7 Unexpected Strategies Actors Used To Secure Iconic Roles

Some actors got their roles in the most bizarre ways.

Damjan

• Published in Film & TV
• February 6, 2023

Some actors are so passionate and determined in their pursuit of roles that it's inspiring! They go above and beyond to make sure they get the parts they want, whether it's studying up on the character, practicing their lines, or even honing their skills in the craft.

It's amazing to see how far some actors will go to ensure they stand out and bring their best performance to the table. It certainly adds to the fun of the process and makes it all the more rewarding for the actor when they get that part!

Celebrities like Cardi B and Lady Gaga show that it pays to be bold and creative when expressing yourself. They have achieved immense levels of success with their eclectic, eccentric, and downright crazy styles.

Dennis Rodman is another example of how having a unique look can make a lasting impression. These eccentric superstars have made a name for themselves by embracing the weird and wonderful.

They have proven that you don’t have to play by the rules to make it in the entertainment industry. Hollywood may be an unpredictable and chaotic world, but these stars have managed to use it to their advantage.

It just goes to show that sometimes being a bit out of the ordinary can be just what you need to make it big.

1. Samuel L. Jackson in Pulp Fiction

Quentin Tarantino was tardy for the audition for the Jules Winnfield role. Upon Samuel L. Jackson's return from lunch, the director had already shown up. Jackson, famished and irritated, brought his hamburger and milkshake with him into the audition.

“Quentin came in and simply started sipping that shake, chewing that burger, and staring at all of us. I was sitting on the couch with him. I was really terrified. […] His eyeballs were protruding from his skull. And he simply took the part,” recalls producer Richard Gladstein.

2. Mel Gibson in Mad Max

Mel Gibson was incredibly fortunate to be in the ideal situation at the ideal time when he was chosen to portray the iconic part in the Mad Max series.

He arrived at the audition with a unique look that struck the casting directors; they took photos of him and commented, "Man, we need freaks in this film! Come see us when you're feeling better."

It turns out that Gibson had been involved in a bar brawl the day before, and his battered appearance was what the casting directors were looking for. Thanks to his luck and initiative, Gibson was able to seize the opportunity and secure the role.

3. Emma Watson in Harry Potter

It was almost unimaginable to think of anyone other than Emma Watson playing the part of Hermione Granger, the ambitious Gryffindor student. The author of the famous Harry Potter series, Joanne Rowling, thought that Watson was "too pretty" to take on the role.

However, after receiving an unexpected call from Watson, Rowling had a change of heart. Watson spoke for an entire minute without taking a breath, and Rowling remembers thinking to herself, "Emma, you're perfect."

4. Ben Affleck in Gone Girl

Ben Affleck gave one of his most impressive performances as Nick Dunne, a devoted husband who was trying to uncover the mystery of his missing wife despite the suspicions of those around him. Director David Fincher stated that Affleck's winning smile was what helped him bag the part.

“Critical sequences are used to cast movies. When the local press invites the man in Gone Girl to stand next to a billboard of his missing wife, he must grin. I saw maybe 50 pictures of Affleck grinning that way in public while I browsed Google Images," the filmmaker said.

5. Ryan Gosling in The Notebook

For years, people have been drawn to Ryan Gosling and his good looks. However, it was his unique and non-stereotypical qualities that landed him the role in The Notebook.

Director Nick Cassavetes saw something special in Gosling, stating that he was "not like the other young actors out there in Hollywood. You’re simply a typical person who seems a little crazy; you’re not cool, and you’re not attractive."

It was this authenticity that won him the part and made him the Hollywood heartthrob he is today.

6. Jason Momoa in Game of Thrones

Jason Momoa gained notoriety for his portrayal of Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones, the fierce leader of his people. His ability to portray the role without speaking a single word and then to perform the Haka, a traditional Maori dance, astonished the casting directors.

Momoa's powerful performance left a lasting impression.

7. Wayne Knight in Jurassic Park

Wayne Knight was the perfect choice for Jurassic Park, thanks to his unforgettable sweaty face. After seeing him in a scene from Basic Instinct in which Knight nervously watched Sharon Stone cross her legs, Steven Spielberg immediately knew that he was the right actor to play the role of the villainous Dennis Nedry.

Spielberg was so impressed with Knight's performance that he even remarked, "What if that were a dinosaur?"

Some actors also go the extra mile by creating their own content. They may produce, write, and direct their own films, web series, and other projects to demonstrate their skills and show potential employers what they can do.

Finally, actors may be willing to take risks and push themselves out of their comfort zones to stand out from the competition. They may take on challenging roles or even be willing to travel to go to auditions if they believe that it could help them land the role.

Ultimately, there is no single path to success, but actors who are willing to go the extra mile and take risks are often the ones who get the parts they want.

Damjan