The actor shared the details during an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz. According to Isaac, director Tony Gilroy responded strongly to his screen test and initially pushed for him to secure the role. Recalling the experience, Isaac said, “That was an incredible moment… him being like, ‘You’re my guy.

I’m going to really try to make this happen.’” Isaac also described the circumstances surrounding his screen test, which proved to be physically challenging. “I remember being in the car with my mom in Florida two weeks after I had done this like eight-hour screen test,” he said, adding that he had injured his foot while skateboarding and had to perform with a boot on. “So I was like having to be like a Bourne but like hobbling around trying to look top character,” the actor added, noting that the situation ultimately worked against him.

Despite the strong impression he made, the role did not materialize. Isaac recalled, “I remember getting the call, and he’s like, ‘It’s not going to go your way. I’m so sorry,’” explaining that the decision came down to hesitation over casting someone who had not yet led a major film.

At the time, a 2011 report by Deadline noted that Isaac’s audition had impressed both Gilroy and the producers, leading to serious consideration about him taking on the lead role. After the part went to Renner, Isaac was ultimately cast in a prominent supporting role as “Number 3,” another brainwashed assassin in the film.