11 Actors Who Turned Down Movie Roles That Later Became Iconic

Although the film industry is competitive, famous performers are occasionally given roles that they just do not want to take it. Several high-profile actors, including Kate Winslet and Charlie Hunnam, have declined roles in box office smashes like "Shakespeare in Love", "Fifty Shades of Grey," and even "James Bond."
Even Will Smith, the great actor, has turned down major roles throughout his career, including the character of Neo in "The Matrix." However, as we all know, Keanu Reeves eventually took on this role.
It's difficult to think of "Game of Thrones" without Emilia Clarke. What would "Titanic" be like without Kate Winslet? But hold on to your hats, guys, because both parts almost went to very different actors. Whether it was due to scheduling difficulties or the dreaded "creative differences," here are 11 actors who turned down film roles (and some of them undoubtedly regret it!).

#1 Ellie Sattler — Gwyneth Paltrow

Source: © Jurassic Park / Universal Studios, © The Talented Mr. Ripley / Miramax

Gwyneth Paltrow auditioned for the role of Dr. Ellie Sattler in "Jurassic Park" in 1992. Because "Jurassic Park" had become a successful franchise, this part would have greatly aided the young actress's career. However, the future star was unable to perform, and the role was given to Laura Dern.

#2 Indiana Jones — Tom Selleck

Source: © Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark / Lucasfilm, © East News

Tom Selleck was initially cast as Indiana Jones in "Indiana Jones and the Raiders," but he had already signed on for the P.I. TV series "Magnum," and the producers wouldn't let him combine the two projects.

#3 Daenerys Targaryen — Elizabeth Olsen

Source: © Thronesf Trones / HBO, © Jordan Strauss / Invision / AP / East News

The actress, well known as the Scarlet Witch, initially failed auditions for the role of Mother of Dragons. She revealed that she tried out for the Khaleesi speech when she came out of the fire, but it was terrible, and she didn't get a callback. As a result, Emilia Clarke was cast as Daenerys.

#4 Christian Grey — Charlie Hunnam

Source: © Fifty Shades of Grey / Focus Features, © Joel Ryan / Invision / AP / East News

In 2013, every newspaper reported the biggest news of the year: Charlie Hunnam would appear in the movie version of "Fifty Shades of Grey". However, the actor then changed his mind and declined the part. Hunnam experienced a nervous breakdown as a result of his strenuous job schedule.
The actor understood he wouldn't be able to execute his work correctly, but making this decision was difficult for him. Hunnam hasn't seen any of the trilogy's films because he described the circumstance as "the worst professional experience" of his life.

#5 Prince Caspian — Nicholas Hoult

Source: © The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian / Walt Disney Pictures, © AFP / East News

The auditions for the role of Prince Caspian, according to the actor, were the worst of his career. Nicholas Hoult was instructed to speak with a Hispanic accent, like Puss in Boots from "Shrek." This request embarrassed Holt since he was unprepared for it. The character was eventually filled by British actor Ben Barnes, who was a wonderful fit.

#6 Jane Smith — Gwen Stefani

Source: © Mr. & Mrs. Smith / Summit Entertainment, © Warner Bros. Pictures / Miramax / Collection Christophel / East News

Gwen Stefani, the popular singer, is a very varied individual. She was almost cast as the lead in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith." Stefani went to quite a few auditions before deciding to pursue a musical career. As a result, Angelina Jolie played Jane Smith in the film.

#7 Aragorn — Russell Crowe

Source: © The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers / Warner Bros., © Gladiator / Scott Free Productions

Russell Crowe was once asked if he regretted refusing to portray Aragorn in the legendary "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. The actor replied honestly that he had never considered it and stated why he did not join the project. Crowe claims that Peter Jackson never intended to cast him as Aragorn. Russell's intuition told him that the director already had a suitable candidate in mind, so he politely declined the offer.

#8 Patrick Bateman — Johnny Depp

Source: © American Psycho / Lionsgate Films, © Mary Evans / AF Archive / Graham Whitby Boot / East News

Stuart Gordon was meant to direct "American Psycho" at first. The director only saw Johnny Depp in the lead part and convinced him to take it. However, the novel's author quickly altered his mind. He withdrew Stuart Gordon's rights to the novel and referred to Johnny Depp (who was 28 years old at the time) as a "lightweight" actor who was too old for the role.

#9 Viola De Lesseps — Kate Winslet

Source: © Shakespeare in Love / Universal Pictures, © Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com

Following the box office success of Titanic, Kate Winslet had numerous offers from various film filmmakers. She was invited to participate in "Shakespeare in Love", but she declined since she preferred to work on more solo projects. Gwyneth Paltrow was eventually cast in the role. And she made the right decision, as her performance earned her an Oscar.

#10 James Bond — Henry Cavill

Source: © Casino Royale / Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, © The Tudors / Showtime Networks

It's difficult to envision anyone other than the excellent Daniel Craig portraying the role of James Bond, but Henry Cavill had a chance to become the new Agent 007. Because he was "a little chubby," the actor was turned down. Cavill handled the criticism well and continued to increase his physical training, which aided him in his future career.

#11 Alex Munday — Angelina Jolie

Source: © Charlie's Angels / Columbia Pictures, © East News

Angelina Jolie's filmography shows that she enjoys acting in action films. However, the actress turned down a comparable project. Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz tried unsuccessfully to persuade Angelina Jolie to play their companion.
Jolie believed she wasn't suited for the character. In addition, she thought that no people wouldn't have as much fun watching her race about in high heels chasing bad men and tossing her hair.