Roles that almost went to a different Actor...

[DoubleDown11]

Ever thought of who was originally considered for different roles here are a few I found:

American Psycho - Patrick Bateman
Edward Norton and Leo Dicaprio

Superman- Clark Kent/Superman
Clint Eastwood

Beverly Hills Cop - Det. Axle Foley
Sylvester Stallone

The Phantom - Kit Walker
Bruce Campbell

Titanic - Jack Dawson
Macualy Kulkin

Anyone hear of some others? Let's hear em!
2xDown

[Voodoodoll]

The thought of Christopher Walkin as Han Solo always creeped me out :D

Michelle Pfeiffer was set to be Starling in Silence of the Lambs - that would also be odd. Bizarrely, Jodie Foster always seems to be second choice - I think Nicole Kidman was supposed to have her role in Panic Room.

[Rated R]

I know De Niro was offered Bill The Butcher from Gangs Of New York and eventually went to Daniel Day-Lewis

[Nate6]

One of the most famous instances of this is that Tom Selleck was originally cast as Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark, but the role was given to Harrison Ford when Selleck needed to drop out due to Magnum P.I.. Thank god...

[MarkItZero]

Originally posted by Nate6
One of the most famous instances of this is that Tom Selleck was originally cast as Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark, but the role was given to Harrison Ford when Selleck needed to drop out due to Magnum P.I.. Thank god...

In fact I have heard George Lucas say that he wrote the story specifically with Tom Selleck in mind.

I know that Robert Deniro was also one of the top choices for Micheal Corleone. That would have been interesting.

[quoth_the_raven]

there was a guy who was supposed to be aragorn before Viggo Mortenson, but i have totally forgotten his name now....

[therealjohng]

It was supposed to be Stuart Townsend.

[quoth_the_raven]

thank you. its been a long week and i aint functioning at 100% right now...'

[Cosimo]

OJ Simpson as The Terminator!

[ColinM]

I remember hearing that Kevin Spacey and Hugh Jackman were considered for Richard Gere's part in Chicago. I wonder how they would have done?

[Annie Hall]

Originally posted by ColinM
I remember hearing that Kevin Spacey and Hugh Jackman were considered for Richard Gere's part in Chicago. I wonder how they would have done?

I don't doubt that either would have nailed it. Richie was fine, but I'd forgive Hugh or Spacey beating Nick Cage at the Globes more easily.

[Hannibal21]

Originally posted by ColinM
I remember hearing that Kevin Spacey and Hugh Jackman were considered for Richard Gere's part in Chicago. I wonder how they would have done?

Man, I wished that would've happened. While Richard Gere was good, I think Kevin Spacey would've done much better. Hugh Jackman would make a good choice too, but he's a little young.

Didn't the Spiderman/Peter Parker role almost go to Freddie Prinze Jr.? Well, I'm so glad they gave it to Tobey Maguire, Freddie would've made a AWFUL Spiderman.

[Grebdron]

Trivia for
Taxi Driver (1976)


Various studios considered producing this film; one suggested Neil Diamond for the lead role.

[neilg78]

Eric Stolz was supposed to be Marty McFly In Back To The Future!!

[MarkItZero]

Here are a few more.....

Eric Stolz turned down an offer to play Marty Mcfly in Back to the Future.

Kevin Costner was originally cast in War Games, but eventually turned it down.

The lead in Jerry Mcguire was originally written for Tom Hanks.

THe Cable Guy was written for Chris Farley.

Here is a shocker, Clint Eastwood was the 4th choice to play Dirty Harry , behind John Wayne, Frank Sinatra and Paul Newman.

[MarkItZero]

Originally posted by Hannibal21
I think Kevin Spacey would've done much better.

I agree, I am also glad that Neil Diamond didnt get Travis Bickle.

[quoth_the_raven]

Originally posted by MarkItZero


Here is a shocker, Clint Eastwood was the 4th choice to play Dirty Harry , behind John Wayne, Frank Sinatra and Paul Newman.

i think that requires stronger words than shocking....

[Hannibal21]

Annette Bening was offered for the role of Catwoman in Batman Returns, but she got pregnant and Michelle Pfeiffer got the role.

Hmm, I think I would've enjoyed seeing Annette as the seductive feline criminal, but right now in my eyes, Michelle Pfeiffer will always be Catwoman. :cool:

[Hannibal21]

Originally posted by MarkItZero

Here is a shocker, Clint Eastwood was the 4th choice to play Dirty Harry , behind John Wayne, Frank Sinatra and Paul Newman.

That's very disturbing. Almost as disturbing as A CLOCKWORK ORANGE. :eek:

[RogueSpear]

Lance Henriksen was originally brought onboard The Terminator to play the title character. Of course, they ended up give the role to Arnie and giving Lance a much smaller role.

[SIREN30]

Originally posted by Annie Hall
I don't doubt that either would have nailed it. Richie was fine, but I'd forgive Hugh or Spacey beating Nick Cage at the Globes more easily.

Hugh Jackman wouldve been PERFECT. Billy Flynn is a very young lawyer in the stage productions of Chicago so he wouldve fit fine and they guy can SING! He has been in stage productions in Australia since he was a youngn'. His voice is phenomenal. Oh well.:cool: I still loved Richard Gere in the part.

And I recently found out that Julia Roberts turned down the part in Shakespeare In Love. Thank GOD!:p

[JCLC11]

Originally posted by DoubleDown11
Ever thought of who was originally considered for different roles here are a few I found:

Titanic - Jack Dawson
Macualy Kulkin



Titanic - Jack Dawson
Matthew Maconaghuay (sp???)

American Pie 2 - Stifler's Dad
Bill Paxton

Armageddon - Grace Stamper
Neve Campbell

Clerks - Randal Graves
Kevin Smith

Moulin Rouge - Christian
Jake Gyllenhaal
Heath Ledger

Moulin Rouge - Satine
Renee Zellwegger
Catherin Zeta - Jones

Scream - Sidney Prescott
Drew Barrymore

Sweet Home Alabama - Melanie
Charlize Theron

[Razorblade Smile]

I know Burt Reynolds was another contender for the part of Han Solo.

[neilg78]

Although not strictly film i remember hearing that katie holmes turned down the part of buffy (TV) while sarah michelle gellar auditioned for Cordelias role

[Nate6]

Another one I remember: Ryan O'Neal and Burt Reynolds were among those considered by MGM to play Rocky, until Sly convinced them to let him do the part himself.

[Romero&Juliet]

I think Olivia DeHaviland was up for the Part of Scarlet O'Hara..

[BorderEevilIII]

1)Halle Berry auditioned for the Sandra Bullock's character in Speed & Phil Collins auditioned for the Dennis Hopper role also...

2) John Travolta was orig offered the Richard Gere role in An Officer & A Gentleman

3) Ally Sheedy passed on playing opposite Tom Cruise in Top Gun

4) Elvis Presley was supposed to have co-starred w/ Barbra Striesand in 1976 A Star Is Born but The King's management at the time would not let him do the movie.

[Hannibal21]

Angela Bassett turned down the leading role in Monster' Ball, which went to Halle Berry.

[bob]

Bruce Campbell as Kit Walker would have been BOSS!!!

Dr. No was originally gonna be Noel Coward.

[Grebdron]

The part that Slim Pickens played in Dr. Strangelove (Major Kong) was originally slated to be Peter Sellers' 4th role in the film. Sellers broke his leg, and Kubrick wanted someone who would fit the part. Pickens was brought in, and never shown the script, nor told it was a black comedy. He played the role straight, which worked perfectly.

[Grebdron]

Trivia for
Deliverance

Director John Boorman originally wanted Marlon Brando, then James Stewart and Henry Fonda for the part of Lewis. The veterans turned it down when they heard about the hazardous action scenes. The part then went to the younger Burt Reynolds

[Scarface98.9]

Emma Thompson was originally gonna play God in Dogma

The part of Jules Winfield in Pulp Fiction almost went to Paul Calderon (who's in the movie in a different role).

Michael Madsen was originally gonna play Vincent Vega in PF (but as Vic Vega)

Al Pacino was offered a spot in Star Wars (I could imagine him yelling "Say hello to my little friend" and pulling out a lightsaber)

Bob Hoskins was offered the part of Al Capone in The Untouchables, and given money for it. De Niro came aboard, but Hoskins kept the money

[Tom Samborski]

Natural Born Killers- Michael Madsen, Mickey Knox

Batman (1989)- Adam West, Batman

Batman Returns- Annette Benning, Catwoman

Batman Forever- Robin Williams, The Riddler- Rene Russo, Dr.Chase Meridian

Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines- Sophia Bush, Kate Brewster

Casablanca- Ronald Reagan, Rick

Interview With The Vampire- River Pheonix, The Interviewer

Big- Jeff Bridges- Robert De Niro, Josh Baskin

Born On The Fourth Of July- Charlie Sheen, Ron Kovic

Demolition Man- Jackie Chan, Simon Pheonix

[Buck Turgidson]

* Martin Sheen's part of Willard in Apocalypse Now was originally going to be played by Harvey Keitel. Harvey shot @ 3 days and then left.

* Sheen was a contender for the role of Michael in The Godfather, and DeNiro read for the role of Sonny. (Footage of their auditions is in the boxed set.)

* Winona Ryder was slated to play the Sofia role in Godfather III, which might just have elevated it to it's proper status as a sequel.

* On the Silence of the Lambs front, Gene Hackman held the rights for a while (because he loved the book), and was going to do the film, playing Lecter himself.

[A.J. Hakari]

Dennis Hopper was originally set to play the Ed Harris role in THE TRUMAN SHOW. Interesting casting choice, but just as if Stuart Townsend would've stayed on as Aragorn, the film never would have worked the same way it does now. Never.

[Jasonite]

Yep Scarface, the spot that Al Pacino was offered was the part of Han Solo, he turned it down.

Jack Nicholson turned down the part of Michael Corleone.

Jack also turned down Redford's part in The Sting.

Al Pacino turned down the lead in Lenny...he says it's the only part he regrets turning down. Man I would've loved to have seen that.

Al also turned down the part of Captain Willard in Apocalypse Now.

Al also turned down Gere's part in Pretty Woman.

As far as the Batman movie, Adam West didn't turn it down, he was never offered the part...and he was pissed.

Robert Deniro turned down Last Temptation of Christ.

Bobby also turned down the part of the pizzeria owner in Do the Right Thing.

As far as Scarlett O'Hara, yeah, pretty much every actress in Hollywood was up for it, but nobody got the chance to turn it down.


J

[RogueSpear]

Originally posted by Tom Samborski
Demolition Man- Jackie Chan, Simon Pheonix

That would definately not have worked.

[therealjohng]

Eric Stoltz actually filmed stuff for BTTF, but Spielberg hated it and fired him.

Vanessa Williams turned down Monster's Ball because of the graphic sex scenes.

[Tom Samborski]

Originally posted by RogueSpear
That would definately not have worked.

Yeah, can you imagine Jackie Chan having green hair and wearing goofy looking clothing ?

[ReservoirDog]

I read somewhere that Charles Grodin was originally going to play Benjamin Braddock in The Graduate instead of Dustin Hoffman.

[kubotakhan01]

The Rock was originally supposed to play the Lead character "Law" in The One.


"The Truman Show" was originally written for Brad Pitt.

[charliebobo]

Trivia for The Godfather

Warren Beatty, Jack Nicholson, and Dustin Hoffman were all offered the part of Michael Corleone, but all refused. Robert Redford and Ryan O'Neal were also considered.

Laurence Olivier and Edward G. Robinson were considered for the role of Vito Corleone.

[quoth_the_raven]

am american actor named John Gavin was supposed to take over james bond in diamonds are forever. they eventually enticed sean connery back. which is good, cause i think hes about the only personb that could have pulled that movie off (its definetly not my fave bond film).

[Scarface King]

Sister Act-Whoopie Goldberg's part was written for Bette Midler, but she did not accept.

[Dignan]

I can not remember if I read it in Spin of Ent. Weekly but
Jason Schwartzman was originally set to play Donnie Darko!

"DONNIE: Thats a nice buny suit you got there guy.
Frank: Thats a nice man suit you got there, Donnie.
DONNIE: Um, actually these are my O.R. scrubs
Frank:O R they?

[DoubleDown11]

Christopher Reeve turned down the role of Dr. Sam Loomis in 'Halloween'. That would've been interesting...
2xDown

[Mikey2Dope]

Platoon - Chris
Kyle MacLachlan

Speed - Jack Traven
Stephen Baldwin

Charlie's Angels - Natalie
Milla Jovovich - Thank god they went with Cameron Diaz

The Godfather - Michael Corleone
Burt Reynolds - I read this one in Maxim in an article about Near Casting Mistakes. If this one is true that is just unbelievable.

Men In Black - Agent J
Chris O' Donnell

[The Delfonics]

Originally posted by Dignan
I can not remember if I read it in Spin of Ent. Weekly but
Jason Schwartzman was originally set to play Donnie Darko!

"DONNIE: Thats a nice buny suit you got there guy.
Frank: Thats a nice man suit you got there, Donnie.
DONNIE: Um, actually these are my O.R. scrubs
Frank:O R they?

lol omg!

The Matrix - I heard Will Smith was up for Neo

[DoubleDown11]

American Beauty- Lester Burnam
Tom Hanks, Chevy Chase, and Jeff Daniels were all offered the role.

Desperado - Bucho
Raul Julia had to back out of the role due to declining health. He later died.

Carolina - Carolina
Jennifer Lopez tried out for the part which later went to Salma Hayek.

2xDown

[BorderEevilIII]

I KNEW there was a thread on this topic in the JoBlo Archieves and I Found it!


I was watching E's Celebrity oops and thank goodness these actors decided NOT to pursue the roles that eventually went to someone else...


- Yes, Will Smith was the orignal Neo the filmakers wanted. It makes sense that Jada (Will's wife) lands a role in Reloaded.

-Speaking of Will Smith, David Schwimmer was original first choice. MIB 1 would have NOT been a smash hit.

- Meg Ryan passed on Clarice Starling the role that Jodie Foster got the oscar for.

- Sharon Stone was choice #4 in the role that made her famous in Basic Instinct. There were 2 other ladies (well known said -no thanks) that passed.

[ANavissi500]

Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep were the original Thelma and Louise but they had scheduling conflicts. Then before Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon were given the parts, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jodie Foster, and Cher turned down parts.

Elvis wanted to do "a more serious movie role" so he had two choices before him: Midnight Cowboy and A Change of Habit with Mary Tyler Moore. He picked the latter because it was about doctors and nuns, which he felt to be more serious fare than an unsuccessful male prostitute. Jon Voight got the part.

Al Pacino, Clint Eastwood, Robert DeNiro, Paul Newman, John Travolta, Michael Douglas, and Nick Nolte all turned down the role of Rambo.

Doris Day was interested in being Mrs. Robinson but she "couldn't see herself playing that role."

Burt Reynolds was screwed over by Jack Nicholson - twice!
He lost out to Nicholson on both One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest AND Terms of Endearment.

(Source: Uncle John's All-Purpose Extra Strength Bathroom Reader (13th edition)) - great random trivia - both film and non-film.

[Trinity]

Originally posted by Romero&Juliet
I think Olivia DeHaviland was up for the Part of Scarlet O'Hara..
No, she was never up for the role. Paulette Goddard was the front runner for all the 2-3 years of pre-production and was this close to actually playing the role, since Selznick only met Vivien Leigh after GWTW had started shooting (this was Decemeber 1938). Some other actresses that were up for the role were Lana Turner (horrible, horrible, horrible!), Katharine Hepburn, Bette Davis (she fell out of the running pretty early on - cause she thought Eroll Flynn would be playing Rhett and she wouldn't act with him - of course then Warner made her act opposite Flynn anyway that same year - in the foregettable "The Private Lives of Elizabeth & Essex.") and many, many more (too many to list here).
_____________

Hedy Lamarr turned down Casablanca and Gaslight, which both went to Ingrid Bergman.

[Mattapooh]

This is a great thread, I'm glad I can actually contribute something here:

Star Wars - Toshiro Mifune was the original choice for the role of Obi-wan Kenobi

The Matrix - Chow Yun Fat was the original choice for the role of Morpheus

I get a kick out of these simply because they're almost identical situations.

Both were chosen because of the creator(s)'s affinity with older sources in which they were featured(Mifune being the star of Akira Kurosawa's films that are a massive influence on George Lucas and Star Wars, Yun Fat because of his starring in John Woo's "heroic bloodshed" films in Hong Kong, which are obviously a heavy influence on The Matrix) and both turned down the roles because of their inability to speak fluent English, feeling that it would make the role and film suffer.

As different as these are, I'd really love to see both films with these differences..... both are great actors and I really don't see the parts suffering as a result. It'd obviously be very different, but who knows.

Chow Yun Fat wouldn't be doing garbage like "Bulletproof Monk" if this happened, at least :/

[MarkItZero]

Originally posted by DoubleDown11
American Beauty- Lester Burnam

Chevy Chase

That would have been different.

:eek:

[BorderEevilIII]

seeing Chevy Chase NAKED from behind in American Beauty?
(screams)AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

It would have outdone Harvey Keitel when he bared ALL:confused:

[TheGodSon]

Didn't Jada Pinkett Smith originally audition for the role of Trinity in the original Matrix?

[A Canadian ThereWolf]

Charlize Theron was initially offered the part of Evelyn in Pearl Harbor, but she turned it down to star in Sweet November.

[CyclicNightmare]

Originally posted by Trinity
Hedy Lamarr turned down Casablanca and Gaslight, which both went to Ingrid Bergman.
IT'S HEADLEY!!!












Sorry, couldn't resist.

[CyclicNightmare]

Originally posted by BorderEevilIII
I KNEW there was a thread on this topic in the JoBlo Archieves and I Found it!


I was watching E's Celebrity oops and thank goodness these actors decided NOT to pursue the roles that eventually went to someone else...


- Yes, Will Smith was the orignal Neo the filmakers wanted. It makes sense that Jada (Will's wife) lands a role in Reloaded.

-Speaking of Will Smith, David Schwimmer was original first choice. MIB 1 would have NOT been a smash hit.

- Meg Ryan passed on Clarice Starling the role that Jodie Foster got the oscar for.

- Sharon Stone was choice #4 in the role that made her famous in Basic Instinct. There were 2 other ladies (well known said -no thanks) that passed.
Who are the other "well known" actresses?

PS- Is English your second language?

[The Rain Dog]

Paul Hogan passed up the Patrick Swayze role in Ghost.

Thank god.

RD

[BorderEevilIII]

Originally posted by CyclicNightmare
Who are the other "well known" actresses?

PS- Is English your second language?

HA HA
Dont make me SPANK your for that. ;)

[CyclicNightmare]

Originally posted by BorderEevilIII
HA HA
Dont make me SPANK your for that. ;)
I don't get it. :confused: Is that supposed to be funny??:confused:

[Trinity]

Originally posted by CyclicNightmare
IT'S HEADLEY!!!


Sorry, couldn't resist.
Sorry, I don't get the joke (if it even is a joke).

P.S. English is a second language for me, so that might have something to do with it. ;)

[CyclicNightmare]

Originally posted by Trinity
Sorry, I don't get the joke (if it even is a joke).
Have you ever seen Blazing Saddles?

[miguel_montes]

Viggo Mortensen in "Dances With Wolves"

[Trinity]

Originally posted by CyclicNightmare
Have you ever seen Blazing Saddles?
No. Care to explain?

[A Canadian ThereWolf]

And speaking of Pearl Harbor:
Gene Hackman was considered for the role of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, when he turned it down the role went to Jon Voight.

[FeverDog420]

Just read on IMDb that Tori Amos and Phoebe Cates both auditioned for the lead in Howard the Duck. Insert joke here.

[Damned Martian]

Dougray "M:I 2" Scott was initially going to be Wolverine.

Stuart "Queen of the Damned" Townsend was initially going to be Aragorn.


Thank God the directors changed their mind!

[Trinity]

Claudette Colbert was to play Margo in “All About Eve”, but she had to drop out due to some sort of injury.

Gwyneth Paltrow turned down “The Hours” (I’m not sure which role).

Olivia de Havilland turned down the role of Blanche in “A Streetcar Named Desire. She said 'A lady just doesn't say or do those things on the screen." (umm.... it's called acting, Olivia :rolleyes:)

[Danny L]

Originally posted by neilg78
Eric Stolz was supposed to be Marty McFly In Back To The Future!!

Not "supposed to". Zemeckis actually shot about three weeks with this geezer as Marty McFly before replacing him. And we thank him eternally for that.

[Danny L]

Reknowned Swedish actor Max von Sydow was approached for the role of Gandalf in LOTR.
As was Sean Connery.

[Danny L]

and by the way....Gene Hackman was considered as first male lead in THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (as Lecter) and then to direct it.

[BorderEevilIII]

Originally posted by CyclicNightmare
Who are the other "well known" actresses?


These are the ladies who passed on Basic Instinct.

(from imdb)
Kim Basinger
Emma Thompson
Michelle Pfeiffer
Greta Scacchi

[Danny L]

LANCE HENRIKSEN was nearly cast as TERMINATOR (1984).

[BorderEevilIII]

Originally posted by Danny L
LANCE HENRIKSEN was nearly cast as TERMINATOR (1984).

Also this would have been scccary if they went w/ this actor....

(from imdb)
O.J. Simpson was considered for the role of the terminator, but the producers feared he wouldn't be taken seriously.

:eek:

[LiquidSalt]

Kate Hudson was originally cast as Mary Jane on "Spiderman", but gave up the role to do "The Four Feathers". Dumb move.

[Danny L]

When Scorsese was about to cast GANGS OF NEW YORK in the 70's he actually had THE CLASH in mind. Scary.

[Danny L]

Robin Williams was dying to play the lead in CHAPLIN (1992) but Downey Jr wooed the director. Smart move. Williams would have been the end of comedy.

Oh - and Warren Beatty almost signed to do Paul Sheldon in MISERY.

[Nachokoolaid]

I don't know if these havw been mentioned, because I didn't read all the posts, but:
Eric Stoltz actually filmed a portion of Back to the Future before Micheal J Fox replaced him.
Stuart Townsend did some work as Aragorn before Viggo Mortenson stepped in,
and Sean Connery was approached to play Gandalf but went on to make LXG instead. (not so wise).

[ANavissi500]

Originally posted by LiquidSalt
Kate Hudson was originally cast as Mary Jane on "Spiderman", but gave up the role to do "The Four Feathers". Dumb move.

I also heard that Alicia Witt was considered for the role (which would have been awesome)

[Tom Samborski]

At one time, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone were considered for the lead roles in Face/Off.

[Jerichoke]

but they backed out of it to do I Remember Cecil :eek:

[Guy Strong]

Warren Betty was gonna play "Bill" in "Kill Bill".

Kevin Costner was also considered for the title role of "Bill" in "Kill Bill", but he turned it down to do "Open Range" instead.

Mel Gibson was offered, but turned down the part of "Maximus" in "Gladiator" .

Richard Gere was offered the role of "John McClane" in "Die Hard".

Jim Caviezal was gonna play "Cyclops" in "X-Men".

Tarantino wanted James Woods to play "Mr. White" in "Reservoir Dogs", but Woods refused.

Tarantino originally wrote the role of "Mr. Pink in "Reservoir Dogs" for himself.

Samuel L. Jackson auditioned for the role of "Mr. Orange" in "Reservoir Dogs".

Once Tim Roth was cast in "Reservoir Dogs", Tarantino originally wanted him to play "Mr. Blonde".

Dougray Scott was gonna play "Wolverine" in "X-Men".

Heath Ledger was gonna play "Spider-Man" in "Spider-Man".

Christopher Walken almost got the "Count Dooku" part in "Episode II".

Sylvester Stallone originally wanted to play "Louis" in "Jackie Brown", but DeNiro later got the part.

Stallone was also briefly considered for the role of "Butch" in "Pulp Fiction.

John Travolta was the first choice to play "Ray Nicollete" in "Jackie Brown", but Michael Keaton got the part.

Spielberg approached Steve McQueen, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Nicholson and Gene Hackman for the role of "Roy Neary" in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"

Harrison Ford was offered the role of "Capt. John Miller" in "Saving Private Ryan", but turned it down to do "Six Days and Seven Nights".

Edward Norton was offered the role of "Private Ryan" in "Saving Private Ryan".

[Guy Strong]

Here are some more ...

Michael Douglas originally declined the role of "Robert Wakefield" in "Traffic", and it was offered to Harrison Ford , who accepted. Ford worked with Soderbergh to improve the character, but then decided not to do the movie. Douglas liked the change in the character so much, he accepte the revamped part.

Kevin Costner was reportedly also offered the "Robert Wakefield" part too.

Bill Murray was considered for the role of "Forrest Gump" in "Forrest Gump".

David Allen Grier turned down the role of "Bubba" in "Forrest Gump".

Origninally Charlie Sheen was turned down for the role of "Chirs" in "Platoon", but his older brother Emilio Estevez was offered the part but the project fell apart due to financial problems. Two years later the project was given the go aheah but Estevez had already committed to other film, Charlie Sheen again read for it and won the role.

Robin Williams, Brad Dourif, Mark Hamill and Jim Carrey were all up for the role of "The Riddler" in "Batman Forever, and you know who got it.

Tom Hanks was the first choice to replace Michael Keaton as "Batman" in "Batman Forever".

Alec Baldwin also almost got the part of "Batman" in Batman Forever".

Patrick Stewart was considered for the role of "Mr. Freeze" in "Batman & Robin".

Julia Roberts, Sharon Stone , and Demi Moore were all up for the role of "Poison Ivy" in "Batman & Robin".

Johnny Depp was considered for the role of "Chuck Barris" in "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind".

Ryan Phillippe, Paul Walker, and Colin Hanks were all considered for the role of "Anakin Skywalker" in "Attack of the Clones".

Daniel-Day Lewis turned down the role of "Aragorn" in "The Lord of the Rings Trilogy".

Although David Bowie was said to be keen on playing "Elf Lord Elrond", the part went instead to Hugo Weaving.

Orlando Bloom originally auditioned for the part of "Faramir". He was called back and cast instead, as "Legolas".

Haley Joel Osment auditioned for the part of the young "Anakin Skywalker" in "The Phantom Menace".

[Jerichoke]

"Haley Joel Osment auditioned for the part of the young "Anakin Skywalker" in "The Phantom Menace""

And shoulda got it :mad:

[Damned Martian]

Imagine this:

Paul McCartney - Frodo Baggins
George Harrison - Gandalf
Ringo Starr - Sam
John Lennon - Gollum

Well, this could have happened, if Tolkien had accepted Lennon's plan. :eek:

Also:

Jude Law could have been Spider-Man.

William Katt auditioned for the role of Luke Skywalker.

Carrie Fisher was going to be Carrie and Sissy Spacek Princess Leia, but DePalma and Lucas exchanged them.

[CyclicNightmare]

Originally posted by Trinity
No. Care to explain?
One of the characters names is Headley Lamarr and people keep calling him Hedy, to which he shouts "It's HEADLEY!!"

[Vega]

I thought it was Amy Irving and Carrie Fisher who got switched, and Sissy Spacek was always in Carrie. I'm pretty sure Spacek auditioned for Carrie, and got it because she went to the audition with unwashed hair and ugly clothes instead of trying to make herself look all pretty.

Dougray Scott wasn't dropped from X-Men, to my knowledge, he had to drop out because filming on Mission Impossible II ran over and they had to start shooting without him. The producers must have been thanking their lucky stars after Hugh Jackman turned out to be the huge breakout star. Another X-Men recasting - Ethan Embry was originally set to play Nightcrawler (that's why he's so skinny in Timeline, because he was getting ready for X2), but he was replaced with Alan Cumming.

Anne Rice originally wanted Rutger Hauer to play Lestat in Interview with a Vampire, but by the time it got filmed he was too old. The role went to Tom Cruise instead.

Edward Furlong was originally set to play John Connor again in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, but was fired and replaced with Nick Stahl because of his increasing drug problems.

Early buzz on the upcoming Havana Nights (the Dirty Dancing sequel) had Ricky Martin starring opposite either Natalie Portman or Britney Spears. (They went with Diego Luna and Romola Garai when it was actually made.)

[BorderEevilIII]

Originally posted by Vega
I thought it was Amy Irving and Carrie Fisher who got switched, and Sissy Spacek was always in Carrie. I'm pretty sure Spacek auditioned for Carrie, and got it because she went to the audition with unwashed hair and ugly clothes instead of trying to make herself look all pretty.

Anne Rice originally wanted Rutger Hauer to play Lestat in Interview with a Vampire, but by the time it got filmed he was too old. The role went to Tom Cruise instead.



As I heard it and its even reported on imdb that Carrie Fisher was going to play Carrie White but was uncomfortable doing nudity. Since Spacek was audtioning for Star Wars had no probs w/ switching. Thank goodness they did!

As for Interview With The Vampire, Tom Cruise did not get the role Lestat easily on a silver platter. He had to convince Anne Rice he was worthy to play the role. :D

[Damned Martian]

Originally posted by BorderEevilIII
As for Interview With The Vampire, Tom Cruise did not get the role Lestat easily on a silver platter. He had to convince Anne Rice he was worthy to play the role. :D And the check that the producer put over her desk was the definitive convincing factor ;)

[Trinity]

Originally posted by CyclicNightmare
One of the characters names is Headley Lamarr and people keep calling him Hedy, to which he shouts "It's HEADLEY!!"
I’ll have to see that movie. Sounds like fun.

[AceD]

I know Edwad Norton was in talks to play Colin Farrells' part in HART'S WAR, but turned it down because he and Bruce Willis argued about who should be the star (Farrell's part was much bigger in the book).

"Warren Betty was gonna play "Bill" in "Kill Bill".

Kevin Costner was also considered for the title role of "Bill" in "Kill Bill", but he turned it down to do "Open Range" instead."

Don't know about those, but I have been hearing VERY unsubstantiated rumors that the part of Bill is not actually David Carradine, but that that is just a mislead by QT, and that Vol. 2 will reveal Bill being played by a much more famous actor. I don't really think that they could get away with that and keep it a secret, but if anyone could (and would) do that, it would be Tarantino. Anyone else heard anything about this? It'd be fun if it was true...

[Guy Strong]

Sorry, AceD, David Carradine is BILL!

[CyclicNightmare]

Originally posted by Guy Strong
Sorry, AceD, David Carradine is BILL!
Or sO yOu tHInK...

:mad: :o :p :mad: :mad:

[MarkItZero]

Originally posted by Guy Strong
Sylvester Stallone originally wanted to play "Louis" in "Jackie Brown", but DeNiro later got the part.

Stallone was also briefly considered for the role of "Butch" in "Pulp Fiction.

Harrison Ford was offered the role of "Capt. John Miller" in "Saving Private Ryan", but turned it down to do "Six Days and Seven Nights".

I could definately see Stallone in either of those parts (though of course, Deniro and Willis were great too).

Harrison Ford really needs to start picking better movies.

[Raul Duke]

Who was supposed to be the lead role in Phone Booth? It wasnt originally Colin Farrel, and wasnt Ron Eldred supposed to be the sniper?

[Damned Martian]

Phone Booth - Jim Carrey, Will Smith, and some other i don't remember

And directors - Michael Bay, Alfred Hitchcock (yes, the project is THAT old), and some other i don't remember

[BorderEevilIII]

quotes in a Charlton Heston voice at DM DAMN YOU! ;) :D

[Raul Duke]

Originally posted by Damned Martian
Phone Booth - Jim Carrey, Will Smith, and some other i don't remember

And directors - Michael Bay, Alfred Hitchcock (yes, the project is THAT old), and some other i don't remember

nah it was someone else set to star but it was put on hold cause of the Beltway Sniper

[Guy Strong]

Originally posted by Raul Duke
nah it was someone else set to star but it was put on hold cause of the Beltway Sniper


No, Jim Carrey and Will Smith were considered for the role, and the movie was made way before the Beltway Sniper stuff happened.

[Christoph]

Shrek was supposed to bed Chris Farely.

[Guy Strong]

Leonardo DiCaprio was originally offered the role of Dirk Diggler in "Boogie Nights", but turned it down to do "Titanic".

Gwyneth Paltrow was originall offered the role of Rollergirl in "Boogie Nights", but turned it down.

Warren Beatty was sent to play Jack Horner in "Boogie Nights", but later turned it down.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Edward Norton were both offered the role of Patrick Bateman in "American Psycho".

Warren Beatty and Richard Gere were both condsidered for the role of Gordon Gekko in "Wall Street".

Tom Cruise wanted the part of Bud Fox in "Wall Street", but Oliver Stone had already casted Charile Sheen. Oliver Stone later promised Cruise with a role in another picture, "Born on the 4th of July".

William Hurt turned down the role of Dr. Grant in "Jurassic Park".

James Gandolfini and Ed Harris were offered the role of Carl Hanratty in "Catch Me If You Can", but both turned it down later Tom Hanks got the part.

Tim Curry was the first choice to play The Joker in "Batman".

[BorderEevilIII]

an add on to American Psycho, Leo REALLY REALLY wanted to take on the role but his PR people did not think it would be a wise choice for him to take it.

[Damned Martian]

Originally posted by Guy Strong
Tom Cruise wanted the part of Bud Fox in "Wall Street", but Oliver Stone had already casted Charile Sheen. Oliver Stone later promised Cruise with a role in another picture, "Born on the 4th of July". That reminds me that Wacko Jacko wanted very badly to play Peter Pan in Spielberg's Hook. Fortunately, Steven is not yet as insane as Jacko, and he refused. It's said that Jacko damned him so none of his movies had success any more. A way effective damnation, i must admit :D

[Guy Strong]

Originally posted by Damned Martian
That reminds me that Wacko Jacko wanted very badly to play Peter Pan in Spielberg's Hook. Fortunately, Steven is not yet as insane as Jacko, and he refused. It's said that Jacko damned him so none of his movies had success any more. A way effective damnation, i must admit :D

LOL ... Yeah ... I remember that.

[MrMotherFucker]

Mike Myers, John Cusack, Ben Stiller, and Johnny Depp were all attached at one point to be Confessions of a dangerous mind

Tommy Lee Jones was offered $15 million to play Sean Connery's role in The Rock, but turned it down to do MIB instead.

Connery was offered the Morpheus role in the Matrix but turned it down. He was also offered the Gandalf role but turned it down. Val Kilmer was also offered the Morpheus role.

Sam Kinison was offered the part of Beetlejuice, but his agent wouldn't get an executive producer credit and didn't tell him about it.

Jean Claude-Van Damme was originally cast to play The Predator, but was fired on the set

Eddie Murphy was offered a role in Ghostbusters.

Adam Sandler auditioned for Jaime Foxx' role in Colateral

Dan Aykroyd was offered the role in D-Day in Animal House

Howard Stern and Chevy Chase were offered the Cardinal Glick role in Dogma and Albert Brooks even read for it, but Carlin's schedule cleared up and Smith went with Carlin. Bill Murray, Alec Baldwin, and William H. Macy were all offered Jason Lee's role in the film. At one point, Rock almost dropped out of the film because of the schedule for Lethal Weapon 4 and Smith almost cast Sam Jackson or Ving Rhames.

Jennifer Love Hewit auditioned for the role of Trish the dish in Mallrats. Universal also wanted either Seth Green or Breckin Meyer to play Jay in it.

Bill Murray turned down Bad Santa

Richard Pryor was set to play the lead in Blazing Saddles but Warner Bros. canned the idea because they heard he was a coke-head

Tom Hanks, Edward Norton, Nicolas Cage & John Cusack all auditioned to play Andy Kaufman.

Paul Newman & Robert Redford were the studio choices for Snake Plissken in Escape From New York

George Clooney auditoned for a role in Reservior Dogs

Miramax originally wanted Smith to film Chasing Amy with David Schwimmer, Drew Barrymore, and Jon Stewart.

Charlie Sheen was offered Will Ferrell's role in J&SBSB and David Duchovney wanted to play Cock-Knocker. Heather Graham was offered Shannon Elizabeth's part.

Sly Stallone was attached to play Axel Foley Beverly Hills Cop, but dropped out of it after Paramount read his rewrite of the script. Most of what he wrote became the piece of shit known as Cobra.

[MrMotherFucker]

Before he died, Chris Farley was set to play Fatty Arbuckle in a film written and directed by David Mamet

Steve Young passed on doing a cameo in There's Something About Mary because he thought the hair gel scene was gross. Brett Favre took it

Jason Lee passed on a role in Boogie Nights

[Damned Martian]

Originally posted by MrMotherFucker
Before he died, Chris Farley was set to play Fatty Arbuckle in a film written and directed by David Mamet That would have been worth seeing!

Mark Wahlberg was the first choice to play Colin Farrell's role in SWAT.

[FilmBuff84]

Matthew McConaughey - Leo DiCaprio's role in Titanic
Michelle Pfeiffer - Female leads in Silence Of The Lambs and Basic Instinct. I think she turned BI down cause of the se content.
Tara Reid - Mary Jane in Spider-Man
Brendan Fraser - McConaughey's role in The Wedding Planner
Woody Harrelson and Brad Pitt - McConaughey's role in A Time To Kill
Brad Renfro - Male lead in Freddy Vs Jason
Tara Reid and Jennifer Love Hewitt - Marley Shelton's and Denise Richards' roles in Valentine
Christina Ricci - Kirsten Dunst's roles in Interview With The Vampire and Little Women
Eddie Murphy - Ernie Hudson's role in Ghostbusters
Reese Witherspoon - Jennifer Love Hewitt's role in I Know What You Did Last Summer (Which would've been interesting cause all 4 players would've ended up with each other-Phillipe, Gellar, Prinze)
John Candy - Rick Moranis's role in Ghostbusters
John Belushi - Bill Murray's role in Ghostbusters
Melissa Joan Hart - Auditioned for Neve Campbell's role in Scream, Leelee Sobieski's role in Eyes Wide Shut and Dominique Swain's in Lolita.
Thandie Newton - Lucy Liu's character in Charlie's Angels
Jordan Ladd - Declined an audition for Charlie's Angels
Sean Young - Auditioned for Catwoman in Batman Returns. Apparently her audition was too desperate.
Cameron Diaz - Had the role of Sonya in Mortal Kombat, but pulled out cause of a broken wrist. Bridgette Wilson got the part. Also auditioned for the Gabrielle Anwar role in Things To Do In Denver When You're Dead
Cher and Angelica Huston - Sigourney Weaver's role in Heartbreakers
Alicia Silverstone and Jennifer Aniston - Jennifer Love Hewitt's role in Heartbreakers

[neco82]

WWF wrestler Chyna was originally considered to play the Terminatrix in T3 - now that would have been scary !!!

And about the rumor that Quentin Tarantino wanted James Woods for Reservoir Dogs - the story goes that Woods' agent never even told him about it because he didn't like the project and later, when Woods saw the movie, he fired his agent without flinching. The rumor says that he was considered for the part of Mr. Orange (which I would have loved to see him play).