Every actor will enjoy (and suffer) an incredibly mixed bag of roles in their careers. Often, there will be passion projects that actors will take over more lucrative projects, generally leading to burning regrets on their part. Everyone makes career choice errors, but when millions of dollars and incredible acclaim are on the line, you can bet that the following actors felt the hot sting of regret. Well, at least other actors still enjoyed the wonderful performances that they would otherwise never have had the chance to experience.
Emily Blunt – Gulliver’s Travels Over Black Widow
It might be difficult to picture anyone but Scarlett Johansson playing the deadly assassin Black Widow in The Avengers film series from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the producers had a different actress in mind when they were putting the superhero squad together: Emily Blunt, who would make her premiere in Iron Man 2. When the film Gulliver’s Travels began filming around the same time that the metal-clad superhero film was in the works, Blunt had to say no to the epic franchise. Superfans might not regard Iron Man 2 as the most enjoyable member of the lengthy cinematic superhero ensemble, but given how prominent Black Widow would become in the later films in the universe, you can bet that it was a far more lucrative position than the one in Gulliver’s Travels.
Emily Blunt
Michael Madsen – Wyatt Earp Over Pulp Fiction
Fans of Quentin Tarantino’s bloodily creative masterpieces know that the director has something of a clique of actors that he casts repeatedly. Michael Madsen is one of his most iconic recurring choices, seen in The Hateful Eight, Kill Bill, and Reservoir Dogs. But while Madsen may have said yes to Tarantino’s offers more often than not, he decided that Pulp Fiction wasn’t worth his time in the role of Vincent Vega. Tragically, he thought that his acting skills would be better used in the lackluster western, Wyatt Earp. This wasn’t a decision that Tarantino would take lightly, however, as the director and actor were less than friendly towards each other for some time. Thankfully, they kissed and made up in time for Kill Bill: Volume I.
Michael Madsen
Brad Pitt – Spy Game Over The Bourne Series
You cannot talk about the most successful and renowned actors of modern Hollywood without mentioning Brad Pitt. Even the demigods of cinema can make cringeworthily human mistakes, however, such as when Pitt turned down the role of Jason Bourne to be in the rather boring spy film, Spy Games. Brad Pitt’s error was Matt Damon’s fortune, however, as the Bourne series catapulted Matt Damon’s career into stardom. No one could have done Jason Bourne better than Damon, and so it was a happy mistake for Brad.
Brad Pitt
Eddie Murphy – Holy Man Over Rush Hour
Jackie Chan has worked in both Hollywood and Hong Kong with a lifetime of international fame and fortune, but one of his most iconic roles was in the East meets West action-comedy, Rush Hour alongside Chris Tucker. He would have been partnering with Eddie Murphy, if the funnyman had not turned the role down to be in Holy Man. This was one of many blunders for Murphy, with Holy Man being just one awful film in a string of disastrous acting choices. If Murphy had decided that Rush Hour was worth his time, he might have been able to salvage his career as James Carter.
Eddie Murphy
Matt Damon – Downsizing Over Manchester By The Sea
Matt Damon might have gotten his break from Brad Pitt’s reluctance to star in the Bourne series, but that does not mean that he is immune to poor career choices himself. Damon is quite a respectable actor, having appeared in many serious dramas like The Departed and Goodwill Hunting. For reasons that only Damon knows, the double role of actor and director for the emotional drama was not appealing enough to warrant the dedication. Casey Affleck then filled Damon’s shoes, resulting in an Academy Award for Best Actor for Ben Affleck’s younger brother.
Matt Damon
Tim Roth – Planet Of The Apes Over Harry Potter
While it may be difficult to picture anyone but Alan Rickman playing the gloomy and moody Severus Snape throughout the Harry Potter films, being one of his most iconic performances, Tim Roth was the original choice for the mean potions professor. Incredibly, Roth chose primates over wizards when he decided that the Planet of the Apes reboot by Tim Burton was a safer choice. Roth was under the misguided impression that he would have time to fulfill both roles. When he realized that this would not be possible, he stuck with Burton and his monkey business. Rickman would then go on to secure the most beloved of his roles, while Burton’s Planet of the Apes quickly faded into obscurity.
Tim Roth
Brooke Shields – Sahara Over Scarface
When Scarface was being cast, the character of Elvira was initially going to be handed to Brooke Shields. But when the beautiful actress’s mother instructed her to turn it down in favor of Sahara, a desert adventure film, Brooke would soon find out that she should have ignored her mom. Michele Pfeiffer then stepped into a role that would do wonders for her career. As for Shields, she would be awarded the Worst Supporting Actor Razzie ‘award’, becoming the initial actress to ever be handed the comical title.
Brooke Shields
Jean Reno – Godzilla Over The Matrix
The French actor Jean Reno made a name for himself in Hollywood for the role of Leon in Leon the Professional, which prompted the Wachowski sisters to offer the role of Agent Smith to him for The Matrix trilogy. When Jean Reno’s refusal to flock to Australia stopped him from taking the role, a film featuring an oversized lizard came to the rescue. Rather than playing the po-faced agent in The Matrix, Reno starred as a po-faced secret agent in the creature feature Godzilla in 1998. Reno probably had some colorful French expletives in mind when he saw how well The Matrix ended up performing in the box office.
Jean Reno
David Schwimmer – The Pallbearer Over Men In Black
Friends might remain one of the most celebrated and beloved television series ever made, but David Schwimmer, one of its most endearing cast members, sadly did not see the same success in film. This might be due to some startlingly bad casting choices on his part. He decided that the forgettable romcom Pallbearer was a more intelligent choice over starring in Men in Black as Agent J. His decision would earn him a Worst New Star Razzie award. Then there was Will Smith, whose career blossomed when he replaced Schwimmer in the alien comedy.
David Schwimmer
Will Smith – After Earth Over Django Unchained
We really cannot understand why anyone would turn down the opportunity to star in a Quentin Tarantino film, but it seemed like Will Smith thought that he knew what he was doing when he turned the iconic director down. Rather, Will would star in the lackluster After Earth sci-fi adventure with his adorable son, Jaden. It is said that Smith was not interested in a violent film that revolved around vengeance, opting for a script that had love as the winning theme.
Will Smith
Tom Cruise – All The Right Moves Over Footloose
Tom Cruise might do most of his own stunts, but sometimes he should leave his career choices to someone else. When he was offered the main role in the acclaimed musical drama, Footloose, Cruise decided to cruise. After he impressed the Footloose directors with his role in Risky Business, Cruise was earmarked for the part of Ren McCormack for the rebellious musical, Footloose. Cruise had sports on his mind, however, specifically American football, going for All the Right Moves instead. Footloose would soon become a firm favorite for the 80s musical scene.
Tom Cruise
Will Smith – Wild Wild West Over The Matrix
The 90s were an amazing time for Will Smith, who appeared in all manner of zany and beloved films of epic proportions. This meant that the Wachowski sisters were very interested in him as the lead role of The Matrix as Neo. Given how much experimental special effects would have been employed to make the jaw-dropping stunts in The Matrix, Will Smith was doubtful that the sci-fi masterpiece would be worth his time. Rather, he took Wild Wild West’s offer, winning a double Razzie honor with the Worst Original Song and Worst Screen Couple award.
Will Smith Wild Wild West Over The Matrix
Christina Applegate – Just Visiting Over Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde was one of the early 2000s most successful films, where Ellen Woods was played by Reese Witherspoon, the deceivingly frivolous beauty that challenges the legal world. Incredibly, Ellen Woods would have been brought to life by Christina Applegate if she had warmed up to the role. Applegate was unimpressed with the stereotypical ‘dumb blonde’ character in Legally Blonde and was trying to avoid being typecast, especially when the offer followed on the heels of her performance in Married with Children. Instead, she chose the lost in time comedy Just Visiting, which was a royal mistake.
Christina Applegate
Kevin Costner – Waterworld Over Shawshank Redemption
There are some films that were so catastrophically costly that they become a legend, Waterworld being one of the most expensive disasters in cinematic history. The sensationally pricey sci-fi fantasy film was a monumental flop in the box office. At the center of all this epic failure was Kevin Costner, who was probably wishing that he had chosen the formerly offered role in The Shawshank Redemption as Andy Dufresne. Costner chose one of the worst films ever made over one of the best.
Kevin Costner
Leonardo DiCaprio – The Beach Over American Psycho
American Psycho had something of a heated casting process when the time came to chose its leading man. While the studio producing the film, Lionsgate, wished for Leonardo DiCaprio to play the role of the psychotic businessman and murderer Patrick Bateman, director Mary Harron had her sights set on Christian Bale. Harron would then be taken out as director due to her replacement, and Oliver Stone would take over, doing his best alongside DiCaprio to make something of the troubled film. It didn’t work out, and Harron made a triumphant return, as did Bale. DiCaprio’s alleged $20 million offer for the role went up in flames.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Julia Roberts – Valentine’s Day Over The Blind Side
The early 2000s was a phenomenally profitable one for Julia Roberts, where she was earning the most out of any other actress within Hollywood thanks to her Best Actress award at the Academy Awards for her role in Erin Brockovich. She might have missed out on another bite at the Oscar apple when she refused to star in The Blind Side in the 2009 sporty biopic.Instead, Valentine’s Day would be Roberts’ preferred film to star in, one which performed excruciatingly poorly in relation to her film career at large.
Julia Roberts
Tom Selleck – Mangum P.I., Over Indiana Jones
When Steven Spielberg saw how dashing and charismatic Harrison Ford was in George Lucas’s Star Wars as the bad boy Han Solo, the Indiana Jones director wanted Ford to play the courageous archeologist, too. George Lucas, who happened to be the producer for the relic hunting film, did not feel the same way as Spielberg, however. As Lucas did not want to see Ford appear in more of his work, the producer pushed for Tom Selleck to step in. Given Selleck’s commitments to Mangum P.I., he would be forced to walk away, and Ford took up the whip.
Tom Selleck
Hugh Jackman – X-Men 2 Over James Bond
Can you imagine Hugh Jackman as James Bond? Neither can we, but the beefy Australian actor recently admitted that he was in line to be the next Agent 007 for Casino Royale. While Jackman would have loved to be Britain’s favorite spy, he was unable to shake his legal commitments to X2: X-Men United. Daniel Craig then came to the rescue, becoming the modern James Bond that we all know and love. As for Jackman, he still hopes to be given a chance to play Bond in the future.
Hugh Jackman
Katie Holmes – Mad Money Over The Dark Knight And The Dark Knight Rises
Christopher Nolan injected a respectable and much-needed revolution in the comic book film genre with the 2005 release of Batman Begins. The sequels to the dark trilogy were all incredibly celebrated, making it a leading installment in the field. Rachel Dawes is Bruce Wayne’s love interest throughout the trilogy, a character that was initially played by Katie Holmes in Batman Begins. Once Holmes wrapped up the first installment in the trilogy, her allegiances shifted to the critically panned Mad Money. Maggie Gyllenhaal then took over as Rachel Dawes.
Katie Holmes
Marylin Monroe – The Misfits Over Breakfast At Tiffany’s
Truman Capote was the author of the novel that would later become one of classic Hollywood’s most successful and iconic films, and the soft-spoken writer penned Holly Golightly’s character for Marylin Monroe. When Monroe was offered the part, her agent convinced her to turn it down when they realized what the film’s protagonist was involved with. The blonde legend then turned her attention to The Misfits, which Arthur Miller wrote and directed, who also happened to be her husband. The film was a disaster, with a fatally bad script that allegedly drove the pair to divorce.
Marylin Monroe
Benicio Del Toro – Thor: The Dark World Over Star Trek: Into Darkness
When you have to choose between Star Trek and a Marvel film, you can bet that this won’t be an easy choice. Del Toro was the leading choice for the Into Darkness sequel to the latest Star Trek films as the part of Khan. When Del Toro was not satisfied with the pay, he walked away and took up a part in Thor: The Dark World as ‘The Collector’. Khan would then be brought to life by Benedict Cumberbatch, who would be part of a $467 million installment in the space-faring saga.
Benicio Del Toro
Brad Pitt – Jackass Over The Bourne Identity
It might seem impossible, but Brad Pitt decided that making an unexpected cameo in the chaotic Jackass show with Johnny Knoxville and company was a worthier pursuit than being the star of The Bourne Identity with Jason Bourne. The film’s producers must have been stunned when they discovered what Pitt had turned them down for. Matt Damon was then handed the part, which would be the crucial turning point in his career. It would be a strangely mild year for Pitt, where his only other work would be a cameo in Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.
Brad Pitt Jackass Over The Bourne Identity
Michelle Pfeiffer: Coolio Music Video Over The Silence of the Lambs
Name a film scarier than The Silence of the Lambs, which went on to be nominated for seven Academy Awards at the 1995 ceremony. The Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role went to Jodie Foster for her daring role as Clarice Starling. The Oscar might have gone to Michelle Pfeiffer if she had agreed to the initial offer! Pfeiffer was too disturbed by the dark themes in the script, to the point that she had to say no. Rather, she appeared in a Coolio music video in a surprise cameo for the ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ music video, as well as Dangerous Minds where she took the role of LouAnne Johnson.
Michelle Pfeiffer
Jennifer Connelly: Etoile Over Heathers
The 1998 film Heathers might have elevated Winn Ryder to fame when she played Veronica, but she was not Daniel Waters, the film’s scriptwriter’s first choice. Indeed, Jennifer Connelly was the first pick for this film. Beetlejuice was Ryder’s most prominent role at the time as Lydia, and this more grounded and serious role allowed her to transcend into a more respectable actress. Connelly then opted for a role in Etoile where she played an Italian ballet student.
Jennifer Connelly
Burt Reynolds – 100 Rifles Over On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
1969 was the year that Burt Reynolds came incredibly close to appearing as James Bond, particularly in the film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. He was of the opinion that his American status would not allow him to portray the debonair British spy. Rather, he became passionate about Westerns, with 100 Rifles being produced around the same time as that time’s James Bond entry. He spoke of the experiencing, saying, “I spent the entire time refereeing fights between Jim Brown and Raquel Welch.”
Burt Reynolds
John Travolta – Pulp Fiction Over Forrest Gump
If you have gotten sick of hearing Forrest Gump being quoted, imagine how Jon Travolta feels, given that he took the role of Vine Vega in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction over playing the titular Forrest Gump. The role was then handed to Tom Hanks instead, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor. We are not saying that Pulp Fiction is not an iconic film, but Forrest Gump is just slightly more of a lauded title.
John Travolta
Emily Browning – The Uninvited Over Twilight
First seen in the A Series of Unfortunate Events film in the early 2000s, Emily Browning was heavily considered for the part of Bella Swan in the teen fantasy saga, Twilight. For some strange reason, Browning decided against filling the role, and it went to Kirsten Stewart instead. Instead, Browning was seen in The Uninvited, which was an American take on the South Korean horror movie released in 2003. Sadly, whatever successes Browning found in her career were a fraction that Stewart would achieve thanks to her leading role in the vampire epic.
Emily Browning
Matthew Broderick – The Tale of Despereaux Over Breaking Bad
AMC’s superbly successful narcotic drama series Breaking Bad followed the tragic and disturbing story of a desperate chemistry high school teacher who turns to cooking meth in order to take care of his family following a shocking lung cancer diagnosis. Many television fans hold Breaking Bad in peak esteem, largely thanks to how well Brian Cranston embodied the fearsome role of Walter White. Incredibly, Matthew Broderick was the first choice for the villainous role, but The Tale of Despereaux was more in line with the actor’s interests.
Matthew Broderick
Paul Schaffer – Making Music Over Seinfeld
We’ll Be Here the Rest of Our Lives is a 2009 memoir by Paul Schafer where he detailed how Jerry Seinfeld approached him to play the part of George Constanza for the timeless sitcom, Seinfeld. Amazingly, Seinfeld was so keen on taking Schaffer on that he informed him that he need not audition as the role was for him. Schaffer then responded by saying that he had too much on his plate in the musical department. Too bad for the music maker, who missed out on one of television’s greatest works.
Paul Schaffer
Tom Hanks That Thing You Do Over Jerry McGuire
As told by Cameron Crowe, the Jerry McGuire director, Tom Hanks was penned for top billing in the romcom. Hanks had his hand full with That Thing You Do as director, leaving the path clear for Tom Cruise. Hanks was modest enough to sing Cruise’s praises, however, confessing that he was born to play the role. Hanks could not have done a better job, he said, one that no other actor was capable of doing as well as Cruise.
Tom Hanks
Ray Liotta – Muppets From Space Over The Sopranos
Goodfellas, the murderous mobster film by Martin Scorsese, put Ray Liotta on the map as a capable gangster character actor. When The Sopranos by HBO begin putting together its cast, Liotta was offered top billing. Liotta would not bring Tony Soprano to life, however, choosing Muppets from Space over one of television’s most beloved characters. We doubt that anyone could have played the volatile mafioso better than James Gandolfini, and so this was a fated result.
Ray Liotta
Henry Winkler – The One and Only Over Grease
Missing out on this opportunity of a lifetime was a bitter pill to swallow for Henry Winkler, who turned down the role of Danny Zuko in the celebrated musical film, Grease. Indeed, Winkler was originally approached to play Danny Zuko, deciding that he could not risk being typecast following his time with Happy Days as Fonz. Instead, John Travolta took the much-needed fame and glory as the male lead in the 1978 classic. As for Winkler, he ended up in The One and Only, a decision that he admittedly regretted.
Henry Winkler
Mel Gibson – What Women Want Over Gladiator
Russel Crowe’s most iconic role is largely regarded to be the one of Maximus in Gladiator, where he played an Ancient Roman general turned Colosseum gladiator. But Crowe might not have claimed the brutal glory of the part if Mel Gibson did not feel that he was too old for the action-heavy performance. Rather, he took the much more subdued role in What Women Want. Crowe would end up with an Academy Award for Best Actor thanks to his time in the Colosseum.
Mel Gibson
Bruce Willis – The Bonfire of the Vanities Over Ghost
We could have had a very different Sam Wheat if Bruce Willis had taken the role in the touching romance drama, Ghost, rather than heartthrob Patrick Swayze. Interestingly, Bruce was uninterested in taking the steamy role with his ex-wife, Demi Moore. The Bonfire of the Vanities was more up his street, it seemed, and Swayze ended up getting intimate with his wife of the time. If Willis had any reservations about the on-screen romance, we might never know.
Bruce Willis
Dana Delaney – Rescuers: Stories of Courage: Two Couples Over Sex in the City
Carrie Bradshaw, the main character of Sex in The City, is Sarah Jessica Parker’s most adored role, one that fans of the series would not entertain even the thought of Dana Delaney playing. That being said, Delaney had played many related parts, like the one in Live Nude Girls opposite Kin Cattrall, who ironically took the role of Samantha Jones. Delaney regrettably, Delaney chose unsuccessful made for TV films like Rescuers: Stories of Courage: Two Couples.
Dana Delaney
Molly Ringwald – Betsy’s Wedding Over Pretty Woman
Best known as one of the 1980s most beloved actresses thanks to playing the character of the ‘popular girl’ with parts in Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink, Molly Ringwald’s winning streak ended when she was reluctant to star in Pretty Woman due to moral reasons. Instead, the most famous lady of the night was played by Julia Roberts, who used the part as a stepping stone to becoming the highest-paid actress in Hollywood for many years. Ringwald then appeared in the lesser-known Betsy’s Wedding.
Molly Ringwald
Lindsay Lohan – Labor Pains Over The Hangover
The Hangover was a surprisingly hilarious breakout hit of the 2000s that was successful enough to warrant a trilogy. Lindsay Lohan was approached to play a stripper that the character Stu ends up tying the knot with, a part that Lohan believed was inappropriate for her age of 20. Lohan then appeared in Labor Pains, and Heather Graham took to the dancing pole in her place. Graham would reprise her role in the third installment. Critics believe that if Lohan had taken the role that it would have recovered her tanking career.
Lindsay Lohan
Iwan Rheon’s Surprising Game Of Thrones Part
Ramsay Bolton will remain as one of the most hated characters in television for some time to come, one that was incredibly fleshed out (no pun intended) by Iwan Rheon. Ironically, Rheon initially had his sights set on the part of hero Jon Snow, one that the hunky Kit Harrington was chosen for. Rheon was not spurned by the Game of Thrones producers, however, as he would be called back to take Ramsay Bolton’s part. Rheon believes that the right choices were made casting-wise, as fans of the show would have experienced another kind of Jon Snow had the actor had his way.
Iwan Rheon
Alexander Ludwig Attempted To Murder The Hunger Games Character That He Wanted To Play
Although Cato was the tragic and sadistic character that Alexander Ludwig ended up taking in The Hunger Games, it was not his first choice, as Peeta Mellark was his preferred role. Ludwig ended up as the District 2 baddy that was born to kill. Despite his initial disappointment, Ludwig would end up appreciating the alternate part that he was given, as it allowed him to bring out a side to his acting skills that he did not know existed.
Alexander Ludwig Attempted To Murder The Hunger Games Character That He Wanted To Play
When Eddie Redmayne Nearly Missed Out On Heading The Fantastic Beasts Cast
The extended Harry Potter universe’s most notable addition was the Fantastic Beasts franchise, where Eddie Redmayne played the lovably awkward Newt Scamander. This would not be the first time that Redmayne tried out for a role in the Harry Potter legacy, however, as his initial tryout was in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets as Tom Riddle.In a 2016 interview with Empire, Redmayne said, “I properly failed and didn’t get a callback,” also saying that he gunned for a part with the Weasleys. As fate would have it, Redmayne would be called back years later.
When Eddie Redmayne Nearly Missed Out On Heading The Fantastic Beasts Cast
James Franco Had Other Plans For Spider-Man
The early 2000s saw a revival of Spider-Man which starred Toby McGuire as the web-slinger himself, and James Franco as his best buddy, Harry Osborn, son of Norman Osborn, aka the Green Goblin. Franco’s character would descend into madness during Spider-Man 3, however, becoming the next Green Goblin. While Franco delivered a convincing performance as a villain, he wanted to be the hero originally, as Spider-Man. Despite how much progress Franco made throughout the auditions process, he would lose out to McGuire.
James Franco Had Other Plans For Spider Man
Tom Hiddleston Had Heroic Designs
Like James Franco, Tom Hiddleston wished for a hero role, but ended up playing the bad guy, as was the case with his eventual Loki part being handed to him, despite having auditioned for the part of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hiddleston had the audition tape for his Thor tryout replayed for him when he appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Chuckles aside, Hiddleston did admit that the correct actor was cast for the role of Thor.
Tom Hiddleston Had Heroic Designs
Ashley Greene’s Character In Twilight Was A Complete Surprise
Alice Cullen’s character was brought to life by Ashley Greene throughout the Twilight films, the clairvoyant vampire that has a strong moral side. Critics praised Greene’s efforts to make the character believable. But there was one little detail about Greene’s portrayal of Alice that might have had some jealousy: she wanted the role of Bella! Despite having striven to be the films’ heroine, she was eventually given the part of Alice after a lengthy and arduous audition process.
Ashley Greene
Dwight Schrute’s Actor, Rainne Wilson, Also Wanted The Position Of Regional Manager
The Office holds a phenomenally dear place in countless peoples’ hearts across the world thanks to how convincingly well its actors played their parts. You might remember how connivingly desperate the character Dwight Schrute was for the position of regional manager, one held by Michael Scott! Wilson landed an impressive audition during his tryout, where he imitated Ricky Gervais due to not really knowing what to do with himself. Despite his jitters, Wilson was impressive enough to get the role of Dwight.
Dwight Schrutes Actor Rainne Wilson Also Wanted The Position Of Regional Manager
Mean Girls Was Nearly A Very Different Film
Regina George makes all other mean high school girls seem timid in comparison. The beautiful queen bee of the fictional high school that she rules was amazingly portrayed by Rachel McAdams. But according to Mark Waters, the film’s director, McAdams tried out for Cady, while Lindsay Lohan wanted the part of George. Waters was impressed with both women’s performances, but ended up swapping them around, making the best decision possible in our opinion. Perhaps in an alternate universe, the roles were reversed.
Mean Girls Was Nearly A Very Different Film
Norman Reedus’s Reluctance To Sling A Crossbow Throughout The Walking Dead
Norman Reedus instantly became thrilled about 2010’s The Walking Dead after he finished reading the script of the pilot episode. After his audition for the part of Merle Dixon, which would end up going to Michael Rooker, Norman’s performance was good enough to warrant the creation of a whole new character. Reedus was then virtually handed creative control of the character, becoming one of the most complex and emotive characters in television today. We love you, Daryl!
Norman Reeduss Reluctance To Sling A Crossbow Throughout The Walking Dead
Lee Pace Wished To Fill Star-Lord’s Shoes
2012 saw Lee Pace confessing that the part of Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy was the one that he initially auditioned for. Chris Pratt took the comical hero’s part, but Pace was not about to be let go. He was then offered the role of Ronan the Accuser, the first film’s villain. Pratt was the most respectable Star-Lord that comic book fans could have dreamed of, while Pace carried out the spooky and beefy bad guy role out incredibly.
Lee Pace Wished To Fill Star Lords Shoes
The Possible Buffy Summers And Cordelia Chase That Never Were
Cordelia Chase is best regarded for her part as Charisma Carpenter during the iconic vampire slayer series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. But as fate would have it, Carpenter had her eyes set on Buffy’s role, with Sarah Michelle Gellar eyeing the part of Cordelia Chase. Despite the two having rocked their auditions, Josh Whedon believed that Buffy was made for Gellar. If you ask most fans of the series, they probably could not imagine Buffy being played by anyone else.
The Possible Buffy Summers And Cordelia Chase That Never Were
The Beets Were Nearly John Krasinski’s Babies
The laid-back, goofball role of Jim Halpert was taken by John Krasinski when the American version of The Office began. But this was not the role that Krasinski originally had his sights set on, as Dwight Schrute took his fancy. But some time during the auditions, Krasinski noticed how well he was getting along with Jenna Fisher, who plays Pam, the love interest of Jim. He then requested to try out for the role of Jim, and the legendary on-screen romance was sealed.
The Beets Were Nearly John Krasinskis Babies
Melisandre’s Fate Was Nearly Free Of Carice Van Houten In Game Of Thrones
Melisandre, the terrifying, troublemaking sorceress from Game of Thrones, was played by Carice Van Houten. As well as Houten played the eerie flame-obsessed priestess, she was initially locked in to try out for Cersei Lannister, but the poor timing of it all ruined that goal. Lena Heady was then able to fill out the opulent dresses of the mean queen, a role that is regarded as the height of her acting career. Houten also sang Heady’s praises, saying that she could not have done a better job.
Melisandres Fate Was Nearly Free Of Carice Van Houten In Game Of Thrones
The Surprisingly Virtuous Tom Felton
Tom Felton played the sadistic and snooty Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, a character obsessed with making the wizard hero’s life as difficult as possible. Felton did not mean to be such a bratty character, however, as he had heroic designs in mind… Indeed, Felton auditioned for the parts of both Ron Weasley and Harry Potter. The young actor was hurt that he did not take the good guy cut, but he did say that other actors could not have done better jobs than Rupert Grint and Daniel Radcliff did.
The Surprisingly Virtuous Tom Felton
The Dark Knight’s Batman And The Joker Were Nearly Reversed
Even if you don’t agree that The Dark Knight is the best superhero film to be produced, you certainly have very high regard for it. Especially when you consider how amazingly Heath Ledger and Christian Bale’s performances were. That being said, the Joker’s actor, Heath Ledger, wished for the part of Batman. Despite Bale eventually putting on the horned mask, the late Ledger would deliver the performance of a lifetime when he put on the grizzly clown makeup, being awarded an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
The Dark Knights Batman And The Joker Were Nearly Reversed
Sebastian Stan Was Gearing Up To Be Captain America
The part of Captain America was hotly contested between Sebastian Stan and Chris Evans, but the latter actor finally took the shield. The role of Bucky Barnes then went to Stan, who is Captain America’s dearest pal and a United States Army sergeant. Stan then began preparing himself for the historical role by reading comic books for the first time and sitting through as many World War II documentaries as possible. Then there was the friendship with Captain America that he needed to foster as convincingly as possible.
Sebastian Stan Was Gearing Up To Be Captain America
The Brooklyn Nine-Nine Producers Gave Stephanie Beatriz Another Chance
Stephanie Beatriz auditioned for the part of Amy Santiago for the cop sitcom, Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Beatriz would not end up landing the role of Amy, but she would be called back to try out for Rosa, rather. Despite having had her confidence shaken after the initial rejection, Beatriz did return, and managed to read Amy’s parts so well that she got the part. If Beatriz was still sore that she didn’t get the first role that she tried out for, she did not show it, as she praised Melissa Fumero’s part.
The Brooklyn Nine Nine Producers Gave Stephanie Beatriz Another Chance
Regina George Could Have Gone To Amanda Seyfried In Mean Girls
Amanda Seyfried initially tried out for the part of the queen of mean, Regina George, when the Mean Girls auditions were being carried out. Rachel McAdams obviously got the role, but Seyfried was strongly considered! Mark Waters, the director of the film, praised Seyfried’s audition, saying, “She played it in a much more ethereal, but still kind of scary way. She was more frightening, but oddly, less intimidating.” Karen Smith then went to Seyfried, which was a more appropriate choice.
Regina George Could Have Gone To Amanda Seyfried In Mean Girls
McDreamy’s Role Nearly Went To Isaiah Washington In Grey’s Anatomy
The part of Derek Shepherd was initially tried out for by Isaiah Washington when the series Grey’s Anatomy was being put together. Patrick Dempsey would eventually go to another actor, however, as Washington was passed on to another part. Shonda Rhimes was so impressed with the actor’s efforts, however, that the part of Preston Burke was awarded to the actor as the initial actor bowed out. Sadly, the character would be chopped out of the script following some altercations between Dempsey and T.R. Knight on set.
McDreamys Role Nearly Went To Isaiah Washington In Greys Anatomy
Kendall Roy Was Nearly Played By Jeremy Strong In Succession
Jeremy Strong is a well-regarded actor, who tried out for the part of Roman Roy for Succession, delivering a strong performance. Then again, co-creator Jesse Armstrong had the part of Roman in mind for Strong, but Kieren Culkin ended up taking it. Armstrong was so taken with Culkin’s audition that he knew that they had found the perfect man for the part of Roman. Strong then ended up with Kendall Roy as his role in Succession.
Kendall Roy Was Nearly Played By Jeremy Strong In Succession
The Affair Squeezed In A Part For Colin Donnell
When Colin Donnell walked into The Affair’s auditions, he was aiming to win the part of Cole Lockhart. Joshua Jackson might have ended up sealing the deal for that character, but Donnell was the runner-up. Sarah Treem believed that Donnell just wasn’t the correct fit for the character. But Donnell would not lose favor with Treem, who would end up writing Scotty Lockhart’s character for the actor. Although Donnell did not get the part that he wanted, playing the brother was a good compromise.
The Affair Squeezed In A Part For Colin Donnell
When Laure Prepon Auditioned For Orange Is The New Black’s Character, Piper
Alex Vause is played by Laure Prepon in Orange Is the New Black, who is the former partner of the troubled Piper Chapman character. Although we could not think of a person that could embody Alex better, Prepon was keen on playing Piper. Regardless, Jeni Kohan was not convinced that Prepon could play the harmless Piper, and Alex’s role was then geared around Prepon’s organic self, with the formation of the original and incredible Alex role.
When Laure Prepon Auditioned For Orange Is The New Blacks Character Piper
Grey’s Anatomy Nearly Cast Sandra Oh As Miranda Baily
Grey’s Anatomy’s Dr. Christina Yang seemed to have been made for Sandra Oh, but this fated performance nearly didn’t happen. Oh initially was called in to try out for Baily, who then decided that Christina Yang was more up her street. Show creator Shonda Rhimes believed that Oh’s energy was refreshing, and that she had been gearing Yang around Oh’s personality and behavior. Miranda Bailey would then end up going to Chandra Wilson, and the rest is history.
Greys Anatomy
Joey Tribbiani Of Friends Fame Could Have Gone To Hank Azaria
Matt LeBlanc will forever be seen as Joey by Friends fans, who embodied the lovable goofball spectacularly. If Hank Azaria had had his way, however, the Joey that we know and love today could have been incredibly different. Azaria would not be permitted entry into the main character circle, however, instead of being handed the part of David the scientist, who Phoebe falls in love with. Despite missing out on the part that he wanted, Azaria would leave a strong mark on the beloved sitcom.
Joey Tribbiani Of Friends Fame Could Have Gone To Hank Azaria
The Supernatural Brother Swap That Never Was
Dean and Sam Winchester are one of the most iconic demon-slaying duo in the history of television thanks to their incredible performances in 2005’s Supernatural. Fans of the show know that Dean is the older sibling, while Sam is the baby brother. Dean’s character, who Jensen Eckles plays, was nearly given to someone else when Eckles tried out for Sam, despite being more focused on Dean. When Jared Padalecki ended up taking Sam’s part, Eckles was given a shot at Dean. The brothers were successfully cast, and the show was legendary.
The Supernatural Brother Swap That Never Was
Paul Wesley Made His Peace With His The Vampire Diaries Role Of Stefan
Here we have another sibling character swap with The Vampire Diaries, where Ian Somerhalder ended up taking the part of Damon, which Paul Wesley had tried out for initially. Paul Wesley was not out of the race yet, however. Rather, he went for the part of Stefan, which we all know he landed. Incredibly, Wesley would have made a better Stefan than the casting crew had imagined. That being said, fans of the series might struggle to see it Welsey’s way.
Paul Wesley Made His Peace With His The Vampire Diaries Role Of Stefan
The Time That The Part Of Chandler Was Attempted By Jon Favreau
The Friends character that so many of us love to hate, Chandler, might have been completely different if the multi-talented Jon Favreau’s audition for the part had been successful. When Matthew Perry appeared after Favreau’s tryout, the producers warmed up to him incredibly. That did not mean that Favreau would be completely excluded, however, and he was called back to play a love interest of the character Monica, called Peter Becker. This was a character that worked within the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
The Time That The Part Of Chandler Was Attempted By Jon Favreau
London Tipton Would Slip Through Ashley Tisdale’s Fingers In The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody
The adorable twins, Dylan and Cole Sprouse, Brenda Song, and Ashley Tisdale all had their careers launched by the hilarious feel-good sitcom, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody of The Disney Channel fame. While we loved Ashley Tisdale as Maddie Fitzpatrick, this was the second-best part for the actress, as she had originally wished to be London Tipton. While Brenda Song took the more luxurious role, Tisdale would go on to achieve cinematic glory with High School Musical.
London Tipton
Liza Weil Was Gunning For Gilmore Girls’ Rory Character
The character of Paris Geller was played by Liza Weil in the show Gilmore Girls, one that begins as Rory Gilmore’s antagonist-turned-friend. Weil did not mean to rub Rory the wrong way, however. In fact, she wanted to be her! Sadly for Weil, Alexis Bledel had long convinced the producers. Amy Sherman-Palladino, the creator of Gilmore Girls, did not enjoy denying Weil, almost piteously including Weil by writing a character that was initially meant to appear for only three episodes. Weil did so well with Paris Geller that she became a steady feature.
Liza Weil
The Marvel Cinematic Universe Character That Chadwick Boseman Originally Envisioned
Black Panther was more than just a superhero film, it was a cultural phenomenon, largely thanks to T’Challa’s heroism borne of the late Chadwick Boseman’s efforts. While the serious and charismatic role was perfectly embodied by Boseman, he initially wanted a far more whimsical role, that of Guardians of the Galaxy’s Drax. While Dave Bautista ended up getting the hilariously macho part, the world would not be the same if Boseman had been handed it. Sarah Finn, the director, knew that Boseman was born to play the part of the Black Panther.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe Character That Chadwick Boseman Originally Envisioned