Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett; Giles Keyte/Universal; Dreamworks Some film roles are so intrinsic to the actors who play them that it's astonishing to learn that anyone else was considered. But Hollywood history is littered with near-castings for some of the most memorable characters that inevitably would've made their respective films (and these performers' careers) very different. Imagine, if instead ofMichelle Pfeiffer's unforgettable feline work inBatman Returns(1992), we gotMadonnaas Catwoman, or a version ofMr. & Mrs. Smith(2005) withBrad PittandGwen Stefani. While we secretly start writing a whole alternate timeline outlining the ramifications of these castings, see for yourself which stars almost played iconic roles in the movies. Madonna nearly had the purrrrr-fect chance to strut her stuff as Catwoman inBatman Returns, but now it's one of her career regrets. In October 2021, Madonna toldThe Tonight ShowhostJimmy Fallonthat she turned down the role that ultimately went to Michelle Pfeiffer, as well as the leading role inShowgirls(1995). "I saw them both, and I regret that I turned down Catwoman — that was pretty fierce,"the singer said. "Showgirls? No." She also disclosed that she passed onThe Matrix(1999). "That's like one of the best movies ever made," she said. "A teeny-tiny part of me regrets just that one moment in my life." Call Me by Your Namealmost had a very different couple at its forefront. James Ivory, who wrote the screenplay, revealed in his 2021 memoir thatShia LaBeouforiginally auditioned for the role of Oliver, a part that ended up going toArmie Hammer. "I didn't know much about [LaBeouf], so I watched some of his films," Ivory wrote in an excerptpublished byGQ. "He's an extremely good actor. But as an academic writing about the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, he would be a stretch." According to Ivory, LaBeouf came to read withTimothée Chalametand the chemistry was enough to convince Ivory that LaBeouf was right for the role — before he was dropped for bad publicity. Ivory recalls how the film's director,Luca Guadagnino, "would not call him, or his agent" and despite Ivory emailing LaBeouf with some reassurances, the director ended up casting Hammer instead. The rest, as they say, is history. Paramount Pictures/Getty; Universal Pictures Efforts to bring the Wicked Witch of the West's origin story to the big screen have been off and on for decades, even predating the2003 Broadway musical smash. The rights to Gregory Maguire's 1995 novelWickedwere quickly snatched up for a movie adaptation, withDemi Moore's production company optioning. Moorelikely would have played Elphaba, the magically gifted, green-skinned girl who would become known as the Wicked Witch, rather than Galinda. The project ultimately stalled and the success of the stage adaptation overshadowed any attempts to launch a non-musical movie interpretation of Maguire's story. Tristan Fewings/Getty; Giles Keyte/Universal As soon as a movie adaptation of theWickedmusical was announced, numerous actresses threw their hats in the ring to play one of the two leads.Amanda Seyfried— whose movie musical credits include the twoMamma Miafilms and 2012'sLes Misérables— was among those determined to play Glinda. "Last summer while I was playing Elizabeth [Holmes onThe Dropout], on the weekends I was auditioning in person to play Glinda in the movie version ofWicked,"Seyfried toldBackstage, "because I wanted it that much that I was like, 'You know what? Yeah, I have to play the last scene ofThe Dropouton Tuesday. I'll give my Sunday to you.'" Ariana Grandegot the role in the end and earned her first Oscar nomination among many other plaudits for her performance. Clive Coote/Columbia Pictures; Tony Barson/FilmMagic Julia Robertsplayed the role of Anna, one of many philandering characters in 2004'sCloser, butduring a 2018 interview for her EW cover story, the actress revealed that she wasn't the first person director Mike Nichols sought. "Now it has to be said he thought ofCate Blanchett," she said. "But then she had a baby — thank you, Cate. Really, my relationship with him changed my life." ThoughMillie Bobby Brownbroke out with her fan-favorite role as Eleven onStranger Things, she revealed in 2017 that she auditioned to play another young girl with superpowers: X-23 fromLogan. The part went to newcomerDafne Keen, though Brown asserts it was her "best audition." Back in 2011,an audition tapeof a youngScarlett Johanssonreading forKirsten Dunst's role as Judy in 1995'sJumanjimade the rounds on the internet. In the years since its release, Johansson hasbecome a bona fide starand well-respected actress, but Dunst was already known forInterview With the Vampire(1994), where she starred oppositeTom Cruiseand Brad Pitt, and other smaller roles. We wonder if theworld would've blown up back in 2005if Gwen Stefani had landed the role of Jane inMr. & Mrs. Smith? Would there have been "Team Gwen" T-shirts? Who knows! "[It was] very competitive and I wanted to do it, but I wanted to do music more," Stefanitold Howard Stern back in 2016. We obviously can't imagine anyone else other thanAngelina Joliein this now-famous role that introduced her to her nowex-husband Brad Pitt, but Stefani could be a close second. Oscar winnerEddie Redmaynerevealed in 2016 that he auditionedto play Han and Leia's Sith-loving son, Kylo Ren, inStar Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens."I was trying again and again with different versions of my kind of 'koohh paaaah' [Darth Vader breathing sound] voice. And after like 10 shots [casting director Nina Gold] was like, 'You got anything else?' I was like, 'No,'" the actor said of his less-than-successful audition. A2015Vanity Fairpiecerevealed thatBen Affleckwas a frontrunner for the leading man role of Josh inClueless. ThoughPaul Ruddstole Cher's (Alicia Silverstone) heart as the moody academic who we'remajorly, totally, butt-crazy in love with, casting director Carrie Frazier said, "I thought [Affleck] would be fabulous for it." ThoughEmma Stoneswept awards season for playingLa La Land's Mia, another Emma was originally eyed to portray the leading lady. ButEmma Watson's commitment toBeauty and the Beast(2017) meant she couldn't take on the demanding production schedule forLa La Land. "This wasn't a movie I could just kind of parachute into. I knew I had to do the work, and I had to be where I had to be," Watson said during aSiriusXM Town Hall with EW. "So scheduling-conflict-wise, it just didn't work out." Another star who wasoriginally tied toLa La LandisMiles Teller. When the actor got cut from the movie, he allegedly sent a text to directorDamien Chazellesaying, "What the f---, bro?"according toEsquire.ButTeller later clarified, saying the situation "played out much differently than people think." Teller had previously starred in Chazelle's Best Picture-nominated filmWhiplash(2014). NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty; Dreamworks Shrekwouldn't be Shrek withoutMike Myersand his disgruntled Scottish accent. But the famous DreamWorks ogre almost had a very different voice, with Myers' fellowSaturday Night LivealumChris Farleyoriginally attached. The Farley version was,according to his brother Kevin, "a little bit more like Chris, like a humble, bumbling innocent guy." Farley had recorded 85% of the dialogue before his unexpected death in 1997, and the film's producers opted to recast the role with Myers. In 2015,early footage of Shrek with Farley's voice was released, revealing the comedian's comparatively softer approach to the character. AlthoughChris Evanswon hearts as Captain America, Jim Halpert very well could've been donning the red, white, and blue — he was even asked to screen test in costume. However, as soon as a certain Australian walked by in Thor's suitJohn Krasinskitold aConanaudience, "I went, 'I'm good. This is stupid. That's okay, I'm not Captain America.'" David Livingston/Getty; Warner Bros./courtesy Everett It's true,Will Smithwas almost "the one." The former Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was fully making the leap to movie stardom in the mid-'90s with films likeBad Boys(1995) andIndependence Day(1996) whenthe Wachowskispitched their idea for a highly ambitious sci-fi epic calledThe Matrix. Skeptical of their vision, Smith passed, choosing instead to makeWild Wild West(1999), a film that would ultimately win multiple Razzie awards. Still, Smith admitted in 2019 that hemay not have been right forThe Matrixanyway. "I probably would have messedThe Matrixup," he said, quipping, "I would have ruined it, so I did y'all a favor." Tom Hiddlestonhas since wowed audiences with his performance asThorvillain Loki, but the Brit originally auditioned for the title role. "They were always looking for Loki as well, and I think — the closer I got, they were like, 'Actually, you should play the bad guy,'" hetold Chelsea Handler back in 2013. Who else auditioned for the blond, swole god? Another Hemsworth, of course! AlthoughLiamfound fame withThe Hunger Gamesfranchise, Chris said that it was his brother's success in the audition process that motivated him. "I came in kind of with a little, I guess, motivation and maybe frustration that my little brother had gotten further than me,"shared theThorstar withW. "It's a little family, sibling rivalry sort of kicked up in me." The queen of themodern rom-comwas almost cast in one of the best comedies of the 2010s.Mindy Kalingwas up forMaya Rudolph's role Lillian in the 2011 hitBridesmaids, tellingAndy Cohen on Bravo'sWhat What Happens Livethat she "loved the whole cast" and the movie. "That was one that was a heartbreaker," she admitted. Matthew McConaugheywas almost King of the World, according to the actor in a 2016Playboyinterview. "It was one of those auditions where I left and thought I had it,"shared the Oscar winner. "I really enjoyed it.Kate Winsletreally enjoyed it. That was a huge opportunity. But [James] Cameron likedLeonardo DiCapriobetter." To be fair, we'll never let go of the idea of anyone besides Leo playing Jack. InEW's 2014 oral history ofThe Terminator, directorJames Cameronrevealed thatO.J. Simpsonwas a name brought up to play the lead role (which famously went toArnold Schwarzenegger). "[Orion chief Mike] Medavoy came to me and [producer Gale Anne Hurd] and he said, 'Are you sitting down? You must sit down. I want O.J. Simpson for the Terminator,'" recalled the director. "Gale and I just looked at each other and thought, 'You've got to be f---ing kidding me? How do we get out of this?'" The idea was never really more than an idea, though, as Cameron was reportedly, and ironically,turned off by Simpson's "pleasant persona." Jennifer Lawrencebecame a household name thanks toa different blockbuster franchisebut the actress originally auditioned to lead theTwilightfilms. Lawrence later said that she didn't think she would have been able to handle theTwilightmasses. "I remember when the first movie came out, seeingKristen Stewarton the red carpet and getting papped wherever she went,"explained the actress. "For me, and assuming for her, it was just another audition. Then it turned into this whole other thing." Lawrence revealed in November 2017 that she actuallyauditioned for the lead rolein the film that made BFF and fellow Oscar winner Emma Stone's career:Easy A. DuringThe Hollywood Reporter's annual actress roundtablethat included Stone, Lawrence said she "wanted [the role] so bad." Stone lovingly retorted, "You didn't get it. You didn't get it because you suck!" Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images; Film Frame/Marvel Studios It's hard to imagine anyone else other than Scarlett Johansson playing the badass Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, butEmily Bluntwas actually directorJon Favreau's first choice to embody Natasha Romanoff. Blunt was also considered for Peggy Carter, the role that eventually went toHayley Atwell. The actress bowed out of both parts due toscheduling conflicts. Johansson has no hard feelings about not being the first pick. "The best call you can receive is after you are rejected for something and then you get it," shetoldParade. "You appreciate it more. I've basically made a career out of being second choice." It's worked out pretty well for her. Bigapparently had a big horror vibe to it originally. Elizabeth Perkinsrevealed onWatch What Happens LivethatRobert De Nirowas initially set to headline the beloved 1988 family comedy. "Robert De Niro was actually cast in the role of Josh in the movieBig. It fell apart because he had a scheduling conflict, and then they went toTom Hanks," Perkins said. "It's like a totally different movie in my brain with Robert De Niro — and dark." Owen Wilsonwas alwaysBen Stiller's first choice for the role of Hansel, a.k.a. Derek Zoolander's biggest rival on the catwalk. Butin an interview withEsquire, Stiller admitted the role almost went to another actor who was "really, really, ridiculously good looking." When it looked like Wilson wouldn't be able to do the film, Stiller had to hold auditions to find his model nemesis. And while he doesn't remember much about them, one particular actor stood out. "The only one that I remember clearly was a youngJake Gyllenhaaldoing this wide-eyed version of Hansel that was really funny," said Stiller. Adrien Brodycould have donned some hobbit feet in Middle-earth if he played his cards right.In an interview withGQ, Brody admitted that he passed on being a part ofPeter Jackson's fantasy epic because he "didn't grasp it" and "was looking for something else." He didn't specify if the role he missed out on was specific, only mentioning that it "was some hobbit-like character" — and that his ex-girlfriend chastised him for passing once they went to see the film together. But there was at least one silver lining to not being a hobbit: He got to act in another Jackson film when he starred in 2005'sKing KongalongsideNaomi Watts,Andy Serkis, andJack Black. IfChris Pratthadn't signed on as the role of Star-Lord/Peter Quill in Marvel'sGuardians of the Galaxy, there's a solid chance directorJames Gunnwould've cast another comedic actor:It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'sGlenn Howerton. "Glenn came along a little bit later," Gunn toldGQina 2014 interview. "But there was a good chance that, if I didn't cast Chris, that I would've cast Glenn Howerton in the role." Joaquin Phoenix, who, once upon a time, avoided big-budget popcorn movies, was Marvel's first choice to play the titular Sorcerer Supreme inDoctor Strange. The actor had been in negotiations for months, but ultimately neither his team nor Marvel could come to a commitment,EW reported in 2014. The role went toBenedict Cumberbatch. Cut to Phoenixwinning a Best Actor Oscarfor playing another comic book character, DC Comics' Joker. We all know the legend: When a virgin lights the Black Flame Candle on All Hallow's Eve during a full moon, the Sanderson Sisters — Winifred, Sarah, and Mary — will rise from their grave and suck the lives out of the children of Salem. According to a different legend, Leonardo DiCaprio could've been a part of that story. In a2014 interview withVariety, the Oscar winner said Disney offered him "more money than I ever dreamed of" to star inHocus Pocus. He didn't specify which role he would've played, but it's hard to imagine him playing anyone besides Max, said virgin who lights said candle. This was before DiCaprio would appear in 1993'sWhat's Eating Gilbert Grape, which would earn him his first Oscar nomination. He had previously acted onGrowing Painsand inCritters 3. LateLawrence of ArabiaandTroystarPeter O'Toolenearly replaced his friend Richard Harris as Dumbledore in theHarry Pottermovies. "It was obviously a crushing blow when Richard Harris passed away,"Chris Columbus, who directed the first twoHarry Potterfilms and produced the third,told TheWrap. "I remember an interesting thing because [Azkabandirector]Alfonso [Cuarón]and I met with Peter O'Toole about playing Dumbledore, and he was close except Richard was his best friend and he felt it was intrusive from an acting point of view so he decided not to do it." The role of Hogwarts's greatest headmaster ultimately went toMichael Gambon(pictured here). Jamie Dornancould've been a caped hero. HetoldThe New York Timesthat he lost out on the role of Superman toHenry Cavill. But his dreams of being a superhero aren't over. Dornan has met with Marvel Studios presidentKevin Feigeabout joining the MCU. "I'm more ambitious than I've ever let on before," said Dornan, noting that being a father has really pushed him. "It's like a necessity to deliver and provide, very caveman-esque: I must succeed for these precious little people." Frazer Harrison/Getty; Reisig & Taylor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Carrie Bradshaw's best friend Charlotte could've been a different "friend" once upon a time if things had gone differently.Kristin Davisrevealed toJames Cordenthat she was one of the many young actresses whoauditioned for the role of Monicaon the hit NBC series. "I think I was about one of like 8,000 young ladies who read for Monica," Davis confirmed. While the role ultimately went toCourteney Cox, Davis also revealed that the two actresses were legitimate friends who attended the same yoga class at the time and that her discovery about Cox getting the role came when Cox asked her to go car shopping because she felt "really good" about a pilot she had just shot. For what it's worth, Davis did end up making it to Central Perk, guest starring in season 7 of the series as Erin, a woman Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) and Monica attempt to set up with Joey (Matt LeBlanc). Rodin Eckenroth/Getty; Murray Close/Disney If things played out a little differently,Andrew Garfieldcould've found himself playing royalty. Garfield revealed thathe auditionedfor the title role of 2008'sTheChronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, but lost out to another leading man,Ben Barnes. "I remember I was so desperate," Garfield said. "I auditioned for Prince Caspian inThe Chronicles of Narniaand I thought, 'This could be it, this could be it.'" According to Garfield, he was so broken up about not getting cast at the time that he begged his agent to tell him why he was passed over. "She eventually just broke under my incessant nagging and she was like, 'It's because they don't think you're handsome enough,'" the actor said, acknowledging that Barnes is indeed talented and handsome and admitting "in retrospect, I'm not unhappy with the decision, and I think he did a beautiful job." LoststarYunjin Kimalmost traded in sandy beaches and smoke monsters for hospital scrubs onGrey's Anatomy— but not for the role you might think. Kim revealed to EWthat whileLostwas one of her earliest auditions when she was transitioning her acting career from Korea to America, she was actually up for a role onGrey'sfirst. "I did not audition forSandra Oh's character [Cristina Yang], it was for Izzie," Kim said. "And I got a callback." When Kim auditioned forLost,she was initially up for the role of Kate, which eventually went to her costarEvangeline Lilly. But co-creatorJ.J. Abramsloved Kim so much that he decided to write a new role for her: Sun Kwon. "They were like, 'You're so good but you're not right for Kate,'" she said. "I thought, 'Great, I had a great audition with J.J. Abrams, I'm happy with that,' and kind of closed the chapter on that. I got a call a couple hours later from my agent, and they were super-excited. They're like, 'They're going to write a role for you.' I had a phone call with J.J. for about 40 minutes [after that]." Kim still kept herGrey's Anatomycallback for the role of Izzie Stevens on the books just in case. "When this whole thing went down withLostas far as J.J. is going to write me a role and how amazing that was, that day or the next day, I had a callback," she recalled. "And I was like, 'I'm going to go and do this callback.' My agents were like, 'Why? You got cast on an amazing show. You should pack up and try to find a place in Hawaii.' I was like, 'I don't know, I might likeGrey's Anatomymore.'" She laughed and added, "I didn't want to put all my eggs in one basket. What if this falls out, you know? I had no guarantee. But anyway, I ended up not going back to the callback." Mandy Mooremade her leading role debut as Jamie Sullivan in the 2002 romance dramaA Walk to Remember, but anotherPrincess Diariesalum also vied for the role. DirectorAdam Shankmanshared in a 2022 interview for thefilm's 20th anniversarythat Moore's former costarAnne Hathawayalso auditioned for the role as the ostracized teen daughter of a reverend — a fact that he himself forgot. "I don't remember this, but Anne Hathaway has told me that she was down to the wire on it," Shankman said. "And I was like, 'Really?' And she was like, 'Oh, yeah. I was one of the finals.' I was like, 'I don't remember that.' I don't really remember anybody in that game because I was pulling for Mandy. But Annie told me that she was there." Nicole Kidmanalmost played Kristen Stewart's mom in theDavid FincherdramaPanic Room, but an injury sustained during the filming ofMoulin Rouge!forced her todrop outonly a few weeks in. Despite only being on set with Stewart for a short time,Kidman recalledin aVarietyinterview that the two formed a friendship, and that Kidman was quite impressed by Stewart's talent.Jodie Fostertook over Kidman's role, but the actress has no hard feelings for her replacement, remembering "Jodie came in and was just brilliant." Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly
