32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

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32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

As a connoisseur of Hollywood lore and a keen observer of the intricate dance between fate and opportunity, I find it fascinating to delve into the alternate realities that almost came to pass for some of our beloved films. The tales of these near-misses, where one actor’s rejection or commitment led to another’s rise to stardom, are a testament to the unpredictable nature of showbiz and the profound impact that seemingly small decisions can have on an artist’s life trajectory.

Consider your most beloved character from any film ever made. It’s quite likely that the actor who ultimately played the part was not the studio’s initial choice. Get a glimpse of this by perusing this list of famous actors who declined roles in movies that eventually became iconic pieces of cinema history.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Will Smith (Neo In The Matrix)

Imagining the Matrix movies with Will Smith as Neo instead of Keanu Reeves is quite straightforward. However, the Academy Award winner appears to hold the opinion that Keanu Reeves was the more suitable choice for the role of the chosen one in this mind-bending, dystopian sci-fi masterpiece. In a video on his YouTube channel, he stated that Smith might have spoiled it.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Jodie Foster (Princess Leia in Star Wars)

After gaining recognition and an Academy Award nomination for her groundbreaking role in “Taxi Driver” in 1976, a young Jodie Foster was given the opportunity to join the “Star Wars” films as Princess Leia Organa. However, as she shared on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” a contractual commitment to an unspecified Disney movie prevented her from taking the role, paving the way for Carrie Fisher to secure it instead.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Tom Hanks (Jerry Maguire In Jerry Maguire)

Tom Hanks, with two Oscars under his belt for ‘Philadelphia’ and ‘Forrest Gump’, found himself in a position of great success when offered to portray a struggling sports agent in ‘Jerry Maguire’. However, he declined the role that eventually went to Cameron Crowe’s 1996 dramedy’s titular character. In a later interview with Access Hollywood (via FandomWire), Hanks admitted, “I believe now that it couldn’t have been anyone other than Tom Cruise” who would deliver such an exceptional performance in the role.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Leonardo DiCaprio (Patrick Bateman In American Psycho)

Christian Bale revealed to GQ that each character he played was initially proposed to Leonardo DiCaprio, and one verified instance is Patrick Bateman in the 2000 film “American Psycho.” In an interview with The Morning Call, Bale explained his decision to turn down portraying the ruthless yuppie, stating that he felt the script lacked meaning. It’s said that Bale’s stepmother, Gloria Steinem, persuaded DiCaprio to reject the role because it might have harmed his image as a romantic heartthrob following “Titanic.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Jean-Claude Van Damme (The Predator In Predator)

In the original film “Predator,” which premiered in 1987, the fearsome alien antagonist appeared significantly different when Jean-Claude Van Damme was cast in the role. According to an account by The Hollywood Reporter, Van Damme filmed some scenes wearing the insectoid costume, but ultimately decided he preferred not to be concealed within it in his own movie. This decision led to a redesign of the costume and the recruitment of Kevin Peter Hall, who stands at 7 feet 2 inches tall, to play the role instead.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Jack Nicholson (Michael Corleone In The Godfather)

It’s hard to think of anyone else but Al Pacino as Michael Corleone, but Jack Nicholson might have excelled in the Godfather films. Interestingly, the three-time Oscar winner turned down the offer, stating in 2004 (as reported by ScreenRant through Movieline) that he felt “Italians should portray Italians.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

John Travolta (Forrest Gump In Forrest Gump)

In an interview with MTV News (through Collider), John Travolta expressed no remorse about passing up the lead role in the Best Picture Oscar winner, Forrest Gump. Given the circumstances, it’s not surprising why. Not only did Tom Hanks bring the character to life with an Academy Award-winning performance, but Travolta found a career resurgence with Pulp Fiction in 1994 instead.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Burt Reynolds (James Bond In Live And Let Die)

In 2015, Burt Reynolds shared with USA Today that when offered the role of replacing Sean Connery in the James Bond films, he felt the audience might not embrace an American-accented Bond. Later on, he admitted his earlier statement was a mistake, expressing he could’ve pulled off the role competently.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Eddie Murphy (Winston Zeddemore In Ghostbusters)

On “The Tonight Show” in 2019, Eddie Murphy was questioned by Jimmy Fallon about rumors that he turned down the role of Winston Zeddemore in “Ghostbusters.” The comedian acknowledged this was true but explained that it opened the door for him to star in a massive success from 1984: “Beverly Hills Cop”.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

John Lithgow (Seth Brundle In The Fly)

The part played by Jeff Goldblum in David Cronenberg’s 1986 remake of “The Fly,” where his character undergoes a horrifying transformation into a hybrid human-insect, was initially proposed to John Lithgow. However, Lithgow declined the role as he found it distasteful to portray something so grotesque. Given the disturbing bodily horror portrayed in the movie, we can understand his reluctance.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Tom Selleck (Indiana Jones In Raiders Of The Lost Ark)

Previously having collaborated with Harrison Ford on three different projects, George Lucas initially hesitated to have Ford play Indiana Jones. This decision allowed for a series of actors to take on the role, among them being Tom Selleck. As he reminisced on Today, Ford had to decline 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark because of his dedication to the CBS crime drama, Magnum P.I.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Christopher Lee (Dr. Loomis In Halloween)

At a point when Christopher Lee was already renowned for his chilling roles in movies like Dracula and The Wicker Man (1973), he had the opportunity to be part of another horror classic, Halloween (1978). However, as reported by The Digital Fix, Lee later expressed regret for declining the role of Dr. Sam Loomis, the psychiatrist character made famous by Donald Pleasance in the film.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Christina Applegate (Elle Woods In Legally Blonde)

Initially, the character of Elle Woods, famed for her portrayal as both a legal powerhouse and political figure in Legally Blonde and its sequel, Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, was initially offered to Christina Applegate, who starred in Married… with Children. Later, she confessed to Entertainment Tonight that her apprehension about reprising the stereotypical ditzy blonde role was a questionable decision, jokingly referring to it as a “stupid move.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Emily Blunt (Black Widow In Iron Man 2)

Scarlett Johansson played Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow flawlessly, but if Emily Blunt had taken the role, she might have excelled as an Avenger too. The British actress shared with Howard Stern that in 2010, she was bound by contract to star in the film adaptation of Gulliver’s Travels instead of Iron Man 2.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Emma Watson (Mia In La La Land)

In 2016, Emma Stone won her first Oscar for playing Mia in “La La Land,” a role initially offered to another Emma – Emma Watson. Due to her dedication to “Beauty and the Beast” and the demanding nature of the musical, Watson ultimately decided to decline the part as shared in a SiriusXM Town Hall interview (via Us Weekly).

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Gwyneth Paltrow (Rollergirl In Boogie Nights)

Heather Graham became widely recognized in the mainstream with her performance as “Rollergirl” in the 1998 movie “Boogie Nights.” This part was initially proposed to Gwyneth Paltrow, but she declined due to concerns about the role’s explicit nature, as it demanded full nudity and simulated suggestive scenes. Paltrow later revealed to Howard Stern (through Us Weekly) that she turned down the role out of respect for her traditional grandfather, who she feared would be negatively affected by her on-screen actions.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Jennifer Hudson (Precious In Precious)

Jennifer Hudson, in her memoir titled “I Got This: How I Changed My Ways And Lost What Weighed Me Down“, initially stated that she declined the lead role for “Precious” as she wasn’t comfortable with a part requiring weight-related aspects. However, she later clarified this statement to The Huffington Post, revealing that at that time in her career, she wasn’t drawn to what the role, which eventually went to Gabourey Sidibe, required.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Matt Damon (Jake Sully In Avatar)

Sam Worthington gained widespread recognition by starring as Jake Sully in James Cameron’s blockbuster science fiction film, Avatar, a role initially intended for Matt Damon. In an interview with Access Hollywood, the Academy Award winner humorously remarked that not being part of the 2009 production would have significantly impacted the movie’s success.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Ian McKellan (Albus Dumbledore In Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban)

In a different turn of events, Sir Ian McKellen, renowned for his role as Gandalf in “The Lord of the Rings” movies, might have also been recognized as Albus Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” series. However, this role ultimately went to Michael Gambon, who explained to BBC News that McKellen declined the opportunity due to his unwillingness to succeed an actor he knew wasn’t fond of him. This refers to Richard Harris, a vocal critic of McKellen before his passing.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Drew Barrymore (Sidney Prescott In Scream)

1996 saw Drew Barrymore’s rise to A-list fame, leading viewers to believe she was the main character in Wes Craven’s “Scream.” This might have been true, as confirmed on Hot Ones. Instead, Drew asked to be written off early as Casey Becker, understanding that this unexpected move would shock audiences and allow Neve Campbell to take center stage as Sidney Prescott, eventually earning the title of Scream Queen.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Angela Bassett (Leticia Musgrove In Monster’s Ball)

Halle Berry made history by being the first African-American actress to win the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Leticia Musgrove in “Monster’s Ball.” Interestingly, the role that she acclaimed was initially offered to Angela Bassett, but she turned it down due to the stereotypical nature of the character as a Black call girl. (EW reports this information.)

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Sean Connery (Gandalf In The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring)

In a chat about the Lord of the Rings series with The Independent, Sir Ian McKellen recalled an initial decision to cast Sir Sean Connery as Gandalf the Grey. However, Mark Ordesky, an executive at New Line Cinema, explained that Connery declined the role of the wizard because he didn’t fully grasp it.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Bette Midler (Annie Wilkes In Misery)

As a fervent admirer, I must say that despite gleefully embracing the role of an actual witchy villainess in 1993’s “Hocus Pocus”, Bette Midler did express some hesitations when it came to portraying Annie Wilkes in Rob Reiner’s rendition of Stephen King’s chilling masterpiece, “Misery” from 1990. In an open conversation with Variety, the multitalented performer confessed her fascination with the character lay in her brutal, humorless, and unrepentant nature.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Warren Beatty (Bill In Kill Bill)

In 2003, Quentin Tarantino expressed to BBC that he initially penned the lead role for Kill Bill with Warren Beatty in mind, as he desired to collaborate with him. However, after concluding that David Carradine would be a superior match, and taking into account the time commitment and martial arts training needed, Tarantino and Beatty mutually decided to end their involvement in the project.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Michelle Pfeiffer (Clarice Starling In The Silence Of The Lambs)

In an interview with Hoda Kotb on Today (via People), Michelle Pfeiffer mentioned that scheduling issues were usually the reason she declined roles, such as those in Pretty Woman and Basic Instinct. However, she confided to The New Yorker that she turned down the role of Clarice Starling in 1991’s The Silence of the Lambs because the darkness of the film left her feeling uneasy.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Al Pacino (Han Solo In Star Wars)

As I sit here, lost in the virtual world, I can’t help but reminisce about a tale from my past – a time when I, Al Pacino, was given a chance at stardom beyond belief. In those days, before the iconic Harrison Ford donned the mantle of Han Solo in Star Wars, I was offered the role.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Bela Lugosi (The Creature In Frankenstein)

As per the account in Arthur Lennig’s book The Immortal Count: The Life and Films of Bela Lugosi, it is mentioned (via SlashFilm) that the star of the 1931 movie “Dracula” had a chance to portray two iconic Universal Monsters in the same year. Interestingly, Lugosi was also given the offer to play The Creature in “Frankenstein”, but he declined it, considering it an unworthy role. This decision opened the path for Boris Karloff to ascend in the horror genre as the monstrous creation brought to life by Dr. Victor Frankenstein.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Haley Lu Richardson (Dani Ardor In Midsommar)

Haley Lu Richardson, famous for her role in M. Night Shyamalan’s hit film “Split,” declined the part of Dani Ardor in Ari Aster’s 2019 horror production, “Midsommar.” The highly acclaimed horror movie by A24 was instead headlined by Florence Pugh, whom Richardson spoke positively about to Backstage, expressing admiration despite not having watched the film yet.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Julia Roberts (Annie Reed In Sleepless In Seattle)

In the realm of romantic comedies, Julia Roberts and Meg Ryan are undoubtedly two of the most revered queens. However, only one of them had the chance to portray Annie Reed in “Sleepless in Seattle”. According to Julia Roberts (as reported by ABC News via InStyle), she was offered the role but couldn’t take it up. She further mentioned that Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks were an ideal match for the film.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Jamie Lee Curtis (Regan MacNeil In The Exorcist)

If not for her mother, Janet Leigh, Jamie Lee Curtis might have started her reign as horror royalty even earlier than 1978 with her role in The Exorcist (1973). However, it was Janet who declined the offer for Curtis to audition for the part of Regan MacNeil, a role that eventually went to Linda Blair. This information was shared by Curtis herself during an interview with EW.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Lee Marvin (Quint In Jaws)

As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but draw parallels between Robert Shaw’s iconic portrayal of Quint in “Jaws” and an unforgettable character in a game I once played. Yet, what many don’t know is that Shaw wasn’t director Steven Spielberg’s initial pick for the role. In fact, Spielberg shared with Vanity Fair that he initially approached Lee Marvin, but the legendary star from “The Dirty Dozen” declined the offer.

32 Actors Who Turned Down What Became Iconic Roles

Sarah Michelle Gellar (Amber In Clueless)

In the popular movie “Clueless”, the role of Amber was almost played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, who later became famous as Buffy in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”. However, Adam Schroeder, one of the producers of the 1995 high school classic, revealed to Vanity Fair that her commitment to the soap opera “All My Children” prevented her from being cast.

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2024-12-04 22:38