10 Celebrities Who Tried Out For a Movie Role, But Ended Up in a Different Character

It is not uncommon for actors to audition for a specific role, only for the casting director to see them in a different character. Sometimes, with numerous audition tapes to review, a casting director may discover a unique interpretation of a role that doesn't fit their original vision but suggests the actor's potential for another character. This unexpected casting choice has resulted in some remarkable performances, particularly in superhero films.

This scenario typically occurs when an actor tries out for the main protagonist but ends up being offered a supporting role instead. Protagonists tend to receive more attention from agents, who set up auditions for their clients. According to Cillian Murphy, he was never really considered for a lead role, but the audition served as a way to discuss the character he was better suited for. While most of these unconventional casting decisions have paid off, the alternatives remain fascinating.

Cillian Murphy As Scarecrow

Auditioned for Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman Begins (2005).

Cillian Murphy in Batman Begins - Auditioned for Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman Begins (2005). - Cillian Murphy As Scarecrow

Cillian Murphy is often associated with Christopher Nolan because of his impressive portrayal of Robert Oppenheimer in the film Oppenheimer. Their successful partnership began with Batman Begins, where Murphy took on the role of the Scarecrow, a famous Batman adversary. Interestingly, Murphy actually auditioned for the role of Batman before landing the part of the Scarecrow.

Isabelle Furhman As Clove

Isabelle Fuhrman portrayed the character Clove in the popular film adaptation of "The Hunger Games." Clove was a ruthless and cunning tribute from District 2, known for her deadly skills with knives. Fuhrman's portrayal of Clove was praised for its intensity and authenticity, bringing the character to life on the big screen. Despite her limited screen time, Fuhrman's performance left a lasting impression on viewers and solidified her as a talented young actress to watch in Hollywood.

Auditioned for Katniss in The Hunger Games (2012).

Clove in the Hunger Games - Auditioned for Katniss in The Hunger Games (2012). - Isabelle Furhman As Clove

Tom Hiddleston As Loki

Tom Hiddleston is one of the actors who could have portrayed Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, the role eventually played by Jennifer Lawrence. Hiddleston auditioned for the role of Katniss but was deemed too young at 14 years old during the audition. In an interview with MTV, Hiddleston mentioned, "I envisioned myself as Katniss, like many others." Despite not landing the role of Katniss, Hiddleston was selected to play Loki, the mischievous and complex villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While Hiddleston excelled as Loki, it is interesting to think about how he could have interpreted the character of Katniss.

Auditioned for Thor in Thor (2011).

Young Loki as a villain in Thor - Auditioned for Thor in Thor (2011). - Tom Hiddleston As Loki

Tom Hiddleston and Chris Hemsworth both rose to fame through their roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly in the Thor movies. Hiddleston, known for his portrayal of the mischievous Loki, originally auditioned for the role of Thor. Even though he didn't get the part, he has excelled in bringing Loki to life on screen for over ten years now. Hiddleston's convincing portrayal of Loki's scheming and inner conflicts has captivated audiences worldwide.

Lee Pace As Ronan

Auditioned for Peter Quill/Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014).

Ronan with the Power Stone in Guardians of the Galaxy - Auditioned for Peter Quill/Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). - Lee Pace As Ronan

Lee Pace, known for his versatile acting skills, originally auditioned for the protagonist role in Guardians of the Galaxy but ended up being cast as the villain instead. Despite this switch, Pace effortlessly portrayed the character of Ronan the Accuser, showcasing his chameleon-like ability to embody diverse roles. Some even argue that Pace's performance as Ronan is a testament to his talent as an actor.

Amanda Seyfried As Karen Smith

Auditioned for Regina George in Mean Girls (2004).

An image of Karen looking surprised in Mean Girls - Auditioned for Regina George in Mean Girls (2004). - Amanda Seyfried As Karen Smith

Amanda Seyfried, known for her role in Mean Girls, was originally considered for the role of Regina George, but it eventually went to Rachel McAdams. Seyfried was then offered the role of Karen, the "dumb girl," which was initially supposed to go to Blake Lively. Despite this switch, all three actresses found success in their careers.

Sebastian Stan As Bucky Barnes

Auditioned for Steve Rogers/Captain American in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011).

Sebastian Stan as The Winter Soldier - Auditioned for Steve Rogers/Captain American in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). - Sebastian Stan As Bucky Barnes

Many notable actors tried out for the role of Captain America, such as Chris Pratt from Guardians of the Galaxy and Sebastian Stan from Captain America. According to MCU casting director Sarah Halley Finn (via Vanity Fair), they were looking for someone with a darker and edgier vibe. Sebastian Stan's character, Bucky Barnes, has one of the most complex storylines in the MCU. Stan has portrayed Bucky as a loyal friend, a menacing villain, and a soldier seeking redemption. With his numerous appearances in MCU films, his upcoming role in Thunderbolts will bring even more depth to the character.

Heath Ledger As The Joker

Auditioned for Bruce Wayne/Batman in The Dark Knight (2008).

Heath Ledger's Joker in interrogation room in The Dark Knight - Auditioned for Bruce Wayne/Batman in The Dark Knight (2008). - Heath Ledger As The Joker

Heath Ledger, originally considered for the role of Batman, ended up portraying the iconic villain, the Joker. Ledger's outstanding performance earned him a posthumous Oscar. Though it is uncertain if Ledger auditioned for Batman, he did meet with director Nolan to discuss the role. Ledger declined the offer initially, as he was not keen on starring in a comic book film at the time. However, Nolan later approached Ledger again, leading to one of the most memorable performances in a superhero movie.

Lily James As Cinderella

Auditioned for Anastasia in Cinderella (2015).

Lily James in Cinderella - Auditioned for Anastasia in Cinderella (2015). - Lily James As Cinderella

No one could have embodied the dreamy and romantic character of Cinderella better than Lily James. Surprisingly, James actually auditioned for the role of one of Cinderella's stepsisters before landing the lead role. In an interview with Time, James revealed this interesting tidbit about her casting process.

I was really excited about the opportunity. I remember practicing the night before and choosing my most colorful tie-dye jumper. I was looking forward to portraying a character where looks didn't matter, and I could just be quirky and funny. But when I arrived, the casting director suggested I read for Ella instead, and it just felt right.

James was perfect for the role of kind and enduring Ella. Her co-star from Downton Abbey, Sophie McShera, played the stepsister Drizella, while Cate Blanchette portrayed the elegant and cruel stepmother.

Tom Felton As Draco Malfoy

Auditioned for Harry Potter in Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone (2001).

Draco Malfoy in a pointed wizard hat in Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone - Auditioned for Harry Potter in Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone (2001). - Tom Felton As Draco Malfoy

Felton was undeniably the perfect fit for the role of Draco Malfoy and improved his portrayal as he got older. Initially portrayed as a privileged contrast to Harry in the early films, Draco later evolves into a more complex and multi-dimensional character.

Barry Keoghan as The Joker

In the early days of the Harry Potter movies, Warner Bros. was sorting through numerous audition tapes from young actors vying to play Harry or his friends. Tom Felton, who eventually portrayed Draco Malfoy, initially auditioned for Harry and Ron before landing the role of Harry's rival. Felton proved to be the perfect choice for Draco and grew into the character as he got older. While Draco starts off as a entitled antagonist to Harry in the early films, he evolves into a more complex young man.

Auditioned for the Riddler in The Batman (2022).

Barry Keoghan as Oliver standing in a doorway wearing his party attire and antlers in Saltburn - Auditioned for the Riddler in The Batman (2022). - Barry Keoghan As The Joker

Barry Keoghan's potential portrayal of the Joker in The Batman Part II is highly anticipated in the world of cinema. Initially, Keoghan auditioned for the role of the Riddler, but the part eventually went to Paul Dano (via Variety).

A few months later, Keoghan received a secretive call from his agent, informing him that he had been offered the role of the Joker in 'The Batman', but he had to keep it under wraps. This unexpected turn of events proves that casting directors may discover hidden talents during auditions, resulting in unforgettable performances.

Source: PEOPLE, MTV, YouTube, SlashFilm, Entertainment Weekly, Vanity Fair, CBR, Time, Variety

Editor's P/S:

This article highlights the fascinating and often unexpected ways in which actors are cast in superhero films. It demonstrates that casting directors sometimes see potential in actors that goes beyond their original vision for a role. By exploring the experiences of actors like Cillian Murphy, Tom Hiddleston, and Heath Ledger, the article emphasizes the power of embracing unconventional choices and the potential for actors to surprise and excel in roles they might not have initially considered.

Furthermore, the article showcases the adaptability and versatility of actors who can embody diverse characters and bring them to life on screen. It highlights the importance of considering actors' unique abilities and interpretations, rather than solely focusing on their physical appearance or preconceived notions. By embracing the unexpected, casting directors can create memorable performances that resonate with audiences and leave a lasting impact on cinematic history.