20 Actors Who Nailed Roles They Almost Didn’t Get

20 Actors Who Nailed Roles They Almost Didn’t Get

Hollywood’s most iconic roles weren’t always destined for the stars who made them famous. Behind many legendary performances lies a surprising story of last-minute casting changes, reluctant studios, or actors initially turning down parts. These near-misses could have completely altered film history and robbed audiences of unforgettable performances. From action heroes to romantic leads, here are twenty actors who almost missed their chance at career-defining roles but ultimately knocked them out of the park.

1. Harrison Ford

Originally hired as a carpenter on the Star Wars set, Harrison Ford wasn’t even supposed to audition for Han Solo. George Lucas, who had worked with Ford on American Graffiti, initially avoided casting him again, preferring fresh faces.

Ford was merely reading lines to help other actors audition when Lucas finally realized the perfect Han Solo was right under his nose. The reluctant carpenter-turned-actor brought the perfect blend of charm, wit and rugged appeal to the role.

Without this lucky break, we might never have experienced Ford’s iconic portrayal that helped make Star Wars a cultural phenomenon and launched his legendary career.

2. Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks nearly missed boarding the Forrest Gump train completely. Initially, John Travolta was offered the title role but turned it down—a decision he later admitted regretting. Hanks himself almost passed on the part because he worried about the historical aspects feeling gimmicky.

After lengthy discussions with director Robert Zemeckis, Hanks took a leap of faith. His performance earned him his second consecutive Oscar and cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors.

Hanks even agreed to forego his salary in exchange for percentage points of the film’s profits, ultimately earning around $40 million when the film became a blockbuster.

3. Johnny Depp

When Johnny Depp debuted his offbeat version of Jack Sparrow, Disney executives were anything but amused. His quirky, rockstar-inspired portrayal had them fearing he’d derail their big-budget pirate movie.

Former Disney chairman Michael Eisner reportedly exclaimed, “He’s ruining the film!” as early footage showed Depp’s unusual approach. The actor stood firm, refusing to tone down his character despite mounting pressure.

This standoff could have ended his involvement, but director Gore Verbinski defended Depp’s creative choices. The gamble paid off spectacularly, with Jack Sparrow becoming one of cinema’s most beloved characters and earning Depp an Oscar nomination.

4. Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio almost missed the boat on Titanic, literally. Initially reluctant to take on another romantic lead after Romeo + Juliet, DiCaprio worried that playing Jack Dawson would typecast him forever. Director James Cameron had to personally convince the hesitant 22-year-old actor that this wasn’t just another teen heartthrob role.

Studio executives preferred Matthew McConaughey for the part, believing he had more box office appeal. Cameron fought for DiCaprio, insisting no one else could capture Jack’s youthful spirit and depth.

The director’s persistence paid off monumentally. DiCaprio’s performance helped make Titanic the highest-grossing film of all time (until Avatar), and transformed him from promising young actor to global superstar.

5. Brad Pitt

Though now iconic, Brad Pitt’s role in Fight Club wasn’t a sure thing. David Fincher initially eyed other actors, and even after Pitt was cast, the studio questioned whether he could pull off Tyler Durden’s dark edge.

20th Century Fox executives were horrified by early footage, worried that Pitt’s heartthrob image would be damaged by the violent, anarchic role. They attempted to reshape the film multiple times during production, nearly derailing the entire project.

Pitt and Fincher held firm on their vision. The result was a cultural phenomenon that showcased Pitt’s range far beyond the pretty-boy roles he’d been known for, establishing him as one of Hollywood’s most daring leading men.

6. Will Smith

Will Smith initially turned down the role of Neo in The Matrix, choosing to star in Wild Wild West instead—a decision he later called his worst career move. This opened the door for him to take on the role of Agent J in Men in Black, which he also nearly rejected.

Smith was hesitant about doing another sci-fi film after Independence Day, fearing typecast as the “alien movie guy.” Director Barry Sonnenfeld had to personally convince him that this quirky alien comedy would be different from his previous work.

The gamble paid off spectacularly. Men in Black became a massive hit, spawning a successful franchise and establishing Smith as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, all because he passed on what became Keanu Reeves’ signature role.

7. Robert Downey Jr.

Marvel Studios executives strongly opposed casting Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark in Iron Man. His history of substance abuse and legal troubles made him a major liability for the studio’s first self-financed film. Director Jon Favreau fought relentlessly for Downey, convinced his personal struggles mirrored Stark’s redemption arc.

The studio pushed for safer choices like Tom Cruise or Nicolas Cage. Downey had to take a pay cut and undergo extensive screen tests to prove himself worthy of the role that would launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

This casting gamble transformed Downey from Hollywood outcast to one of the highest-paid actors in history. His portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man over ten films grossed billions worldwide and revitalized superhero films for a new generation.

8. Emma Stone

Scheduling conflicts nearly kept Emma Stone from playing Mia in La La Land. Her unavailability early on gave other contenders, including Emma Watson, a shot at the role before she eventually came back to claim it.

Director Damien Chazelle remained determined to cast Stone, having been impressed by her work in his previous film, Whiplash. When her schedule unexpectedly cleared, Stone had just 48 hours to prepare for an emergency audition that would change her career.

Despite minimal preparation time, her chemistry with Ryan Gosling and raw emotional performance in the audition immediately convinced Chazelle she was perfect. Her portrayal earned Stone her first Academy Award and established her as one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents.

9. Matthew McConaughey

While juggling other commitments, Emma Stone had to initially turn down auditions for La La Land, nearly missing out on the role that won her an Oscar. During that time, actresses like Emma Watson were also in the running.

The film languished in development hell for years, with various actors attached. When McConaughey finally won the part, the project’s budget was slashed to a mere $5 million, forcing him to take a massive pay cut and lose over 40 pounds for the role.

His determination paid off spectacularly. McConaughey’s transformative performance earned him an Academy Award and spearheaded the “McConaissance”—his career reinvention from rom-com staple to serious dramatic actor capable of extraordinary depth and range.

10. Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron wasn’t the first choice for the role of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster. Director Patty Jenkins initially considered several other actresses, while studios pushed for a bigger name to secure financing for the small independent film.

When Theron campaigned for the part, many doubted the glamorous former model could convincingly transform into the troubled, unattractive murderer. She gained 30 pounds, wore prosthetic teeth, and underwent extensive makeup to physically become Wuornos.

Beyond the physical transformation, Theron immersed herself in Wuornos’ psychology, studying prison interviews and court footage. Her unrecognizable performance silenced all critics, winning her an Academy Award and proving she was far more than just a beautiful face.

11. Margot Robbie

Her Australian accent nearly cost Margot Robbie the role that launched her career. During her high-pressure audition with Scorsese and DiCaprio, she concentrated so much on sounding American that she barely rehearsed.

When DiCaprio began improvising aggressive dialogue, Robbie made a split-second decision to abandon the script. She shocked everyone by slapping DiCaprio hard across the face and screaming at him—a daring move that could have ended her audition on the spot.

Instead of offense, Scorsese and DiCaprio were impressed by her boldness and authentic reaction. This unexpected moment of fearlessness won Robbie the role of Naomi Lapaglia, launching her from unknown Australian soap actress to Hollywood A-lister practically overnight.

12. Chris Pratt

Marvel initially rejected Chris Pratt for the role of Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy. Casting directors wouldn’t even let him audition, viewing the pudgy Parks and Recreation actor as completely wrong for a superhero lead. Director James Gunn was similarly skeptical until Pratt’s agent begged for a meeting.

Within twenty seconds of Pratt’s audition, Gunn knew he’d found his Star-Lord, later saying: “He came in and he was reading, and I was like, ‘That’s the guy.'” Marvel executives remained unconvinced until Pratt underwent a dramatic physical transformation, losing over 60 pounds in six months.

The risk paid off tremendously, transforming Pratt from comedic sidekick to leading man and turning the obscure Guardians franchise into one of Marvel’s most beloved properties.

13. Ryan Gosling

On the set of The Notebook, things got so heated between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams that Gosling asked director Nick Cassavetes to recast her. The off-screen drama nearly led to Gosling being replaced himself.

Studio executives worried about Gosling’s approach to the character of Noah. They felt he wasn’t handsome or charismatic enough compared to other actors they had considered, like George Clooney.

Cassavetes ultimately stuck with Gosling, believing his authentic, unpolished performance would bring depth to the character. The gamble paid off spectacularly, with The Notebook becoming a romantic classic and ironically, Gosling and McAdams later dated for two years after filming ended.

14. Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet had to fight relentlessly to win the role of Rose in Titanic. Director James Cameron initially thought she was too heavy and preferred actresses like Gwyneth Paltrow or Claire Danes. Determined to change his mind, Winslet bombarded Cameron with daily phone calls and even sent him a rose with a note saying “From Your Rose.”

After finally securing an audition, Winslet faced another obstacle: Cameron’s notorious perfectionism. During filming, she suffered hypothermia from extended water scenes, chipped a bone in her elbow, and nearly drowned twice.

Her persistence transformed her career. At 22, she became the youngest actress to receive two Oscar nominations, and Titanic’s phenomenal success gave her the clout to pursue challenging indie roles rather than conventional leading lady parts.

15. Matthew Broderick

The role of Ferris Bueller wasn’t always meant for Matthew Broderick. John Hughes first offered it to Michael J. Fox, and even considered Johnny Depp and Tom Cruise before landing on Broderick as the face of the iconic teen rebel.

Even after casting, Broderick struggled with the character. Having recently lost his father, he found it difficult to capture Ferris’s carefree attitude and fourth-wall-breaking confidence. He nearly quit several times during filming.

Hughes convinced him to stay, and Broderick’s performance became career-defining. His perfect blend of charm, wit and mischief made Ferris Bueller’s Day Off a cultural touchstone of the 1980s and established Broderick as one of the decade’s most likable leading men.

16. Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway was actually the ninth choice for the lead role in The Devil Wears Prada. Fox wanted an established star like Rachel McAdams, who repeatedly declined the part. Even after Hathaway secured an audition, studio executives remained unconvinced the Princess Diaries actress could handle such a complex role.

To prove her commitment, Hathaway tracked down Meryl Streep’s phone number and called her directly to plead her case. This bold move impressed both Streep and director David Frankel, who finally agreed to give her the part despite continued studio resistance.

Hathaway’s determination paid off magnificently. Her performance as Andy Sachs perfectly balanced vulnerability and growth, earning critical acclaim and helping transform her from teen movie star to serious adult actress capable of tackling challenging dramatic roles.

17. Jeff Bridges

Though he’d previously collaborated with the Coen brothers, Jeff Bridges repeatedly declined the role of “The Dude,” worried the character mirrored his real-life persona too closely and could box him into slacker roles.

The Coens refused to give up, repeatedly sending revised scripts and assuring him this character would become something special. Their persistence finally convinced the reluctant actor to take the risk.

The gamble transformed Bridges’ career in unexpected ways. While The Big Lebowski initially bombed at the box office, it gradually achieved cult status, with “The Dude” becoming Bridges’ most beloved character and spawning fan festivals, religions, and endless quotable lines that follow him decades later.

18. Amy Adams

Despite her talent, Amy Adams was nearly passed over for Junebug because the director thought she looked too glamorous. Phil Morrison initially wanted someone more regionally authentic to play the sweet, offbeat Ashley.

During her audition, Adams took a huge risk by performing the emotional hospital monologue—considered the film’s most challenging scene—rather than the lighter scenes other actresses chose. Her raw, vulnerable performance left Morrison in tears and immediately convinced him she was perfect despite his initial reservations.

Shot in just 21 days on a tiny budget, Junebug earned Adams her first Oscar nomination and launched her from struggling actress to sought-after talent. She later credited this small role with completely transforming her approach to acting and her entire career trajectory.

19. Christian Bale

Christian Bale faced massive skepticism when cast as Batman in Batman Begins. Fans and studio executives thought the relatively unknown, physically slight actor from American Psycho lacked the imposing presence needed for the Dark Knight. Many preferred more established stars like Josh Hartnett or Cillian Murphy.

Director Christopher Nolan fought for Bale, convinced he had the intensity and dedication the role required. Bale proved him right by gaining over 100 pounds of muscle in just six months, transforming from his severely underweight role in The Machinist to a superhero physique.

This incredible physical commitment, combined with his psychological approach to Batman’s dual identities, silenced critics. Bale’s portrayal across Nolan’s trilogy is now considered definitive, completely redefining the character for modern audiences and elevating superhero films to serious cinematic art.

20. Zoe Saldana

The role of Neytiri in Avatar nearly slipped past Zoe Saldana. James Cameron initially sought an indigenous performer, and studio concerns about Saldana’s slight frame translating to a 10-foot alien nearly cost her the part.

Cameron saw something others missed—Saldana’s background as a trained dancer gave her incredible body control and expressiveness. During her audition, she performed a raw, primal scene that convinced him she could physically embody an alien species.

The grueling nine-month shoot required Saldana to learn an entirely new language and master complicated motion-capture technology. Her dedication paid off spectacularly, helping Avatar become the highest-grossing film of all time and establishing her as a sci-fi icon.