14 Actors Who Almost Landed Famous Roles
Some of the most famous roles in Hollywood almost went to someone else. These near-misses could have changed the way we see iconic characters. Here are 14 actors who were so close to landing big roles.
1. Tom Cruise as Iron Man
Before Robert Downey Jr. put on the iconic red and gold suit to become Iron Man, Tom Cruise was considered for the role of Tony Stark. Discussions took place in the early 2000s, with Cruise even expressing interest in producing the film. However, he eventually passed on the role, believing the script didn’t quite hit the mark, paving the way for Downey Jr.’s career-redefining performance.
2. Will Smith as Neo in “The Matrix”
Imagine “The Matrix” without Keanu Reeves’ stoic Neo at the forefront. This could have been a reality as Will Smith was the Wachowskis’ first choice for the role. Smith turned it down to star in “Wild Wild West,” a decision he has jokingly regretted given the contrasting receptions of the two films.
3. Gwyneth Paltrow as Rose in “Titanic”
Kate Winslet’s portrayal of Rose in “Titanic” is iconic, but Gwyneth Paltrow was also in the running for this coveted role. Paltrow ultimately did not get the part, which allowed Winslet to step in and deliver a performance that would become a defining moment in her career.
4. Johnny Depp as Ferris in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”
John Hughes had Johnny Depp in mind for the role of Ferris Bueller, a character that became synonymous with Matthew Broderick. Depp’s scheduling conflicts prevented him from taking the role, leading to Broderick’s casting and his memorable day off that has since become a cultural touchstone.
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5. Burt Reynolds as Han Solo in “Star Wars”
The roguish charm of Han Solo might have had a different flavor if Burt Reynolds had accepted the role. Reynolds was among those considered before Harrison Ford was cast, and he later admitted that passing on the role was one of his biggest regrets.
6. Sean Connery as Gandalf in “The Lord of the Rings”
Sean Connery was approached to play Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings.” However, Connery couldn’t quite grasp the concept of the script and the role, leading him to turn it down. The part eventually went to Ian McKellen, whose portrayal of the wise wizard became legendary.
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7. Michelle Pfeiffer as Clarice Starling in “Silence of the Lambs”
Before Jodie Foster was finalized to play the role of Clarice Starling, Michelle Pfeiffer was a top contender. Pfeiffer decided against it due to the dark themes of the film, giving Foster the opportunity to take on what would become one of her most acclaimed roles.
8. Leonardo DiCaprio as Patrick Bateman in “American Psycho”
Leonardo DiCaprio was initially attached to star as Patrick Bateman in “American Psycho.” However, due to concerns about the film’s violent content and its potential impact on his career following “Titanic,” DiCaprio exited, and Christian Bale famously took over.
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9. Emily Blunt as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow is a key figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but Emily Blunt was originally offered the role. Scheduling conflicts with another film prevented her from joining the superhero franchise, leading to Johansson’s long-running portrayal of the spy.
10. Al Pacino as Han Solo in “Star Wars”
Alongside Burt Reynolds, Al Pacino was another leading actor considered for the role of Han Solo. Pacino found the “Star Wars” script confusing and opted not to join what would become one of the biggest franchises in film history.
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11. Matt Damon as Jake Sully in “Avatar”
James Cameron’s “Avatar” might have had Matt Damon fighting for Pandora. Damon was Cameron’s first choice for the role of Jake Sully, but commitments to the “Bourne” series led him to decline the offer, opening the door for Sam Worthington to step in.
12. Nicolas Cage as Aragorn in “The Lord of the Rings”
Nicolas Cage was offered the role of Aragorn, another key character in “The Lord of the Rings.” Cage turned it down due to family obligations, allowing Viggo Mortensen to take the role and deliver a performance that would become a fan favorite.
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13. Sandra Bullock as Maggie Fitzgerald in “Million Dollar Baby”
Sandra Bullock was considered for the role of Maggie Fitzgerald in “Million Dollar Baby.” Bullock passed on the role due to other commitments, which eventually went to Hilary Swank, who won an Academy Award for her performance.
14. Hugh Jackman as James Bond in “Casino Royale”
Before Daniel Craig was selected to embody the new James Bond, Hugh Jackman had the opportunity to take on the legendary role. Jackman decided against it, feeling the scripts had become too unbelievable, leading to Craig’s casting and a revitalized take on the character.
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