Hollywood is often defined by the roles that actors choose to play, but just as frequently, it’s shaped by the ones they don’t. Here is a roundup of surprising stories where A-list actors turned down, dropped out of, or were replaced in major roles, offering a glimpse into what could have been in some of the most iconic films and television series.
Tom Cruise, best known for his action-packed roles, could have had a much different career trajectory. The actor was initially offered the role of Edward Scissorhands in Tim Burton’s beloved 1990 film, but declined due to unanswered questions from Burton about the character’s logistics — like how he would go to the bathroom. Ultimately, Johnny Depp stepped into the iconic role, forever changing his career.
In 2009, Angelina Jolie and Leonardo DiCaprio were set to star as Patrizia Reggiani and Maurizio Gucci in Ridley Scott’s ‘House of Gucci.’ However, the project stalled, and years later, the roles went to Lady Gaga and Adam Driver.
Greta Gerwig, who has since become a celebrated director, once auditioned for the role of Eva in ‘Gossip Girl.’ However, she lost out because she wore overalls to the audition, which didn’t align with the show’s upscale image. “They were like, ‘Why are you wearing overalls?’ I’d be like, ‘They said she was from a farm!’ and they’d be like, ‘Well, this is Gossip Girl,’” Gerwig recalled.
Kate Winslet was originally set to play Sarah Churchill in ‘The Favourite,’ but later withdrew for undisclosed reasons. The role ultimately went to Rachel Weisz, who earned her second Oscar nomination for the performance.
Blake Lively was offered the lead role in ‘Jennifer’s Body,’ but turned it down due to a scheduling conflict with ‘Gossip Girl.’ Megan Fox ultimately took on the part, delivering a memorable performance in the cult classic.
Michelle Yeoh’s role in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ was originally envisioned for Jackie Chan. However, when Chan passed on the project, Yeoh took center stage. Awkwafina was also in talks for the role of Joy Wang but had to drop out due to a scheduling conflict. Stephanie Hsu eventually stepped into the role.
Rachel McAdams was offered the role of Andrea Sachs in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ three times but kept declining, reportedly looking for more low-key roles following ‘The Notebook’ and ‘Mean Girls.’ The part went to Anne Hathaway, who delivered a breakout performance.
Emma Stone turned down a role in Paul Feig’s ‘Ghostbusters,’ citing hesitations about committing to another franchise so soon after ‘The Amazing Spider-Man.’
Ryan Gosling was cast in ‘The Lovely Bones,’ but after gaining 60 pounds — believing the character should be overweight — he was let go by Peter Jackson and replaced by Mark Wahlberg. “I just showed up on set, and I had gotten it wrong. Then I was fat and unemployed,” Gosling said.
Miley Cyrus was initially attached to voice Mavis in ‘Hotel Transylvania,’ but was fired after controversial photos of her surfaced online. Selena Gomez later took on the role.
Mark Wahlberg turned down a lead role in Ang Lee’s ‘Brokeback Mountain’ after feeling “a little creeped out” by the script. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal would go on to star in the acclaimed film.
Jennifer Lawrence auditioned for Serena van der Woodsen in ‘Gossip Girl,’ but lost the part to Blake Lively. She then landed a role in ‘Winter’s Bone,’ earning her an Oscar nomination at just 20 years old.
Angelina Jolie turned down the lead role in Alfonso Cuarón’s ‘Gravity’ twice before Sandra Bullock signed on. Bullock’s deal included 15% of the film’s first-dollar gross, netting her over $70 million after the film’s success — one of the biggest paydays in Hollywood history. Robert Downey Jr. also declined a role in ‘Gravity’ due to scheduling conflicts, and George Clooney ultimately stepped in.
Beyoncé and Will Smith were once in talks to lead Clint Eastwood’s adaptation of ‘A Star is Born,’ but the project fell apart when Beyoncé became pregnant.
Mark Wahlberg was also initially cast as the lead in ‘Donnie Darko,’ but dropped out over creative differences. The role went to Jake Gyllenhaal, cementing his place as a leading man.
Al Pacino, over the years, has reportedly turned down roles in some of Hollywood’s biggest films, including ‘Taxi Driver,’ ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Apocalypse Now,’ ‘Pretty Woman,’ and ‘Goodfellas,’ among others.
Ashley Tisdale was rumored to have turned down the role of Elena Gilbert in ‘The Vampire Diaries’ in favor of starring in ‘Hellcats,’ which was canceled after one season.
Michelle Pfeiffer, an actress with a reputation for discerning choices, reportedly turned down roles in ‘The Silence of the Lambs,’ ‘Pretty Woman,’ ‘Basic Instinct,’ and more. Pfeiffer also passed on the chance to play Carmy’s mom in ‘The Bear’ due to scheduling conflicts. Jamie Lee Curtis ultimately took the role.
Glen Powell and Jennifer Lawrence both reportedly turned down roles in the upcoming ‘Jurassic World’ film. Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey are now set to lead the movie, which is slated for release on July 2, 2025.
These casting decisions — made by choice, circumstance, or creative differences — have had a profound impact on Hollywood’s landscape, reshaping careers and redefining the films and television series that have captured audiences worldwide.
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