9 Famous Movie Roles That Almost Went to Someone Else

1. Marilyn Monroe as Holly Golightly

Audrey Hepburn's iconic role in Breakfast at Tiffany's almost went to Marilyn Monroe. Truman Capote, the author of the source material, had initially wanted Monroe to play the lead role, but Paramount cast Hepburn instead. Monroe's acting coach advised against the role, believing it to be bad for her image. While Hepburn's portrayal of Holly Golightly is legendary, it's interesting to imagine how Monroe would have interpreted the character.

Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's and Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

2. Al Pacino as Han Solo

Before Harrison Ford took on the role, George Lucas considered casting Al Pacino as Han Solo in Star Wars. However, Pacino passed on the role, citing a lack of understanding of the script. This decision ultimately led to Ford's iconic portrayal of the roguish captain of the Millennium Falcon. It's hard to imagine anyone other than Ford in the role, but Pacino's potential take on the character remains a fascinating 'what if' in cinematic history.

Harrison Ford in Star Wars episode 4 and Al Pacino in The Godfather

3. Sean Connery as Gandalf

Peter Jackson's first choice for the wise wizard Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings was Sean Connery. However, Connery declined the role, leading to Ian McKellen's memorable portrayal. While Connery's interpretation would have undoubtedly been unique, McKellen's depiction of the character has become iconic in its own right, making it an intriguing casting decision to ponder.

Ian McKellen in Lord of the Rings and Sean Connery in Indiana Jones

4. Michelle Pfeiffer as Clarice Starling

Before Jodie Foster, the role of FBI agent Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs was offered to Michelle Pfeiffer. Pfeiffer declined the role due to the dark nature of the film and the unsettling ending. Foster's portrayal of Clarice became legendary, but it's intriguing to consider how Pfeiffer's interpretation of the character might have influenced the film's tone and impact.

Jodie Foster in Silence of the Lambs and Michelle Pfeiffer in Age of Innocence

5. Tom Selleck as Indiana Jones

Tom Selleck was initially chosen to play the iconic archaeologist Indiana Jones, but scheduling conflicts with his role in Magnum P.I. led to Harrison Ford taking on the role. Ford's portrayal of Indiana Jones solidified his status as a Hollywood icon, but the thought of Selleck's interpretation of the character adds an intriguing layer to the cinematic legacy of the franchise.

Tom Selleck Magnum PI

6. John Travolta as Forrest Gump

Before Tom Hanks took on the role of Forrest Gump, the part was offered to John Travolta. Hanks ultimately portrayed the kind-hearted protagonist, and his performance became synonymous with the character. However, the idea of Travolta's take on the role raises questions about the film's impact and the character's enduring legacy.

Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump and John Travolta in Pulp Fiction

7. Will Smith as Neo

Will Smith famously turned down the role of Neo in The Matrix, which ultimately went to Keanu Reeves. Smith's decision led to Reeves' iconic portrayal of the character, solidifying his status as an action star. While Smith's career recovered, the potential for a different interpretation of Neo remains an intriguing 'what could have been' scenario in cinematic history.

Keanu Reeves as Neo Wearing Sunglasses and Holding Two Guns in The Matrix

8. Sissy Spacek as Princess Leia

Sissy Spacek, known for her role in Carrie, was considered for the iconic role of Princess Leia in Star Wars. Ultimately, the role went to Carrie Fisher, defining Fisher's career and legacy. The possibility of Spacek portraying the headstrong space princess offers an alternate timeline worth considering in the realm of cinematic 'what ifs.'

Princess Leia Organa

9. Meryl Streep as Ripley

Meryl Streep was initially considered for the role of Ellen Ripley in Alien. However, the role ultimately went to Sigourney Weaver, who delivered an iconic performance. The idea of Streep's portrayal of Ripley offers an intriguing perspective on how the character and the film's legacy might have been shaped differently.

Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley with Ian Holm as Ash behind her In Alien 1979