more recently in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Tony Cox as Marcus looking angry in Bad Santa

The role of Marcus in Bad Santa ultimately went to Tony Cox, who brought a unique perspective to the character. Cox's portrayal of Marcus not only added depth to the character but also contributed to breaking stereotypes about little person actors in major movies. His performance in Bad Santa paved the way for actors like Dinklage to pursue more well-rounded roles, marking a significant shift in the industry's approach to casting little person actors.

Billy Bob Thornton and Tony Cox as Willie and Marcus having a drink in Bad Santa

The Legacy and Influence

The decision to cast Tony Cox as Marcus in Bad Santa had a lasting impact on the industry, as it challenged the traditional casting of little person actors in film. Marcus's character became a groundbreaking representation, offering a more substantial role for a little person actor in a major movie. This shift allowed for more nuanced and diverse portrayals of characters, breaking away from the typical sight gags and bit parts often associated with little person actors in cinema.

Tony Cox as Marcus smiling in elf costume in Bad Santa

Additionally, the success of Elf and Bad Santa solidified the holiday movie genre's appeal, showcasing the versatility of Christmas-themed films. The contrasting approaches taken by the two movies, with Elf embracing a heartwarming narrative and Bad Santa delving into dark comedy, highlighted the diverse storytelling within the holiday movie landscape. The enduring popularity of both films continues to underscore the impact of iconic Christmas movies on audiences and the film industry as a whole.