1. Tom Selleck – Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark
Tom Selleck was the first choice to play Indiana Jones, but he had to turn down the role because he was already committed to his TV show, Magnum, P.I. Ironically, Magnum was delayed, so he technically could have taken the role, but by then, Harrison Ford had already been cast. While Selleck had a great run on Magnum and became a TV icon, the globe-trotting archaeologist could have changed his career entirely. But let’s be honest: Ford brought a perfect mix of ruggedness and humor that defined Indy and cemented his own legendary status.
2. Michelle Pfeiffer – Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs
Michelle Pfeiffer was offered the role of Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs, but she turned it down because she found the subject matter too dark. The role eventually went to Jodie Foster, who won an Oscar for her haunting performance. Pfeiffer went on to star in other iconic roles like Catwoman in Batman Returns, but Clarice remains one of the most powerful roles of the 90s. Looking back, it’s hard to imagine anyone capturing Clarice’s combination of vulnerability and determination quite like Foster did.
3. Will Smith – Neo in The Matrix
Will Smith famously turned down the role of Neo in The Matrix to star in Wild Wild West—a decision he has humorously admitted might not have been his best career move. While Wild Wild West wasn’t the hit he’d hoped, Smith bounced back quickly with other blockbusters like Men in Black and I Am Legend. Meanwhile, Keanu Reeves’ understated intensity brought something special to Neo. It’s hard to picture Smith in the philosophical, surreal world of The Matrix, and Reeves made it his own in a way that’s become iconic.
4. John Travolta – Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump
John Travolta was first offered the role of Forrest Gump, but he passed, and it ended up in Tom Hanks’ hands, earning him an Oscar. Travolta continued his comeback in Pulp Fiction, which released that same year, reviving his career. But it’s interesting to wonder what he would’ve done with Gump’s innocent, heartfelt character. Ultimately, Hanks brought a warmth and sincerity that defined the film, making it a classic that resonates with audiences even today.
5. Emily Blunt – Black Widow in Iron Man 2
Emily Blunt was all set to be Black Widow but had to pull out due to scheduling conflicts with Gulliver’s Travels. Scarlett Johansson took over, transforming Black Widow into a mainstay of the Marvel Universe. Blunt has carved her path in action with Edge of Tomorrow and A Quiet Place, proving she’s fully capable of playing tough roles. But it’s interesting to wonder how the Marvel franchise would look today if she had become the original Black Widow.
6. Sean Connery – Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings
Sean Connery was offered the role of Gandalf and even a share of the franchise’s profits, but he turned it down because he reportedly didn’t understand the script. Ian McKellen took on the role, creating one of the most beloved characters in cinematic history. Connery retired from acting a few years later, so it’s possible Gandalf would have extended his career. Ultimately, McKellen’s portrayal was so enchanting, it’s hard to imagine anyone else embodying the wise, mystical Gandalf.
7. Molly Ringwald – Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman
Molly Ringwald was offered the lead role in Pretty Woman, but she passed, feeling the role didn’t align with her image. Julia Roberts stepped in, skyrocketing to fame and making the character unforgettable. Ringwald remained a symbol of the 80s teen scene, while Roberts defined a new era in romantic comedies. This casting twist ended up setting Roberts’ career on an entirely different trajectory, proving to be one of the best “happy accidents” in Hollywood.
8. Jack Nicholson – Michael Corleone in The Godfather
Jack Nicholson was considered for Michael Corleone, but he declined, feeling the role should go to an Italian-American actor. Al Pacino, relatively unknown at the time, took on the role and became synonymous with Michael’s rise and fall. Nicholson continued building his career with his own brand of intensity in roles like Chinatown and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Ultimately, Pacino’s portrayal of Michael gave The Godfather an authenticity that resonates with audiences to this day.
9. Denzel Washington – Detective David Mills in Se7en
Denzel Washington was initially offered the role of Detective David Mills in Se7en, but he turned it down, feeling the film was too dark. Brad Pitt accepted, and the role helped establish him as a serious actor. Washington has since starred in other powerful dramas, but Se7en became one of the most talked-about films of the 90s. Pitt and Morgan Freeman’s chemistry gave the film its edge, but it’s intriguing to think how Washington’s depth might have added a different flavor to the character.
10. Matt Damon – Jake Sully in Avatar
Matt Damon was James Cameron’s top choice for Jake Sully in Avatar, but he turned it down due to scheduling conflicts, famously missing out on a huge payday. Sam Worthington ended up in the role, and Avatar became the highest-grossing movie of all time. Damon continued with projects like The Bourne Ultimatum, but the success of Avatar remains unmatched. While Worthington did well, Damon’s charisma could have added more layers to Jake’s character.
11. Burt Reynolds – Han Solo in Star Wars
Burt Reynolds turned down the role of Han Solo, paving the way for Harrison Ford’s star-making role. Reynolds later expressed regret, acknowledging he’d missed out on something iconic. While Reynolds went on to become a legend in his own right, Ford’s portrayal of the roguish, endearing Han Solo defined a generation. The franchise wouldn’t be the same without Ford’s natural charm and wit.
12. Gwyneth Paltrow – Rose in Titanic
Gwyneth Paltrow was one of the actresses considered for Rose in Titanic, but she passed, leaving the door open for Kate Winslet. Winslet’s sensitive, passionate portrayal alongside Leonardo DiCaprio defined her career and gave Titanic its emotional heart. Paltrow went on to win her own Oscar for Shakespeare in Love, but Titanic became an era-defining love story that wouldn’t be the same without Winslet.
13. Leonardo DiCaprio – Dirk Diggler in Boogie Nights
Leonardo DiCaprio was originally considered for the role of Dirk Diggler in Boogie Nights, but he passed due to his commitment to Titanic. Mark Wahlberg stepped in and owned the role, which helped him transition from rapper to serious actor. DiCaprio went on to superstardom with Titanic, so it’s safe to say both actors benefited from this choice. Still, it’s fascinating to imagine DiCaprio’s take on the outlandish but vulnerable character of Dirk.
14. Hugh Jackman – James Bond
Hugh Jackman was offered the role of James Bond before Casino Royale, but he declined, feeling the role might limit him. Daniel Craig took on the part, reinvigorating Bond with a grittier, more intense interpretation. Jackman continued to make his mark with Wolverine, and Craig became a celebrated Bond. Looking back, it’s clear both actors ended up right where they belonged.
15. Al Pacino – Han Solo in Star Wars
It’s hard to imagine Al Pacino in Star Wars, but he was indeed offered the role of Han Solo. He turned it down due to the film’s unconventional tone. Harrison Ford ended up as Han, launching his career. Pacino continued building his legacy with The Godfather and Scarface, proving his instincts right, even though Ford’s Han Solo would become one of the most beloved characters in cinema history.
16. Angela Bassett – Leticia Musgrove in Monster’s Ball
Angela Bassett was originally offered the role of Leticia Musgrove in Monster’s Ball, but she turned it down, feeling the character was too stereotyped. Halle Berry took the role instead and went on to win an Oscar for her powerful performance, making history as the first Black woman to win Best Actress. Bassett has expressed no regrets, as her own career has been rich and varied, yet Berry’s groundbreaking win solidified Monster’s Ball in Hollywood history.
17. Mickey Rourke – Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop
Believe it or not, Mickey Rourke was initially cast as Axel Foley before Eddie Murphy took over the role. Rourke left the project due to production delays, and Murphy stepped in, transforming Beverly Hills Cop into a smash hit with his comedic genius. Rourke later became known for his darker, intense roles, while Murphy made Axel Foley an unforgettable part of 80s pop culture with his unique brand of humor and charm, ensuring that the character felt both tough and hilariously out of place in Beverly Hills.
18. Diane Lane – Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman
Alongside Molly Ringwald, Diane Lane was another actress considered for the role of Vivian Ward. She even did a screen test, but in the end, she didn’t get the part. Julia Roberts eventually took on the role, turning it into one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time and skyrocketing her career. Lane has since built a respected career with critically acclaimed roles, but Roberts’ performance as Vivian became iconic and a touchstone for 90s romantic comedies.
19. Christopher Walken – Han Solo in Star Wars
Before Harrison Ford was cast, George Lucas considered Christopher Walken for the role of Han Solo. Walken’s unique intensity would have given Han a very different edge, but ultimately Ford’s laid-back charm won out. Walken went on to make his mark with unforgettable roles in The Deer Hunter and Pulp Fiction, while Ford’s Han Solo became a character for the ages. Looking back, it’s clear that Walken’s offbeat energy wouldn’t have brought quite the same warmth and humor that made Han Solo so beloved.
