Casting choices can make or break a movie. Imagine some of the most iconic roles almost going to different actors. It’s fascinating to think how different actors might have shaped these legendary characters. Here are 15 famous parts that almost went to someone else.
Claire Danes: Rose Dawson, Titanic (1997)
Claire Danes was offered the iconic role of Rose in Titanic but turned it down after working with Leonardo DiCaprio on Romeo + Juliet. She didn’t want to dive into another big romantic film. Kate Winslet took the part, skyrocketing to fame. It’s hard to picture anyone else saying, “I’m flying!”
Hugh Jackman: James Bond, Casino Royale (2006)
Hugh Jackman was approached to play James Bond in Casino Royale but turned it down, fearing it would limit his acting choices. Daniel Craig took on the role, giving Bond a grittier edge and redefining the character. Jackman continued to excel as Wolverine, but Craig’s portrayal of Bond is now celebrated worldwide.
Russell Crowe: Aragorn, Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)
Russell Crowe was nearly cast as Aragorn in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. He turned it down because of a busy schedule, allowing Viggo Mortensen to step in and make the role legendary. Crowe later admitted that he didn’t feel connected to the project. Mortensen’s performance is now an iconic part of cinematic history.
Emma Watson: Mia, La La Land (2016)
Emma Watson was in talks to play Mia in La La Land but had to turn it down due to scheduling conflicts with Beauty and the Beast. Emma Stone stepped in, delivered a stunning performance, and won an Oscar. Watson said it was a hard decision, but she had no regrets. Stone’s portrayal became instantly iconic.
Christina Applegate: Elle Woods, Legally Blonde (2001)
Christina Applegate was offered the role of Elle Woods but turned it down to avoid being typecast as another “dumb blonde.” Reese Witherspoon took the role and made it unforgettable, turning Elle Woods into a cultural phenomenon. Applegate later admitted it was a tough decision. Witherspoon’s portrayal of Elle Woods became iconic.
Henry Cavill: Edward Cullen, Twilight (2008)
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Henry Cavill was Stephenie Meyer’s first choice for Edward Cullen, but he was too old for the role by the time the movie was made. Robert Pattinson was cast instead, and Twilight became a massive hit. Cavill went on to play Superman, solidifying his own place in pop culture. Imagine Cavill’s brooding face as Edward!
Tiffani Thiessen: Rachel Green, Friends (1994-2004)
Tiffani Thiessen auditioned for the role of Rachel in Friends, but it ultimately went to Jennifer Aniston. Thiessen was known for her role in Saved by the Bell, but Friends became one of the most popular sitcoms ever. Aniston’s portrayal of Rachel Green is beloved by fans worldwide. It’s hard to imagine anyone else in that role now.
Charlize Theron: Roxie Hart, Chicago (2002)
Charlize Theron was considered for the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago but couldn’t take it due to scheduling conflicts. Renée Zellweger stepped in and earned an Oscar nomination for her performance. Theron went on to have a successful career with other roles, but Zellweger’s performance as Roxie Hart became iconic in musical films.
Brad Pitt: Russell Hammond, Almost Famous (2000)
Brad Pitt was nearly cast as Russell in Almost Famous but dropped out due to creative differences. Billy Crudup took the part and delivered a memorable performance. Pitt’s career continued to flourish, but Crudup’s role in the film remains a fan favorite. Imagine Pitt’s charm as the rock star!
Emilia Clarke: Anastasia Steele, Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
Emilia Clarke was offered the role of Anastasia in Fifty Shades of Grey but declined due to the nudity required. Dakota Johnson took on the part, and the role significantly boosted her career. Clarke said she didn’t want to be typecast after Game of Thrones. Johnson’s performance brought Anastasia Steele to life in a new way.
George Clooney: Noah Calhoun, The Notebook (2004)
George Clooney was considered for the role of young Noah in The Notebook, meant to play the older version of the character. Scheduling conflicts got in the way, so Ryan Gosling ended up with the role. The movie became a classic romance, capturing hearts everywhere. Imagine the dynamic presence of Clooney as Noah!
Rachael Leigh Cook: Rogue, X-Men (2000)
Rachael Leigh Cook was almost cast as Rogue in X-Men but turned down the role to avoid being typecast. Anna Paquin eventually got the part, adding depth to the character. Cook later said she regretted not taking it. It’s intriguing to think how Cook’s portrayal might have differed.
Kate Winslet: Viola, Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Kate Winslet was considered for Viola in Shakespeare in Love but passed on the role. Gwyneth Paltrow took it and won an Oscar. Winslet chose to work on other projects, making her own mark in the industry. Paltrow’s performance in the film is now iconic.
Alden Ehrenreich: Dan Humphrey, Gossip Girl (2007-2012)
Alden Ehrenreich auditioned for Dan in Gossip Girl but lost the role to Penn Badgley. Ehrenreich later starred in Solo: A Star Wars Story, gaining significant fame. Gossip Girl became a teen drama sensation, with Badgley’s portrayal of Dan Humphrey standing out. Imagine Ehrenreich as the mysterious Lonely Boy!
Matt LeBlanc: Phil Dunphy, Modern Family (2009-2020)
Matt LeBlanc was offered the role of Phil Dunphy in Modern Family but felt he wasn’t right for the part. Ty Burrell was cast instead and won multiple awards for his performance. LeBlanc praised Burrell’s portrayal, which became a cornerstone of the hit comedy series. It’s fun to imagine LeBlanc bringing his Joey charm to Phil Dunphy!
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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