The success of a movie partly depends on the quality of the cast. Over the years, many actors have given us outstanding performances that we cannot imagine someone else playing their iconic roles. However, it’s surprising to learn that many famous portrayals could have been played by different actors.
Sometimes, scheduling conflicts or creative differences can lead to an actor being replaced with someone else. Other times, an actor may decline a role due to personal reasons or a lack of interest in the project.
For example, Eric Stoltz was originally cast as Marty McFly in "Back to the Future," but was replaced by Michael J. Fox after a few weeks of filming. In some cases, actors who declined a role may regret their decision later on, such as Will Smith turning down the lead role in "The Matrix."
We’ve rounded up some iconic movie roles that almost went to other actors.
#1. Anne Hathaway as Barbie in the Barbie movie
Source: annehathaway / Instagram
It is a fact that the role of Barbie in the new Barbie movie is originally written for Amy Schumer. However, apart from her, Anne Hathaway is another candidate for the role. Eventually, the two actresses turned down the part, so Margot Robbie took over.
#2. Olivia Wilde as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad
Source: Laurent VU/SIPA/SIPA/East News
Margot Robbie embodied Harley Quinn perfectly, but many might not know that Olivia Wilde was supposed to play the role. Despite never portraying a superhero before, she had a role in the comic book-based film Cowboys & Aliens. In the case she agreed to play Harley Quinn, she would involve in the DC Extended Universe.
#3. Jon Hamm as Nick Dunne in Gone Girl
Source: Evan Agostini/Invision/East News
In 2012, we saw the massive hit, Gone Girl, spending 2 months at the top spot on the New York Times bestseller list with a highly anticipated and eventually successful cinematic adaptation. Jon Hamm was invited to play the leading role of Nick Dunne but he had to decline the offer because of his contract for another show. Hamm was so upset for not playing it. Eventually, Ben Affleck got the role.
#4. Shia LaBeouf as Jack in Don’t Worry Darling
Source: East News
Olivia Wilde’s psychological thriller Don’t Worry Darling grabbed huge attention, appearing a lot of headline exposure, mainly due to the cast. The lead role of Jack was first offered to Shia LaBeouf. However, he was removed from the project and Harry Styles eventually got the part.
#5. Matt Smith as John Watson in the Sherlock TV series
Source: Willy Sanjuan/East News
Matt Smith auditioned for the role of John Watson in the Sherlock TV series but he was considered unsuitable for the part. The creator saw Smith’s eccentric personality deem more suitable for playing Sherlock Holmes. However, the role of Sherlock had already been given to Benedict Cumberbatch, leaving Smith out of contention for both roles.
#6. Channing Tatum as Thor in Thor: Love and Thunder
Source: channingtatum / Instagram
Before Chris Hemsworth, numerous candidates were considered for the role of Thor and Channing Tatum was one of them. The actor even discussed directly the character with the director, but the filmmakers wanted to hire someone who looked more Nordic.
#7. Meryl Streep as Dwan in King Kong (1976)
Source: ANGELA WEISS/AFP/East News
It seems that every actor once missed out playing a role and the person is an Oscar-winning actor. Meryl Streep was considered not attractive enough to play a role in the 1976 movie King Kong. For the actress, this moment was so sobering. Ultimately, the role was given to Jessica Lange, who stars in American Horror Story.
#8. Maisie Williams as Ellie in The Last of Us
Source: Laurent VU/SIPA/SIPA/East News
One of the creators of The Last of Us revealed that Maisie Williams was supposed to play Ellie. The casting team was looking for someone who was able to play a 14-year-old character with a mix of toughness, vulnerability, and wisdom beyond their years. Eventually, Bella Ramsey was chosen for the part.
#9. Seth Rogen as Dwight Schrute in The Office
Source: East News
The Office got much attention since its release. Numerous talented actors joined the casting process to win a role on the show. Among them was Seth Rogen, who was supposed to play the iconic role of Dwight Schrute. However, the part was given to Rainn Wilson and he nailed it perfectly.
#10. Lukas Gage as Joe Goldberg in the series You
Source: You / Berlanti Productions
Lukas Gage had a great performance as Adam Pratt in You season 4. But, many might not know that before landing the role of Adam Pratt, he auditioned for Joe Goldberg. The casting director didn’t want to see the character have a twirling mustache. Despite Gage’s effort, the director noted that the role wasn’t suitable for the actor.
Do you want to give a second chance for rejected actors to play these iconic roles? Share your thoughts in the comments.