It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, or Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump isn’t it? Ever had the chance to do something great and turned it down? Did you regret it and wish you could turn back time? Well these stars are among the few who passed up roles that would become infamous film roles. If you could recast these films would you change the actors? Find out which stars turned down the roles of a lifetime and maybe regret it today!
Christopher Walken In Star Wars
George Lucas didn’t like the idea of reusing actors from his previous films, believing once you’ve had a magic moment once it can be hard to recreate. Christopher Walken was Lucas’s original pick for the nerf herder Han Solo, but Walken apparently turned it down. However, there is debate over this fact as Walken has often cited his success in the industry to having never turned down a role offered to him. Regardless, we can’t imagine anyone other than Ford as Solo!
Jack Nicholson In Godfather
The classic mafia film almost had a very different cast! Apparently, the role of Michael Corleone was offered to many big names like Robert Redford, Ryan O’Neal, and Dustin Hoffman, before being offered to a young Alfred James Pacino. Thankfully, they all decided to decline leaving Pacino room to accepted his most famous role. This is credited as one of the best performances in movie history and led to Pacino receiving an Oscar nomination and consecutive roles in the Godfather Sequels.
Julia Roberts In The Proposal
Julia Roberts could have had another shot to a Pretty Woman-style hit by taking the female lead in The Proposal. Luckily, she declined it, and it ultimately went to Sandra Bullock. Although the movie didn’t receive amazing reviews, and was deemed by most critics to be pretty unoriginal, it did give Bullock some much needed press. This movie helped launch her toward Hollywood MVP status and was one of a string of ROM-com films of the early 2000’s she had a role in.
Michelle Pfeiffer In Silence Of The Lambs
Jonathan Demme, the director of Silence of the Lambs was reluctant to cast Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling. He offered the role first to Michelle Pfeiffer, who turned it down due to the heavy subject matter and then to Meg Ryan who also refused before landing on Foster. It’s hard to imagine anyone else other than Jodie Foster standing in front of the horrifying Hannibal! Fosters work earned her another Oscar, and the movie cleaned up that year in the top 5 categories.
John Travolta In Forrest Gump
Okay, John Travolta as Forrest Gump? Now that’s just weird. We can’t imagine anyone but Tom Hanks playing this iconic film role that still brings tears to our eyes every time we watch. But surprisingly, John Travolta wasn’t the only one offered the part before Hanks! Bill Murray and Chevy Chase where also proposed the idea and passed it up for various reasons. Travolta does admit that declining the role was a mistake on his part…Oh well Johnny Boy!
Warren Beatty In Kill Bill
Quentin Tarantino has admitted he wrote the character of Bill with Beatty in mind, but was forced to find an alternative. He then turned to former Grasshopper David Carradine to fill the role of the leader of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. Funnily enough, although the role was designed for him, Beatty had slowly become picky with roles by the early 2000’s and chose to appear in the romantic film Love Affair with Annette Bening instead. Strange decision if you ask us!
Will Smith In The Matrix
Will Smith was killing it in those days with roles in movies like Independence Day and Men In Black. Poised to become one of the biggest action stars in history, Hollywood was at Smith’s fingertips! He was given the opportunity to star in the famous movie The Matrix as Neo and replace Keanu Reeves, but turned it down to play in Wild Wild West instead. Smith admitted he thought he would have messed up the film and is happy Reeves took the role.
Sean Connery In Lord Of The Rings
Peter Jackson originally offered Sean Connery the role of Gandalf, but the veteran actor turned it down and it was passed on to the marvelous Ian McKellen. Apparently, Connery declined the part because he “didn’t understand the script.” and even added, adding: “I read the book. I read the script. I saw the movie. I still don’t understand it.” What a mistake! Connery was offered $6 million per film and a 15% stake in the film. Oops!
Matt Damon in Star Trek
Although they do resemble each other, we’re happy Matt Damon turned down the part so that Chris Pine could have his chance to shine. Pine launched himself into super stardom from a relatively unknown status after he took on the role of young and dashing Captain Kirk. There is some controversy, though, as to the validity of this claim. Damon said J.J Abrams never actually offered him the role and always wanted a younger actor for the part. Guess we’ll never know…
Al Pacino In Pretty Woman
No, just no… Pacino was Pretty Woman’s director Garry Marshall’s first choice, but obviously it would have been the wrong one. Who can imagine anyone other than the dashing Richard Gere as the wealthy business man Edward who falls for Vivian? As talented as Pacino is as an actor, he doesn’t seem like the obvious choice for a love interest opposite Julia Roberts. This film launched Roberts career and the onscreen chemistry between the pair just can’t be denied.
Tom Selleck In Indiana Jones
Before Harrison Ford took on the part of Indiana Jones, Tom Selleck was offered the leading man role, but went on to work on Magnum P.I instead. Selleck is an action star in his own right, we can’t deny that, but there is something about Ford as the tough talking archaeologist you can’t replace! Magnum P.I was a long running series that brought a lot of fame to our mustached leading man, and we wouldn’t change it for the world.
Brad Bird Turned Down Star Wars Episode VII
Brad Bird was offered to direct Star Wars Episode VII but turned it down to work on bigger, and better things, namely Tomorrowland with George Clooney. A die hard Star Wars fan and self admitted mega nerd, Bird considered taking on the project for a while. Bird, who is most famous for his work on animated series, considered the job but turned his sights to focusing on Tomorrowland and it’s demanding schedule. “I love Star Wars, but Star Wars is going to get made whether I do it or not. They are not going to delay Star Wars in order for me to do Tomorrowland. ” Good choice!
Angelina Jolie In Charlie’s Angels
This beauty was originally offered the role of Alex Munday in the 2000 big-screen reboot of Charlie’s Angels. I mean come on, who wouldn’t want this stunning action star playing in their movie? But Jolie turned it down and the role went to the super talented and gorgeous Lucy Liu. Not that we can complain about that either! Liu kicked butt in the film and it’s sequel karate chopping her way into our hearts and stealing the show.
Angela Bassett In Monster’s Ball
Bassett reportedly turned down the role claiming “I wasn’t going to be a hooker on film.” By Bassett turning down the role, Halle Berry was the next runner up, and the role led her to become the first African-American woman to win a Best Actress Oscar. Bassett didn’t want the role because she thought it adhered to stereotypes of African American women and sexuality on film in a negative context. What do you think, big mistake on Bassett’s part?
Mark Wahlberg and Joaquin Phoenix In Brokeback Mountain
Wahlberg was offered to play one of the roles of the “gay cowboys”, but turned it down saying he was “creeped out” by the graphic script. Marky Mark faced some backlash after his comments and went so far as to say he didn’t plan on seeing the film even. Apparently the reformed bad boy consults his parish priest before taking on film roles and was advised to pass on the part. The character of Jack Twist was played by Jack Gylenhaall, who ultimately did an amazing job!
Reese Witherspoon in Scream
After Reese Witherspoon turned down the role as scream queen Sydney Prescott and gave it to Neve Campbell, she’s gone on to star in other widely received films, including the Johnny Cash biopic Walk The Line. Apparently, the blonde beauty thought Scream and another horror film Urban Legend, were just “another horror film”. We’re pretty happy the parts went to the brilliant Canadian brunette Neve Campbell. It’s probably best for Witherspoon that she sticks to rom-coms and biographies.
Denzel Washington In Michael Clayton
Washington has admitted in interviews that his decision not to take the lead role in 2007’s Michael Clayton was a mistake that he wishes he could undo. He passed up the role of “fixer” Michael Clayton in the 2007 thriller and it went to the charming and talented George Clooney instead. Denzel admitted he was worried about taking on a role under a younger inexperienced director, Tony Gilroy. Gilroy also wrote the screen play and the film was received very positively.
Drew Barrymore In Showgirls
Barrymore was first offered the lead role of Naomi Malone in the flick Showgirls, but turned it down letting Elizabeth Berkley take the role. All we can say is this turned out lucky for the talented Barrymore! Although the movie was one of the highest grossing NC-17 films, it was a major bomb. Most critics cite it as one of the worst films ever made despite it becoming a cult classic. No dice Hollywood, better luck next time.
Leonardo DiCaprio In Boogie Nights
The role of porn star Dirk Diggler in Boogie Nights was supposed to be Leo’s but he passed it up for a role in a little film known as Titanic. The director wanted Leo after seeing him in the film The Basketball Diaries, but Leo wasn’t sure about the relatively new director Paul Anderson. Leo said he’s happy his buddy Mark Wahlberg took the role but it’s one of his biggest career regrets. Leo is a huge fan of the film!
Chevy Chase In American Beauty
Not only did Chase pass on Forrest Gump, he also turned down the role of Lester Burnham in American Beauty. Kevin Spacey took on the role of the frustrated suburban dad and made it famous. Too bad for Chase who missed out on his opportunity. Forrest Gump could only ever be played by the talented Tom Hanks. Chase is a brilliant actor but we’re OK if he sticks to the slapstick comedies he’s become famous for!
Whitney Houston In The Cosby Show
Houston was extremely close to playing the eldest Huxtable daughter in the hit 1980’s family sitcom. She made a last minute call and decided she wanted to focus on her up-and-coming music career. Director Jay Sandrich remembers Whitney reluctant to sign but never having gone on tour, “She just knew she would be big”. We can’t say it was a mistake, look how popular Houston became! The role eventually went on to Sabrina LeBeauf who was on the show 8 seasons.
Jodie Foster In Adventures In Babysitting
Adventures in Babysitting is one of the must see films of the 80’s if you ask us! A hilarious movie about a teen babysitter and one crazy night just wouldn’t be the same without Elizabeth Shue as plucky Chris Parker. This role was turned down by several actresses including Valerie Bertinelli, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Valerie Bertinelli thought the role was her’s but the director thought she came across angry. Later she admitted it was a troubled time in her marriage.
Katie Holmes In Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Before she became Buffy, Sarah Michelle Geller was almost on a different series all together. She had auditioned for the cheerleader role of Cordelia, and also to be the lead in Sabrina the Teenage Witch but thankfully she was cast as Buffy. Sunnyvale wouldn’t have been the same without her! The lead was given to her only after Katie was forced to turn it down in order to finish high school. Katie hit the books and Sarah staked vamps.
Melanie Griffith In Thelma And Louise
This mega-hit made stars out of Geena Davis and Susan Saradon, but it was almost a very different film. Foolishly, the role of Thelma was turned down by Melanie Griffith and went to the talented Geena Davis. The role of the meek housewife turned-victim turned-outlaw was brilliantly portrayed by Davis. Griffith split form her beau Antonio Banderas and has admitted to several regrets in her life, including an addiction to painkillers that took years to overcome.
Ray Liotta In The Sopranos
It’s not hard to imagine Liotta playing the wiseguy role as he fits the part. However, Liotta turned down the role, which gave James Gandolfini the opportunity to impress the world with his Tony Soprano act. Gandolfini became Tony Soprano and won praise from fans and critics alike, winning three Emmy Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards and one Golden Globe Award. Sadly, this talented actor passed away suddenly in 2013 after suffering from a heart attack.
Anne Hathaway In Silver Linings Playbook
Hathaway was actually the first to be cast as Tiffany, but due to conflicting schedules she had to drop out, which resulted in Jenifer Lawrence getting the role. What a lucky break for Jen! The onscreen chemistry between Lawrence and the emotionally confused teacher played by Bradley Cooper is undeniable, and also incredibly fun to watch. Critics loved Lawrence so much in the film she received a Best Actress Academy Award for her portrayal of the depressed widow. Wonder how Hathaway felt about that…
Cher In The Addams Family
She’s creepy and she’s kooky, and all together spooky? Cher was not at all interested in taking on the role of Morticia in the movie adaption of the Gothic TV show, which eventually went on to the talented and comedic Angelica Huston. Despite a look alike appearance, we can’t really see Cher in the role anyway. She took on a part in the movie Mermaids with a young Winona Ryder and even younger Christina Ricci instead…good decision don’t you think?
Emily Blunt In Iron Man 2
Who doesn’t love this talented Brit? She was offered the role of Black Widow in Iron Man 2, but had too much on her plate, which resulted in Scarlett Johannson being cast. But if you look further into the story though, Blunt was OK not getting the role. Sure, being in a marvel movie often leads to other big blockbuster films but as movie for a strong female lead, it’s lacking. Blunt chose to work on the Jack Black comedy Gulliver instead. Interesting call.
Henry Winkler In Grease
Henry Winkler was almost Danny Zuko but he turned it down. He was the obvious choice for many as he was already a “Greaser” on Happy Days, but he was concerned about being type cast. The characters might look similar but can you see anyone else as Danny Zuko? Also, can the Fonz sing and dance? The role would be Travolta’s big break and still one of his most famous roles. Lucky for us that Winkler let it slide.
Mel Gibson In Gladiator
Mel Gibson has proved he can pull off action, and even historical action! But he decided against the role of Maximus, the Roman slave who fights his way back to freedom and let the amazing Russel Crowe take it. Reportedly, Gibson claimed to turn down the part because he felt as though he was getting “a bit too old” for those types of action roles. Crowe went on to win an Academy Award for his skill in the film.
Bruce Willis In Ghost
Willis was the first to be offered the role of Sam in 1990 mega hit Ghost, in order to play alongside his then-wife Demi Moore. However, the part went to Patrick Swayze, and boy are we ever happy it did! Swayze had a certain charm on screen with Demi Moore that just couldn’t be denied. Apparently Willis didn’t think the script would work and felt that playing a ghost would be detrimental to his career. Did anyone tell M. Night Shayamalan?
Rooney Mara In Zero Dark Thirty
Due to scheduling conflicts, the lead role went to actress Jessica Chastain, whose agent actually declined the role at first. Rooney is known for her role in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and Chastain for her work in Interstellar. The film about America’s involvement in Afghanistan post 9/11 and the search for Osama Bin Laden became a critical favorite and garnered Jessica a Golden Globe. While both actresses are talented, we’re happy that the role went to Chastain.
Molly Ringwald In Pretty Woman
Ringwald wasn’t too thrilled to play the part of a hooker, which worked out for Julia Roberts. Ringwald was the “it” girl of the 80’s teen movie genre, but she has no regrets about passing up Pretty Woman. She even went so far as to say that “Julia Roberts is what makes that movie. It was her part. Every actor hopes for a part that lets them shine like that.” Honestly, we have to admit we agree.
Sarah Michelle Gellar In Clueless
The initial plan was for Gellar to play the role of pampered high schooler Amber in the classic 90’s movie Clueless opposite Alicia Silverstone. Due to conflicting schedules with All My Children, she had to turn down the part and it went to Elisa Donovan. Some sources say she was actually offered the lead role of Cher, too. Guess we’ll never know. The film was actually a modern adaption of the Jane Austen Classic novel, Emma.
Daniel Craig In James Bond
Daniel Craig was offered $150 million to play James Bond again, and turned it down! What a mistake! So far this British hunk has played in 4 of his contractually obligated 5 Bond films. This rumor is widely disputed both by studio executives and Craig himself. What do you think? Can you envision anyone else uttering those famous words? Although we’ll admit, we are curious to see that a female Bond, actress Gillian Anderson, is in the running for the role, apparently.
Thomas Jane In Mad Men
Jon Hamm made the best Mad Men there was, but it wasn’t always planned that way. Actor Thomas Jane passed up the role before it was handed to Jon Hamm. Thomas Jane is a bit of an eccentric actor, once having gone barefoot on the red carpet and apparently also performing sexual acts for money when he was struggling to get acting roles. Hamm was a relatively unknown actor when he got the role. Can you say lucky break or what!?
Bette Midler In Sister Act
There’s no doubt Bette Midler would have been great for the role of Deloris Van Cartier , but we’re happy Whoopi Goldberg got the part instead. Middler was offered several big roles that she turned down, including the musical Chicago, and Kathy Bates’ role in the thriller Misery. Midler said she wasn’t sure her fans would want to see her in a wimple, but considering the success of the film maybe they’d be ok…
Eminem and Matt Damon In Avatar
Eminem was Neil Blomkamp’s first choice to play the Elysium character, but the rapper turned down the role when the director refused to film it in Detroit. Matt Damon turned down the role as well. Eventually the role went to Sam Worthington, and Damon credits fate for intervening. He chose to work on the film Green Zone instead and is now racking up the cash from DVD sales, plus when we think of it, blue really isn’t Damon’s color.
Johnny Depp In Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
The young Johnny Depp wouldn’t be too bad as Ferris, but it became a role synonymous with Mathew Broderick. Not only was Depp offered the role, but so were Rob Lowe and Michael J Fox. Following the film, Mathew and co-star Jennifer Grey became engaged, but a year later were involved in a car accident in Ireland that took its toll on their relationship. Depp has had a long and successful career since the 80’s so no worries there!
Lindsay Lohan In The Hangover
Lindsay Lohan turned down the role as the “nice stripper” in the hilarious buddy comedy The Hangover, and was passed on to Heather Graham. In recent years, Lohan has had trouble with the law and admits to suffering form drug and alcohol addictions. Unofficially, we’ve seen her play “the stripper” role in real life in many tabloid photos. Not sure that’s a good role, Lindsay! Graham is also well known for her role in the Austin Powers franchise.
Julia Roberts In The Blind Side
Julia Roberts turned down the role for The Blind Side in order to work on Valentine’s Day instead. Apparently Roberts wanted a bigger paycheck for working on the film. Her position as America’s sweetheart has been up for debate and many claim Bullock replaced her after her role in Blindside. Bullock won an Oscar for her role in the touching family film. Roberts also turned down a chance to star in The Proposal, which Sandra also filled. Funny!
Matthew Broderick In Breaking Bad
Matthew Broderick turned down the role for Walter White in Breaking Bad. To us, he’ll always be Ferris Bueller and we can’t imagine anyone else as Walter White except Brian Cranston. Executive producers weren’t sure he could pull off the role based on his comedic history in Malcom in the Middle. However, seeing him in an episode of the X-files changed their minds, Lucky for us and even luckier for Cranston. John Cusak was also initially offered the role of Chem teacher-turned-Meth cook.
Will Smith In Django Unchained
Apparently Will Smith turned down the role of Django, which was passed on to Jaime Foxx. Smith regrets the decision, but honestly, we think Foxx is the only actor who could pull off the unchained tragic hero. Smith said he rejected the role because he was opposed to that much violence on screen. It’s been a while since we saw Smith in anything worthy of such a talented actor, but Foxx is definitely a star forever on the rise.
Dana Delany In Sex and the City
Due to it’s sexual content, this Desperate Housewife turned down the role for Carrie Bradshaw. But only Sarah Jessica Parker could ever be Carrie Bradshaw if you ask us. The woman who came to represent sex, the single girl, and the big city life for a generation of young women. Delany said she likes to play complicated characters. Perhaps she didn’t think Carrie was deep enough for her? No loss if you ask us, we’ll take Sarah any day.
Emily Browning In The Twilight Saga
Although directors showed great interest in casting the Australian actress Emily Browning, she absolutely refused to even audition for the role of Bella Swan. The film series launched Kristen Stewart’s career and brought her into the teen drama limelight. Her highly publicized relationship with her co-star didn’t hurt the fame monster either. The Twilight Saga was based on a very successful series of books of the same name. Vampires and teen romance seem to go hand in hand, don’t they?
Jim Carrey In Edward Scissorhands
Comedian/actor Jim Carrey almost played the role of Edward Scissorhands, which, we must admit, is a bit off. Carey was a struggling actor and auditioned for the role but was passed up by Director Tim Burton in favor of a young Johnny Depp. Burton and Depp would go on to make countless films together. The film went on to gross $56.3 million dollars and spawned an epic cult following. As much as we love Jim Carrey, we can’t imagine him in this role!
Kevin Costner In Shawshank Redemption
Costner turned down the role so he could focus on his passion project Waterworld and the role went to Tim Robbins. Although Shawshank Redemption was a box office failure, it has gone on to be rated one of the greatest films of all time. Robbins pulled off a fantastic performance alongside Morgan Freeman. Waterworld was the most expensive film ever made at the time and opened to mixed critical reviews. The film did inspire a video game and has a following of dedicated fans still.
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