13 Iconic Movie Roles That Almost Went to Someone Else

13 Iconic Movie Roles That Almost Went to Someone Else

From action heroes to romantic leads, casting changes have completely shaped how we remember these films. It’s fascinating to think about how Hollywood history could’ve been rewritten with just one “yes” instead of a “no.” Here are 13 iconic movie roles that almost went to someone else—and the surprising stories behind the switch.

1. Forrest Gump – John Travolta

It might shock fans to learn that Tom Hanks wasn’t the first choice to play the slow-speaking, kind-hearted Forrest Gump. The role was initially offered to John Travolta, who passed on it—something he later regretted publicly.

Travolta’s decision paved the way for Hanks, whose portrayal of Forrest became one of the most beloved characters in cinema history. The film went on to win six Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Hanks. Had Travolta accepted, Forrest Gump might have been a very different story, both on-screen and in the eyes of audiences.

2. Neo in The Matrix – Will Smith

Before Keanu Reeves dodged bullets in slow motion, the role of Neo was offered to none other than Will Smith. At the time, Smith was already a box office king and decided to pursue Wild Wild West instead.

It’s a choice he has openly admitted was a misstep. Though Smith feared The Matrix’s concept was too abstract, it turned out to be a revolutionary sci-fi masterpiece. Keanu Reeves stepped into the role and delivered a performance that became synonymous with cyberpunk cool, while Smith was left wondering what could have been.

3. Jack Dawson in Titanic – Matthew McConaughey

When James Cameron was casting Titanic, he reportedly considered Matthew McConaughey for the role of Jack Dawson. McConaughey even auditioned and was confident he had landed the part.

Ultimately, Cameron chose Leonardo DiCaprio, believing he brought a unique vulnerability to Jack that was crucial for the role. DiCaprio’s youthful charm and chemistry with Kate Winslet helped turn Titanic into the highest-grossing film of its time. While McConaughey went on to have an impressive career, it’s hard to imagine anyone else saying, “I’m the king of the world!”

4. Indiana Jones – Tom Selleck

Tom Selleck was the studio’s original pick for the whip-wielding archaeologist, Indiana Jones. He had the charisma, the mustache, and the action chops. But fate had other plans.

Selleck was locked into a contract for Magnum, P.I. and couldn’t get out of it in time to film Raiders of the Lost Ark. As a result, Harrison Ford—who had already worked with George Lucas on Star Wars—stepped in and created one of the most iconic adventure characters of all time. It’s one of those Hollywood “what ifs” that changed movie history forever.

5. Elle Woods in Legally Blonde – Christina Applegate

Before Reese Witherspoon donned the pink suits and charmed her way through Harvard Law, Christina Applegate was approached to play Elle Woods. She declined, fearing the role was too similar to her Married with Children character, Kelly Bundy.

That decision left room for Witherspoon to redefine what a “dumb blonde” stereotype could look like—by smashing it entirely. Her performance was bubbly yet empowering, and Legally Blonde became a surprise feminist hit. Applegate later expressed some regret, but fans can agree that Witherspoon was perfect for the part.

6. Wolverine – Dougray Scott

The role of Wolverine was originally going to Dougray Scott, who had even begun filming before production delays on Mission: Impossible II forced him to back out. It was a twist of fate that opened the door for a then-unknown Australian actor.

Hugh Jackman stepped in and made Wolverine his own for the next 17 years. His rugged charm and emotional depth redefined superhero performances and helped launch the modern Marvel movie era. While Scott faded from the spotlight, Jackman became a household name and a cornerstone of comic book cinema.

7. Mia in La La Land – Emma Watson

Emma Watson was the first actress approached for the role of Mia in La La Land. However, scheduling issues with Beauty and the Beast meant she couldn’t commit to the part.

This allowed Emma Stone to step in—and her performance as the struggling actress chasing her dreams in Los Angeles earned her an Academy Award. Stone’s chemistry with Ryan Gosling and heartfelt vulnerability resonated deeply with audiences. Watson’s version might have been enchanting, but Stone turned it into something magical.

8. Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings – Stuart Townsend

Stuart Townsend was actually cast and had begun filming as Aragorn before being replaced. Director Peter Jackson decided Townsend looked too young for the role of the weathered, world-weary ranger destined to be king.

Enter Viggo Mortensen, who took over with just days to prepare. His intense dedication and gravitas gave Aragorn the heroic weight the role demanded. Mortensen became a fan favorite and brought emotional complexity to the epic trilogy. Townsend’s missed opportunity turned into one of the best last-minute casting decisions in film history.

9. Han Solo – Al Pacino

Back when Star Wars was still just a strange sci-fi script floating around Hollywood, Al Pacino was offered the role of Han Solo. He declined, later saying he simply didn’t understand the story.

That opened the door for Harrison Ford, who had been working as a carpenter while taking small acting gigs. His laid-back, sarcastic delivery made Han Solo an instant favorite. It’s hard to imagine anyone but Ford piloting the Millennium Falcon or exchanging witty banter with Princess Leia. Sometimes, not “getting it” works out—for someone else.

10. Clarice Starling – Michelle Pfeiffer

Michelle Pfeiffer was the top pick for the lead role in The Silence of the Lambs. However, she passed due to concerns about the film’s violent and disturbing content.

Jodie Foster, who had been campaigning for the role, ultimately took it—and delivered a performance that was both vulnerable and fiercely intelligent. Her portrayal of Clarice Starling earned her an Oscar and solidified her status as one of the greatest actresses of her generation. Pfeiffer’s choice not to take the part made way for one of the most acclaimed female leads in film.

11. The Terminator – O.J. Simpson

It sounds bizarre now, but O.J. Simpson was once considered for the role of the deadly cyborg in The Terminator. Director James Cameron ultimately decided audiences wouldn’t buy Simpson as a cold-blooded killer.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was cast instead, and his steely gaze, massive physique, and robotic delivery became the stuff of movie legend. “I’ll be back” wasn’t just a line—it was a cultural reset. Simpson’s near-casting has become a strange footnote in Hollywood history, while Arnold’s Terminator became one of the most recognizable characters ever.

12. Iron Man – Tom Cruise

In the early 2000s, Tom Cruise showed strong interest in playing Tony Stark. For various reasons—including script concerns and creative control—the project never moved forward with him.

Eventually, Marvel took a risk on Robert Downey Jr., whose troubled past mirrored Stark’s. That authenticity, combined with Downey’s magnetic performance, helped launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Cruise might have been a box office draw, but it’s hard to imagine anyone else capturing Tony Stark’s wit, brilliance, and vulnerability quite like Downey did.

13. Vivian in Pretty Woman – Molly Ringwald

Before Julia Roberts smiled her way into America’s heart as Vivian in Pretty Woman, the role had been offered to Molly Ringwald. She reportedly turned it down due to discomfort with the story’s more mature themes.

Roberts took on the part and transformed what could have been a gritty drama into a romantic comedy classic. Her performance exuded warmth and charm, and it catapulted her into stardom. While Ringwald was already a teen icon, it was Roberts who became the new queen of the silver screen thanks to Vivian.