Iconic Films That Almost Starred Someone Else

Casting can change many times before cameras roll, and some near misses go far beyond a simple audition. Scripts move between studios, schedules shift, and offers rise and fall as projects evolve. Along the way, actors sign on, test for roles, or even shoot scenes before a different choice finally locks in.

These close calls leave a paper trail of tests, negotiations, contract issues, and availability puzzles. Screen tests get archived, producers weigh commitments, and directors adjust creative choices. The stories below trace how twenty five famous films almost featured very different faces before the final cast stepped in.

‘Back to the Future’ (1985)

Eric Stoltz was cast as Marty McFly and filmed for several weeks with the crew before the production changed course. Michael J Fox had been the first choice but was tied to the show ‘Family Ties’, which made scheduling difficult until a compromise was reached.

Once Fox joined, scenes were reshot and the production adapted to a tight day and night schedule that covered both his series and the film. Footage with Stoltz has been discussed by the filmmakers, showing how far the original casting went before the switch.

‘The Matrix’ (1999)

Will Smith met with the filmmakers and turned down the role of Neo, choosing another project at the time. Several other actors were also approached for the lead during the early casting phase.

Keanu Reeves accepted the role after training was planned for martial arts and wire work. The casting choice shaped the rest of the lineup, including decisions for Morpheus and Trinity.

‘Titanic’ (1997)

Matthew McConaughey auditioned for Jack Dawson and has said he believed he gave a strong reading. The role went to Leonardo DiCaprio after director and studio discussions about the pairing for the two leads.

Other actors were considered during the search for the central couple, and multiple readings took place with different combinations. Once DiCaprio and Kate Winslet were set, the production moved forward with screen tests that confirmed the match.

‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (1981)

Tom Selleck tested for Indiana Jones and was the early choice for the role. His commitment to the show ‘Magnum, P I’ conflicted with the film schedule and prevented a deal.

Harrison Ford stepped in after those conflicts could not be resolved. The decision aligned with the tight timeline for the first shoot and set the template for later sequels.

‘Jurassic Park’ (1993)

Harrison Ford has said he was offered the role of Dr Alan Grant and declined. The production continued a broad search for its three principal characters while visual effects and dinosaur designs moved ahead.

Sam Neill eventually took the part and joined a cast that also included Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum. The film timed actor deals with location plans and animatronic builds to keep the schedule on track.

‘Pretty Woman’ (1990)

Al Pacino read with Julia Roberts during the search for Edward Lewis and passed on the role. The film was then moving from an earlier darker concept toward a different tone, which shaped casting decisions.

Richard Gere accepted the part after meetings with the filmmakers and Roberts. Final casting supported the revised script approach and set the stage for the shoot in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills locations.

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’ (2001)

Stuart Townsend was cast as Aragorn and trained in New Zealand before being replaced shortly before principal photography. The production decided to change direction on the character and needed an actor of a different age and presence.

Viggo Mortensen joined quickly and prepared while sets and units were already active. The change required updated fittings, weapon training, and a new plan for early battle scenes.

‘Iron Man’ (2008)

Tom Cruise pursued the role of Tony Stark during earlier development phases when the project was moving between companies. Talks did not produce a deal, and the property later advanced under the Marvel banner with a new strategy.

Robert Downey Jr won the role after tests that convinced the studio and producers. Insurance, budget, and ensemble choices were aligned after his selection, which allowed the first entry in the series to proceed.

‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ (2011)

Scarlett Johansson met and tested for Lisbeth Salander during an extensive search for the lead. The director and studio reviewed multiple screen tests before moving ahead.

Rooney Mara secured the role after additional readings and preparation for the character. The production coordinated dialect work, physical training, and a detailed look to match the script requirements.

‘La La Land’ (2016)

Emma Watson and Miles Teller were in talks to star while the project prepared to mount its musical numbers. Scheduling and other commitments prevented final agreements.

Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling signed on after new availability opened. The production then built rehearsal periods for singing, piano, and dance that matched the updated cast.

‘Doctor Strange’ (2016)

Joaquin Phoenix entered negotiations to play Stephen Strange and discussions covered contract length and publicity obligations. Talks ended without a deal, which sent the studio back to a shortlist.

Benedict Cumberbatch accepted the role once his schedule cleared. Pre production adjusted to his availability, including motion capture planning and training for hand movements and spell choreography.

‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006)

Rachel McAdams was offered the role of Andy Sachs and declined more than once during casting. The search continued as the production worked around fashion world access and location windows.

Anne Hathaway pursued the part and was chosen after meetings and script work. With the lead set, the team secured designers for on screen wardrobe and confirmed Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly.

‘Forrest Gump’ (1994)

John Travolta turned down the role of Forrest Gump. Bill Murray was also considered during this period as the production looked for the right match for its narrative structure.

Tom Hanks took the role and worked closely on the character’s cadence and physicality. The film synchronized its casting with locations across multiple states and a demanding visual effects plan.

‘The Terminator’ (1984)

O J Simpson was considered for the title role during early conversations with the studio. The filmmakers later met with Arnold Schwarzenegger, who had initially been discussed for Kyle Reese.

After that meeting, the team reoriented the plan and cast Schwarzenegger as the Terminator and Michael Biehn as Reese. The schedule was then built around physical training and animatronic effects.

‘Die Hard’ (1988)

Because the story followed a novel that continued a character played by Frank Sinatra, the role of John McClane had to be offered to him first under a contractual understanding. He declined, which opened the search to a wide field of contemporary stars.

Bruce Willis ultimately signed on after the production reviewed availability and set access in Los Angeles. The casting locked in time for stunt planning inside the primary high rise location.

‘The Shawshank Redemption’ (1994)

Tom Hanks was approached for Andy Dufresne but focused on another project at the time. Kevin Costner showed interest but chose a different film that required a long location shoot.

Tim Robbins accepted the role and joined Morgan Freeman after a final round of meetings. The production then adjusted its schedule around a decommissioned prison location and seasonal weather.

‘American Psycho’ (2000)

Leonardo DiCaprio was attached to play Patrick Bateman with a different director. He later left the project, which returned to its previous director and original vision.

Christian Bale took the role after an extended preparation period. The producers coordinated financing and distribution once the cast stabilized, allowing filming to proceed in Toronto and New York settings.

‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)

Michelle Pfeiffer turned down the role of Clarice Starling due to concerns about the script’s content. Several other actors were approached as the production sought a lead with a specific profile.

Jodie Foster campaigned for the role and was cast after meetings with the director and studio. The team then secured Anthony Hopkins for Hannibal Lecter and mapped out a tight shooting schedule.

‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994)

Michael Madsen had been a favored choice for Vincent Vega but took a role in another film that overlapped with the schedule. The production needed a decision and moved on.

John Travolta was cast after a meeting that included a discussion of the character and script rhythm. The ensemble then came together quickly with set builds timed to the actors’ windows.

‘Batman Begins’ (2005)

Cillian Murphy screen tested for Bruce Wayne during camera tests designed to evaluate suits, lighting, and movement. The director chose Christian Bale for the lead after reviewing the footage.

Murphy was then offered Dr Jonathan Crane and accepted. The production coordinated his scenes across multiple units while Bale trained on fight choreography and suit logistics.

‘Star Wars’ (1977)

Kurt Russell auditioned for Han Solo as the team tested many actors for the three central roles. Harrison Ford, who had worked with George Lucas before, participated in readings that helped the filmmakers compare combinations.

Ford was then cast as Han Solo as the rest of the leads finalized. The shoot moved to locations in the UK and North Africa with the principal trio set.

‘The Godfather’ (1972)

The studio considered several established stars for Michael Corleone, including Robert Redford and Ryan O’Neal, during early planning. Francis Ford Coppola pushed for Al Pacino after watching tests that fit his vision.

Pacino won the role following further evaluation that included costume and makeup trials. The decision aligned with Marlon Brando’s selection as Vito Corleone and locked the core family lineup.

‘Shrek’ (2001)

Chris Farley recorded a large portion of Shrek’s dialogue before his death. The project paused while the studio considered how to proceed with the character.

Mike Myers took over the role and re recorded the part after working out a new vocal approach. The change required adjustments in animation to match updated line readings.

‘Brokeback Mountain’ (2005)

Earlier versions of the project developed with different potential lead pairs, including talks with Matt Damon and Joaquin Phoenix. Those versions did not move forward due to timing and commitments.

Ang Lee cast Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal after renewed financing allowed a fresh start. The production then coordinated location access in the West and a schedule that matched the seasonal setting.

‘Casino Royale’ (2006)

Henry Cavill screen tested for James Bond and was a close finalist. The producers assessed several candidates during a lengthy process that balanced action demands and long term planning.

Daniel Craig was selected after final tests and meetings. Filming began with extensive stunt training and location shoots across Europe and the Bahamas.

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