Certain roles just feel tailor made for the actors that played them, but that’s mostly due to how we met the characters. In the planning stages of a film, many actors are considered and even offered the roles, but the final product is not always what the filmmakers envisioned from the start.
As such, we have plenty of examples of actors that could have been iconic characters, but had that chance pass by them either willingly or, as often is the case, due to a twist of fate. These are the famous stars that were almost even more famous characters.
The Matrix, Will Smith
Will Smith famously turned down Neo, later admitting he didn’t fully understand the pitch. The role went to Keanu Reeves, becoming one of the most defining performances of his career.
Titanic, Matthew McConaughey
McConaughey has said he believed he had secured the role of Jack Dawson, but Leonardo DiCaprio was ultimately cast, turning the part into a career-defining breakout.
Iron Man, Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise was attached to Iron Man for years during development. The project stalled, and Robert Downey Jr. eventually took over, launching the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Lord of the Rings, Nicolas Cage
Cage was offered the role of Aragorn but declined due to personal reasons. The part went to Viggo Mortensen, who became closely associated with the character.
Forrest Gump, John Travolta
Travolta passed on the role, which then went to Tom Hanks. Hanks’ performance became one of the most celebrated in modern film history.
Pretty Woman, Molly Ringwald
Ringwald turned down the lead role, which went to Julia Roberts, helping establish her as a major star.
The Dark Knight, Adrien Brody
Brody actively pursued the Joker role, but it went to Heath Ledger, whose performance became iconic and the last before his passing.
Pulp Fiction, Michael Madsen
Madsen was offered the role of Vincent Vega but declined due to scheduling, leading to John Travolta’s career-reviving performance.
The Avengers, Emily Blunt
Blunt was originally cast as Black Widow but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. Scarlett Johansson ended up taking the role.
Gladiator, Mel Gibson
Gibson was offered the lead role but declined, and Russell Crowe went on to win an Oscar for the performance.
La La Land, Miles Teller
Teller was initially attached to the lead role, but negotiations fell through, and Ryan Gosling was cast instead alongside Emma Stone.
American Psycho, Leonardo DiCaprio
DiCaprio was heavily linked to Patrick Bateman, but the role ultimately went to Christian Bale, whose performance became a tipping point in his career.
Pirates of the Caribbean, Hugh Jackman
Jackman was considered early for Jack Sparrow, but Johnny Depp’s take on the character ended up becoming the film’s defying feature.
Batman Begins, Jake Gyllenhaal
Gyllenhaal was considered for the lead role, but it ended up going to Christian Bale. Fans hope that the actor can have a second chanse in the now reset DCU.
The Hunger Games, Hailee Steinfeld
Steinfeld auditioned for Katniss Everdeen, but lost the role to Jennifer Lawrence due to, allegedly, being “too young.” Steinfeld was at the time the closest to the character’s real age.
Guardians of the Galaxy, Glenn Howerton
Howerton was a finalist for Star-Lord, but Chris Pratt landed the role. The impact this has had on Pratt’s career is undeniable.
Star Wars, Al Pacino
Pacino was offered Han Solo but declined due to not understanding the script, and Harrison Ford made the role legendary. Pacino has joked that he made Ford’s career thanks to this choice.
