After Mickey Rourke's stunning work as Randy "The Ram" Robinson in "The Wrestler," it is hard to imagine anyone else playing the tortured sportsman – but the role was first offered to Nicolas Cage.
Access Hollywood caught up with Nicolas at the premiere of his new movie, "Knowing," Monday night in New York, where the actor cleared up recent rumors that he was let go from the Darren Aronofsky-directed project.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: The Latest Star Sightings
"I wasn't quote 'dropped' from the movie," the 45-year-old actor told Access. "I resigned from the movie because I didn't think I had enough time to achieve the look of the wrestler who was on steroids, which I would never do."
Nicolas said he actually called Mickey when he first got the script, to ask for the actor's blessing.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Guy Candy: March Edition - Lions And Lambs
"The movie was written for Mickey," Nicolas explained. "And, for whatever reason, they couldn't get the financing for the movie back then."
Mickey received a Golden Globe and a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his work in the film.
"Knowing" opens in theaters on March 20.
Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Nicolas Cage
PLAY IT NOW: Nicolas Cage Wins Lawsuit Against Kathleen Turner
PLAY IT NOW: 'National Treasure: Book Of Secrets' New York Premiere
MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Nicolas Cage - Rumors - Mickey Rourke - Celebrities - Movies
