Michael Jackson auditioned to play Professor Charles Xavier in the Bryan Singer directed X Men film series before the part was secured by British icon Sir Patrick Stewart.
The late pop singer, who died in 2009 aged 50, wanted to play the bald headed telepathic leader of the superhero group in the 2000 film.
X-Men film producer Lauren Shuler Donner has recalled the moment the Thriller singer showed up to audition for the part before it was eventually won by 80-year-old Sir Patrick.
Lauren made the revelation while discussing the history of the X-Men film series and the risk to it’s legacy posed by allegations of sexual abuse against young men by director Bryan Singer, 54.
She told The Hollywood Reporter: “I said to him, ‘Do you know Xavier is an older white guy?’ “
“And Michael said, ‘Oh yeah. You know, I can wear makeup.’ “
Meanwhile, a fellow executive from the film is quoted saying Michael’s failure to win the role could have been a blessing in disguise, saying: “Michael was already in the thick of all his allegations by X-Men.”
X-Men made almost $300 million (£230 million) at the box office upon release and spawned a six-billion dollar franchise for 20th Century Fox – and is credited with being the starting block for lucrative superhero movies which now dominate the box office.
However, the legacy has been tarnished by allegations of sexual misconduct directed at Bryan Singer.
The star has faced numerous accusations and lawsuits of sexual assault and drugging of alleged victims.
While Michael Jackson was also dogged by allegations and lawsuits of sexual misconduct involving minors.
Michael first faced a court case in 1993 amid allegations of child sex abuse involving 13-year-old Jordan Chandler in a case that was settled out of court.