Big roles that were turned down

Famous actors and actresses have become famous not only due to their talents but also because of roles that they played through which they managed to reveal that talent of theirs.

However how does one judge and recognize such a part? Before you rush to answer the question, keep in mind that the answer is not that easy. Some, use their hunch, others are just moreperspicacious. And But everyone, under certain circumstances has denied one or more roles that turned out to be great.

So let’s see some of those examples with famous actors.

Nicole Kidman: The Reader (2008)

Nicole Kidman who was pregnant at the time turned down this successful drama that was about the Holocaust because she thought that it would affect her unborn child. Kate Winslet finally won an Oscar for that part.

Jennifer Lawrence: Twilight Series (2008-2012)

Jennifer Lawrence was awarded with her first Oscar at the age of 22 but before that, she was turned down for the role of Bella Swan in the famous series of the “Twilight”. The part was finally given to Kristen Stewart, who after the end of the series was left with a lot more money and an army of fans.

Hugh Jackman: Casino Royale (2006)

After the big box office success that the “Wolverine” and the “X Men”, Hugh Jackman stated that he wanted to act in something different and not the role of James Bond. After that, the producers chose Daniel Craig for the worldwide known spy character of the MI6.

John Travolta: Forrest Gump (1994)

The part thanks to which Tom Hanks won the Oscar had been previously offered to Bill Murray and John Travolta. They are both of course excellent actors, but we are thankful that Tom Hanks ended up with that part!

Will Smith: The Matrix series (1999-2003)

The famous actor Will Smith turned down the role of Neo in the record box office success called “The Matrix”, before Keanu Reeves accepted the part. Until this day, most people fail to see why.

Haley Joel Osment: Harry Potter series (2001-2011)

Steven Spielberg wanted to film Harry Potter with the actor of “The Sixth Sense”. In other words, the boy who saw dead people would also be the boy who lived. Fortunately for Daniel Radcliffe – and some of his greatest fnas, that plan never worked.

Gwyneth Paltrow: Titanic (1997)

It is said that the director James Cameron had chosen Gwyneth Paltrow for the role of Rose on the epic movie the “Titanic”. The studios also advised James to go with Matthew McConaughey for the role of Jack.

Tom Selleck: Indiana Jones seires (1981-2008)

The “Indiana Jones” movie, of 1981 was almost filmed with Tom Selleck instead of Harrison Ford. However, the first one turned down the part due to several other commitments.

Burt Reynolds: Pretty Woman (1990)

Burt Reynolds was the first choice for the part that finally Richard Gere took in the movie “Pretty Woman”. Burt later humoured his decision mentioning that he regretted it after he saw the scenes that included the two stars coming so close. We do have to say though, that Burt is the kind of man that strikes as a real gentleman, so that part would suit him well!

Last Modified: Jan 22, 2017