Chances are hard to come by, yet these movie stars almost lost their chances of a lifetime. Some refused their parts due to extreme stress, others almost gave up because they didn’t really understand the script. Lucky for these actors who almost missed million-dollar roles, they changed their decisions just in time and hit the jackpot.
It’s certainly a close call for these stars, so let’s find out who nearly lost the chance of their lifetime. Here are 10 actors who almost missed million-dollar roles but luckily changed their minds at the last minute.
1. Al Pacino — The Godfather
Source: © Paramount Pictures/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
Originally, Al Pacino wanted to play the role of Sonny, not Michael. He liked the script but felt like Sonny was a much more fitting role for him. Luckily, the film director was able to change his mind and pursue him to take on the role of Michael. Al Pacino got the biggest role of his life, and we got an amazing and unforgettable performance.
2. Emma Watson — Harry Potter film series
Source: © Warner Bros. Pictures/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
Emma Watson loved her character Hermione Granger, but she wanted to quit the role after the fourth film in the franchise. The actress was under intense stress. She struggled to balance her study in real life and her acting duties on the set. Ultimately, she pulled through and succeeded at playing Hermione Granger and getting her bachelor’s degree in English literature.
3. Peter Dinklage — Game of Thrones
Source: © HBO/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
Peter Dinklage’s performance as Tyrion Lannister is phenomenal. However, he almost let this chance of a lifetime pass by. The actor thought he’d have to wear a long beard and pointed shoes because Game Of Thrones was in the fantasy genre. After reading the script again and understanding more about his character, Dinklage finally agreed.
Source: © Marvel/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
Chris Evans might have played superhero roles before, but it was the role of Captain America that made his name became worldwide. Evans almost passed the part due to his fear of media attention, but ultimately decided to follow his mother’s advice. He took the role so he wouldn’t have to worry about paying the rent anymore. Mothers really do know best huh?
5. Leonardo DiCaprio — Titanic
Source: © Paramount Pictures/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
Nowadays we know Leonardo DiCaprio as a talented actor who played many memorable characters. However, he is one of the actors who almost missed million-dollar roles too. He almost refused his part in Titanic, thinking it was just another melodrama and he was only interested in serious dramatic projects. Thankfully, James Cameron managed to make him change his decision.
6. Richard Gere — Pretty Woman
Source: © Buena Vista Pictures Distribution/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
Richard Gere didn’t like the script or his character in Pretty Woman. So the film director Garry Marshall let him and Julia Roberts have a private conversation together. Julia gave him a piece of paper, saying “Please say yes.” This was enough to convince Gere and he took the part because of her.
7. Jim Carrey — How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Source: © Universal Pictures/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
The makeup process for the Grinch was horrible. It was long and tedious. Jim Carrey felt like he was buried alive under all the prostheses and wanted to quit. The producers then introduced him to a CIA specialist, who taught him how to endure the torture. Carrey pulled through and gave us a masterpiece of a Christmas movie.
Source: © Lionsgate/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
Jennifer Lawrence liked the books and her character Katniss Everdeen, but she wasn’t ready for all the attention from the media. Back then she mostly played in movies with a small budget and no big stars, so her fear was understandable. She was about to turn down the part of Katniss Everdeen but changed her mind after her mother called her a hypocrite.
Source: © Lionsgate/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
Stone almost refused her Oscar-winning role in La La Land due to her physical condition. The actress was already doing the Cabaret show on Broadway when she received the invitation to star in La La Land. On top of that, she was sick so she thought that she wouldn’t be capable of dancing and singing in 2 projects simultaneously.
Fortunately, movie director Damien Chazelle didn’t give up. He met the actress and showed her the movie’s demo tracks. Finally, Emma Stone said yes.
Source: © Universal Pictures/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
Michelle Rodriguez almost turned down the role after reading the first script. The actress thought that her character wasn’t well-written enough, and the producers didn’t agree to her demands to rewrite the role. Upon hearing his costar’s distress,
Vin Diesel stepped in and made sure her character was changed. Without him, Rodriguez would likely have left the project.
Those are 10 actors who almost missed million-dollar roles but luckily changed their decisions just in time. Unlike these guys, these
movie stars lost their chances entirely due to their horrible auditions. Can you guess who is the one that blew up because he got too drunk?