WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN
10 Times Actors Missed Out On Iconic Movie Roles
Published on March 17, 2024
Credit: Felipe Bustillo
Ever wonder what could have been if your favorite actors had landed different roles? From scheduling conflicts to creative differences, Hollywood is rife with tales of missed opportunities.
Here are 10 instances where actors narrowly missed out on starring in iconic films, altering cinematic history forever.
Will Smith as Neo in The Matrix
Credit: ANIRUDH
Did you know that Will Smith almost took the red pill and became Neo in the 1999 sci-fi blockbuster The Matrix? Despite being the first one considered for the role, Will Smith turned down the part of Neo to star in Wild Wild West. He later recalled that, at the time, he was tired of doing action sci-fi films, and that motivated his decision to reject the role. Keanu Reeves eventually took on the iconic role, catapulting him to superstardom and solidifying the film's place in pop culture.
Gwyneth Paltrow as Rose in Titanic
Credit: NOAA
Gwyneth Paltrow was initially offered the role of Rose in James Cameron's Titanic, in part because the director didn’t want to be "too obvious" with his cast choices. But Paltrow turned the role down, as she didn’t want to take on such a demanding role at the time. As we all know, ultimately Kate Winslet took on the role, and her portrayal of the spirited Rose captivated audiences worldwide.
Tom Selleck as Indiana Jones
Credit: Intricate Explorer
The legendary Indiana Jones didn’t always have the familiar face of Harrison Ford. Magnum, P.I. star Tom Selleck was originally cast for the role of Indy in Raiders of the Lost Ark, but he had to drop out due to previous contractual obligations with the popular TV show. The role then went to Ford, solidifying his status as a rugged action hero and launching the Indiana Jones franchise to great success.
Sean Connery as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings
Credit: Ergo Zakki
Now we can’t hardly think of anyone other than the lovely Sir Ian McKellen playing the mightiest wizard of Middle Earth. But initially, it was Sean Connery who was offered the role of Gandalf in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy. However, he didn’t like the script, and turned the offer down, unknowingly missing out on one of the most successful fantasy films of all time.
John Travolta as Forrest Gump
Credit: Mattia Bericchia
Did you know that John Travolta was initially considered for the titular role in Forrest Gump?
However, he didn’t take the role because he had already been offered a chance to star in Pulp Fiction. Thankfully for fans of both movies, this decision brought us dozens of unforgettable scenes in Tarantino’s film and cleared the way for Tom Hanks to deliver an Oscar-winning performance of what would become one of the most beloved characters in film history.
Henry Cavill as Edward Cullen in Twilight
Credit: Clément Falize
Although Henry Cavill was never contacted by the Twilight production, he was originally considered for the role of Edward Cullen in the Twilight saga. However, the director eventually decided that Robert Pattinson would be best for the role of the centenary vampire. Later, Cavill said that though he didn’t know at the time, it would have been interesting to have a chance at the role.
Michelle Pfeiffer as Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs
Credit: Matthew Ansley
Michelle Pfeiffer was the first choice to play Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs, but she eventually declined the role due to its dark subject matter. She said she was uncomfortable with the direction the script took, and the amount of "evil" portrayed in the film. Jodie Foster ultimately took on the role, delivering an unforgettable performance that earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Burt Reynolds as James Bond
Credit: Intricate Explorer
After Sean Connery's departure from the popular spy franchise, Burt Reynolds was the first considered to take on the larger-than-life character. Although he later regretted his decision, he turned the role down because, at the time, he believed that the public would never accept an American James Bond. His decision eventually paved the way for Roger Moore to step into the iconic spy's shoes.
Angelina Jolie as Ryan Stone in Gravity
Credit: NASA
Angelina Jolie was initially chosen to star in 2013 sci-fi thriller Gravity, but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts with her directing work on Unbroken. Alfonso Cuaron lamented the decision, stating that she was perfectly suited to the role, and considered several names before finding a replacement. Eventually, the role went to Sandra Bullock, who delivered a captivating performance that earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination.
Eric Stoltz as Marty McFly in Back to the Future
Credit: Sebastiano Piazzi
Eric Stoltz was originally cast as Marty McFly in Back to the Future but was replaced by Michael J. Fox a few weeks into filming due to creative differences. According to members of the production, Stoltz's method acting and lack of humor clashed with the script’s lighthearted spirit.