Roll the credits! Hollywood has its own behind-the-scenes drama when it comes to casting. Some of your favorite movie roles were almost played by entirely different actors. Imagine how different the movies would’ve been! Here’s a roundup of some movie roles that almost went to other actors and the reasons why they didn’t make the cut. Get ready to be surprised!
Al Pacino – Han Solo in Star Wars
The galaxy far, far away might’ve been ruled by Scarface himself! Al Pacino was approached to play Han Solo, the charming space smuggler. But, feeling the script was too difficult to understand, Pacino turned it down. Harrison Ford, who’d worked with George Lucas before, stepped into the role and became a legend.
Blake Lively – Karen in Mean Girls
Imagine Serena van der Woodsen as the not-so-bright Karen Smith. Yes, Blake Lively was considered for the role. However, she was too young at the time. Amanda Seyfried nailed the audition of the blond bimbo, and the rest is “so fetch!” This is one role we can’t imagine anyone else playing.
Amy Schumer – Barbie in Barbie
The comedian was set to play the iconic doll in a live-action film. Due to scheduling conflicts, Schumer had to bow out, and the role went to Margot Robbie. Robbie brought her own sparkle to the role, and, in all honesty, we can’t imagine anyone else playing the role so well!
Britney Spears – Allie in The Notebook
Oops, she almost did it again! Pop princess Britney Spears auditioned for the role of Allie but lost out to Rachel McAdams. McAdams and Gosling had intense on-screen chemistry, but we still wonder how Britney would’ve held up in the rain. She’s got some pretty great acting chops!
Hugh Jackman – James Bond in Casino Royale
Before Daniel Craig became the modern James Bond, Hugh Jackman was approached for the role. Feeling that the scripts had become unrealistic and crazy, Jackman passed on the opportunity. Craig’s intense portrayal of Bond left us both shaken and stirred. Who knows if Hugh would’ve had us feeling the same way?
Anne Hathaway – Tiffany in Silver Linings Playbook
Before Jennifer Lawrence danced her way into our hearts, Anne Hathaway was set to play the quirky Tiffany. Due to creative differences with the director, Hathaway dropped out. Lawrence snagged the role and an Oscar for her performance. It’s hard to picture someone as sweet as Anne playing a role so mean.
Eminem – Mad Max in Mad Max: Fury Road
Eminem could have been the Road Warrior, but scheduling conflicts prevented him from taking the role. Tom Hardy ultimately got the part and delivered an intense performance that made us speechless. It’s hard to imagine Eminem taking on a role like this – who knows if he could’ve done it justice?
Amanda Seyfried – Regina George in Mean Girls
Here’s another Mean Girls role that could’ve been very different. Amanda Seyfried almost played the ultimate queen bee, Regina George. The director thought she’d be better suited for the “dumb blonde” role of Karen, so Rachel McAdams got the part instead. Either way, it seems she was destined to be in this movie.
Claire Danes – Rose in Titanic
Claire Danes could have said, “I’ll never let go, Jack!” She turned down the role, feeling she’d already done a similar project with Leonardo DiCaprio in Romeo + Juliet, so it makes sense that she chose to say no. Kate Winslet got the role and created movie magic – and plenty of tears for the audience.
George Clooney – Noah in The Notebook
George Clooney almost played the passionate Noah. However, feeling he was too old for the role, he turned it down. Ryan Gosling snagged the part, and our hearts along with it! It would’ve been interesting to see Clooney step into a young person’s role like this, as it would’ve put a completely different perspective on the film.
Sandra Bullock – Maggie in Million Dollar Baby
Sandra Bullock was all set to produce and star in Million Dollar Baby. Unfortunately, the project fell apart, and Clint Eastwood took over, casting Hilary Swank in the role. Swank’s performance earned her an Oscar – perhaps Sandra could’ve gotten one, too! She’s a pretty talented actress, after all.
John Travolta – Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump
John Travolta could have been running through our minds as Forrest Gump. Travolta turned down the role, and Tom Hanks took on the iconic part, winning an Oscar for his portrayal. Honestly, we can’t really picture John doing such a serious role like this justice; he would’ve played up the comedy parts a bit too much.
Julia Roberts – Viola in Shakespeare in Love
Julia Roberts was initially attached to play Viola but left the project due to casting disagreements. Gwyneth Paltrow got the role, and her performance earned her an Oscar. We wonder what her take on the role would’ve been like – would it have been as romantic with her in this position?
Emily Blunt – Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Emily Blunt was the original choice to play Black Widow. Due to scheduling conflicts with another movie, she turned down the role. Scarlett Johansson took over and gave us the fierce Black Widow we all know and love. It’s strange to think such an iconic role could’ve gone to a Brit instead.
Sean Connery – Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings
The original James Bond could have been Middle-earth’s greatest wizard! Connery was offered the role but declined, finding the script confusing. Sir Ian McKellen donned the grey hat and made it legendary, transforming Gandalf into one of the most iconic wizards to ever grace the silver screen.
Will Smith – Neo in The Matrix
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air almost became “The One.” Will Smith was offered the role of Neo but turned it down. Keanu Reeves stepped in and gave us an unforgettable performance that many people still love to this day. Perhaps Will would’ve made it a slightly more comedic role instead.
Jim Carrey – Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean
Jim Carrey was the initial choice to play Captain Jack Sparrow. Due to scheduling conflicts with Bruce Almighty, he declined the role. Johnny Depp took on the character and became an instant icon. Jim would’ve probably brought a different style of comedy to this role.
Leonardo DiCaprio – Patrick Bateman in American Psycho
Leonardo DiCaprio was approached to play the psychotic Patrick Bateman. Concerned about his image after Titanic, he declined the role. Christian Bale ultimately got the part and delivered a chilling performance. It’s difficult to picture someone like Caprio in such a dark role.
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