These 10 Blockbusters Would Have Been Totally Different, But These Actors Said “Nah!” To The Role

Picture this: a world where The Notebook’s Allie Hamilton isn't portrayed by Rachel McAdams or insane Annie Wilkes isn't played by Kathy Bates. It may seem unfathomable, but believe it or not, both were almost played by different actresses. It just goes to show that Hollywood is a crazy place, and you never know who could have been the star of your favorite movie.
And let’s be real, not every movie can be a hit. So, when stars are offered a role, they really have to think it over. Some roles were declined because these actors thought the movie would be a snoozefest, while others lost faith in inexperienced directors. And for whatever reason, it's such a pity for some big names in the biz to refuse the chance that could have skyrocketed their career.
The next time you're watching a blockbuster movie, just remember that it could have been a totally different story if your favorite actor had said "no thanks."

#1 Hannibal Lecter: Sean Connery – Anthony Hopkins

Source: © Medicine Man / Hollywood Pictures, © The Silence of the Lambs / Orion Pictures

In the making of the classic thriller "Silence of the Lambs," director Jonathan Demme originally had his heart set on Sean Connery playing the iconic role of Hannibal Lecter. However, Connery wasn't interested and turned down the offer. Luckily, Anthony Hopkins stepped up to the plate and landed the role.
At first, Hopkins thought the movie was some sort of kiddie flick, but after reading just the first 10 pages of the script, he knew he had to be a part of it. And boy, was he right! Hopkins received a Best Actor nomination and even won an Oscar for his chilling portrayal of the cannibalistic psychiatrist.

#2 Allie Hamilton: Jessica Simpson – Rachel McAdams

Source: © facetoface / East News, © The Notebook / New Line Cinema

On the flip side, singer Jessica Simpson was offered the role of Allie Hamilton in the romantic drama "The Notebook." However, Simpson turned down the role because she wasn't comfortable with the revealing scenes.
That's when Rachel McAdams stepped in and made the role her own, ultimately becoming the on-screen love interest of Ryan Gosling.

#3 Gamora: Amanda Seyfried – Zoe Saldana

Source: © Elizabeth Goodenough / East News, © Guardians of the Galaxy / Marvel Studios

When it came time to cast the character of Gamora in Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy," Amanda Seyfried was offered the role. However, the actress declined, fearing that the movie would be a flop and ruin her career. Plus, she didn't see the appeal of a movie about a talking tree and a raccoon.
Zoe Saldana, on the other hand, was up for the challenge and landed the role. And yes, she hit the jackpot!

#4 Bridget von Hammersmark: Nastassja Kinski – Diane Kruger

Source: © imago / Sp / East News, © Inglourious Basterds / Universal Pictures

Quentin Tarantino was hoping to cast Nastassja Kinski as the British spy, Bridget von Hammersmark, in Inglourious Basterds. He even flew all the way to Germany to meet with her, but unfortunately, she turned down the role. Lucky for Tarantino, he found his perfect fit in the lovely Diane Kruger, who was more than happy to join the cast.

#5 Elizabeth I: Emily Watson – Cate Blanchett

Source: © Mary Evans / East News, © Elizabeth / Working Title Films

Emily Watson had the opportunity to play the role of Queen Elizabeth I, but she passed on the chance. She didn't regret her decision because she knew that Cate Blanchett was the perfect actress to bring the character to life. Blanchett went on to win a Golden Globe for her portrayal of the queen.

#6 Christine Palmer: Jessica Chastain – Rachel McAdams

Source: © Miss Sloane / FilmNation Entertainment, © Doctor Strange / Marvel Studios

Jessica Chastain was offered the role of Christine Palmer, Benedict Cumberbatch's love interest in Doctor Strange. However, she declined the offer, holding out hope for a chance to play a superheroine in the Marvel universe. Instead, Rachel McAdams took on the role and delivered a stellar performance.

#7 Andy Dufresne: Tom Cruise – Tim Robbins

Source: © Jerry Maguire / TriStar Pictures, © The Shawshank Redemption / Warner Bros.

While we can't imagine anyone but Tim Robbins bringing the innocent and upbeat Andy to life, it turns out that Tom Cruise was actually offered the role but turned it down because he didn't want to work with a relatively unknown director at the time.

#8 Annie Wilkes: Anjelica Huston – Kathy Bates

Anjelica Huston was supposed to play the main villain in the movie adaptation of Stephen King's novel Misery, but she chose to focus on another project instead. The role eventually went to Kathy Bates, who played the deranged fan to perfection and even won an Oscar and a Golden Globe for her performance.

#9 Kitty Shcherbatskaya: Saoirse Ronan – Alicia Vikander

Saoirse Ronan turned down the role of Kitty because she didn’t want to sacrifice her filming in the movies Byzantium and The Host. In these projects, Ronan played the main characters, that's why it was eventually Alicia Vikander who got the supporting role in Anna Karenina.

#10 Queen Hippolyta: Charlize Theron – Connie Nielsen

When Charlize Theron was offered the chance to play the role of Wonder Woman’s mother, she got extremely upset. The famous actress called this proposal a slap in the face and rejected it. We do understand her feelings because Gal Gadot is only 9 years younger than Charlize, and they definitely don’t look like a mother and a daughter.
Producer, Zack Snyder, then offered this role to the Dutch model and actress Connie Nielsen who is 20 years older than Gadot.