Film can be such a powerful thing. One movie can change the life of a young person, shaping their interests and aspirations. Movies can also simply be a fun escape.
If the producers and directors of a film make the wrong casting decisions, though, that can make or break the whole thing. I bet you could name a few movies off the top of your head that picked the wrong actor or actress for a role. It makes it almost impossible to watch when you can't believe the performer on the screen.
We've all come to know and love certain characters as they are, and imagining them played by another actor just seems wrong. However, these iconic roles weren't always envisioned the way we see them.
These nine iconic roles were each turned down by a famous performer. Can you imagine if any of them had taken the role when it was offered? Their lives and ours would have been forever changed.
Did we miss any others? Let us know in the comments and please SHARE this fascinating list with your fellow movie buffs!
Thumbnail sources: Wikimedia Commons, YouTube
1. Tony Wyzek From “Westside Story” Was Almost Played By Elvis
Elvis Presley was offered the role, but his manager didn't want him to be associated with gangs at that time in his career. Richard Beymer took the role instead.
2. Vito Corleone From “The Godfather” Was Almost Played By Laurence Olivier
The celebrated actor, Laurence Olivier, was offered the role as the Don in this classic film, but he turned it down.
3. Han Solo From “Star Wars” Was Almost Played By Al Pacino
The actor admitted that he had an opportunity to play the iconic role, but he just didn't understand the script at the time. An offer was also presented to Christopher Walken.
4. Holly Golightly From “Breakfast At Tiffany's” Was Almost Played By Marilyn Monroe
Truman Capote, the author of the original novella, thought that Marilyn should play the starring role because the character in his book was a blonde from the country who reinvented herself.
5. Forrest Gump From “Forrest Gump” Was Almost Played By John Travolta
Can you imagine how different life would be if Travolta had taken the role? Tom Hanks is Forrest Gump.
6. Edward Scissorhands From “Edward Scissorhands” Was Almost Played By Tom Cruise
After Tom Cruise, Jim Carrey and Robert Downey Jr. also passed up on the role. It finally went to Johnny Depp.
7. Indiana Jones From “Raiders Of The Lost Ark” (And Its Sequels) Was Almost Played By Tom Selleck
This was during Selleck's time on Magnum PI, the show that made him famous. The producers didn't want to lose him to a more iconic role, and Selleck chose to stick with the show. Harrison Ford is now known as the great adventurer instead.
8. Danny Zuko From “Grease” Was Almost Played By Henry Winkler
After playing the Fonz, Winkler didn't want to be typecast, so he turned down the opportunity to star in the movie musical. Years later, he regretted his decision to skip the iconic role that ended up in John Travolta's lap.
9. Jack From “Titanic” Was Almost Played By Matthew McConaughey
Let's face it, Leonardo DiCaprio was perfect for this role. Sometimes, it's just meant to be when an actor turns down a part.
Did you know about any of these casting decisions? Did we miss any from our list? Let us know in the comments and please SHARE with your family and friends on Facebook!
