10 Actors Who Almost Turned Their Iconic Down but Changed Their Minds and Hit The Jackpot

Sometimes, the story of how a movie was created is more intriguing than its plot. To notch up the success of a movie, the casting directors play an important role, they carefully make wise decisions, picking up the right actors for the roles. This process often has a lot of ups and downs and the right choice might not always be obvious.
Some actors gained wide recognition for playing a small part while others refused to become a part of a cool project and then totally regretted it. In other cases, several actors initially turned their roles down but then changed their minds and hit the jackpot.
Croll down to discover who they are. And if you want to see more, click here, here, and here.

#1 Peter Dinklage — Game of Thrones

Source: © Game of Thrones / Home Box Office (HBO) and co-producers

The scriptwriters of “Game of Thrones” really offered Peter Dinklage to play Tyrion Lannister but he hesitated. The actor didn’t want to play in something of a fantasy genre because he thought he’d have to wear a long beard and pointed shoes. After learning more about the story and his character, he said “Yes”.

#2 Jim Carrey — How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Source: © How the Grinch Stole Christmas / Universal Pictures amd co-producers

Because of heavy makeup, Jim Carrey nearly gave up his role in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. On the set of the film, he felt that he was buried alive. At that time, the producers came up with a brilliant solution, hiring a special trainer who taught Carrey how to endure the torture.

#3 Richard Gere — Pretty Woman

Source: © Pretty Woman / Touchstone Pictures and co-producers

Director Garry Marshall wanted Richard Gere — Pretty Woman to star in the movie “Pretty Woman” but the actor refused because he didn’t like the story and his character. The director didn’t give up and bet it all on Julia Roberts. The actress gave Gere a piece of paper, saying “Please say yes”. Finally, he agreed.

#4 Michelle Rodriguez — Fast & Furious

Source: © Furious 6 / Universal Pictures and co-producers

Michelle Rodriguez achieved fame for her portrayal of Letty Ortiz in “Fast & Furious” but many might not know that she almost turned down the role. Her character wasn’t developed well enough, and she wanted it to be rewritten. However, the producers didn’t agree with her demands and were it not for Vin Diesel's involvement, Rodriguez would likely have left the project.

#5 Chris Evans — The Avengers

Source: © Captain America: The First Avenger / Paramount Pictures and co-producers

All Marvel fans love Captain America played by Chris Evans. But it’s surprising that he initially didn’t want to portray this role because he was afraid of the media attention. However, because of his mother’s advice, saying that this role was a great opportunity for him, he got the role.

#6 Leonardo DiCaprio — Titanic

Source: © Titanic / Twentieth Century Fox and co-producers

It’s hard to imagine “Titanic” without Leonardo DiCaprio but it could’ve happened. The actor was interested in serious dramatic movies more than in melodrama. Director James Cameron tried to persuade him to take the role and finally, he agreed.

#7 Al Pacino — The Godfather

Source: © The Godfather: Part II / Paramount Pictures and co-producers

Al Pacino was offered the role of Michael Corleone in “The Godfather” but he wanted to play Sonny. However, he accepted the director’s offer and we received another cult role played by Al Pacino.

#8 Jennifer Lawrence — The Hunger Games

Source: © The Hunger Games: Catching Fire / Color Force and co-producers

Jennifer Lawrence likes filming for movies that have small budgets and no big stars. She believed that the story was more important than the budget, and she liked the books about Katniss Everdeen. When she refused to portray Katniss Everdeen in “The Hunger Games”, her mother called her a hypocrite. Eventually, she changed her mind.

#9 Emma Watson — Harry Potter film series

Source: © Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire / Warner Bros. and cp-producers

For her portrayal of Hermione Granger in “Harry Potter”, Emma Watson got international fame at a young age. After film 4, she no longer wanted to take on that role. It turned out that she wanted to focus on her studies. Eventually, Watson decided to stay. But she didn't give up her goals and got her bachelor's degree in English literature.

#10 Emma Stone — La La Land

Source: © La La Land / Summit Entertainment and co-producers

Stone was best known for her role in “La La Land”, in which she won an Oscar for Best Actress. Though she liked the project, she almost turned down her role. She was doing the Cabaret show on Broadway and was sick, and she thought that she wouldn’t be capable of dancing and singing in 2 projects simultaneously. Director Damien Chazelle persuaded her again and again and even showed her demo tracks. Eventually, the actress said yes.