12 Actors Who Were Offered Iconic Roles, But They Turned Them Down And Lost Big Time

The right role can mean the difference between a successful career and one that stalls.

Damjan

• Published in Film & TV
• February 19, 2023

20tIt's hard to imagine "Legally Blonde" or "Titanic" with anyone other than Reese Witherspoon and Kate Winslet, respectively. But, believe it or not, the roles were initially offered to different actors.

When celebrities are presented with a role, they must evaluate the project carefully before making a commitment. Ultimately, the success of a movie is unpredictable, making it a risky endeavor for actors.

Sometimes, some of the most famous actors in the world are offered roles but turn them down for a variety of reasons, such as believing that the movie may not be well-received, having doubts about new directors, scheduling issues, or just not feeling connected to the role. Despite the movie having the potential to become a hit, many actors opt not to participate.

It turns out that some actors have such an iron-clad will that even an iconic role can't sway them! We guess if you're not quite ready to take on that challenge, then no force on Earth can make you.

We mean, come on, it's an iconic character! Who could say no to that?

Well, in their defense, they didn't know that these characters would become iconic. So, let's take a look at the list:

1. Clarice Starling: Meg Ryan – Jodie Foster

Meg Ryan declined the opportunity to portray Miss Starling in "Clarice Starling" due to the dark and intense storyline. Jodie Foster was ultimately cast, and her exemplary performance earned her an Academy Award. Having read the book, Foster had a longing to embody Clarice's character.

2. Hannibal Lecter: Sean Connery – Anthony Hopkins

When it came to casting the role of Lector in the movie “Hannibal Lecter,” Sean Connery was the first choice. Unfortunately, the actor declined the part, and Anthony Hopkins was eventually cast. Initially, Connery believed he was being offered a role in a children’s film, only recognizing the greatness of the opportunity after further deliberation.

Thanks to his performance, Hopkins was awarded the Oscar for Best Actor.

3. Allie Hamilton: Jessica Simpson – Rachel McAdams

Jessica Simpson declined to star in "The Notebook" due to the intimate scenes, but Rachel McAdams had no qualms about it and ultimately became the romantic partner of Ryan Gosling on-screen.

4. Queen Hippolyta: Charlize Theron – Connie Nielsen

Charlize Theron was offered the part of Wonder Woman's mother, Queen Hippolyta, but declined it, describing it as a slap in the face due to the fact that Gal Godot, who plays Wonder Woman, is only 9 years younger than Theron and they do not seem to look like a mother-daughter duo.

Consequently, the role was offered to Connie Nielsen, who is 20 years older than Godot.

5. Kitty Shcherbatskaya: Saoirse Ronan – Alicia Vikander

Saoirse Ronan decided to pass on the role of Kitty in Anna Karenina so she could focus on the leading parts she had in the films Byzantium and The Host. This left the part open for Alicia Vikander, who ultimately took the supporting role.

6. Annie Wilkes: Anjelica Huston – Kathy Bates

At the time when "Annie Wilkes" was being cast, Anjelica Huston was occupied with "The Grifters" and was thus unable to take on the role of the main villain. Ultimately, Kathy Bates was given the part and did an outstanding job, going on to win an Oscar and a Golden Globe for her performance.

7. Jacqueline Kennedy: Rachel Weisz – Natalie Portman

After the breakup between director Darren Aronofsky and his fiancée Rachel Weisz, the project for Jacqueline Kennedy was put on hold. Two years later, the studio began discussions with Natalie Portman to take over the role.

8. Andy Dufresne: Tom Cruise – Tim Robbins

Tom Cruise was originally offered the role of Andy Dufresne in the movie, but he declined due to not wanting to work with a brand new director. Ultimately, Tim Robbins filled the role perfectly, bringing a sense of innocence and cheerfulness to the character.

9. Christine Palmer: Jessica Chastain – Rachel McAdams

Jessica Chastain declined the opportunity to portray Benedict Cumberbatch's partner in Doctor Strange, and instead, the role was given to Rachel McAdams. The actress chose to take on the part because she still had faith in the potential of female superheroes in the Marvel universe.

10. Elizabeth I: Emily Watson – Cate Blanchett

Emily Watson had the chance to play the role of the queen, but she turned down the offer. Watson admitted that Blanchett was much better suited for the part and deservedly won a Golden Globe for her performance.

11. Bridget von Hammersmark: Nastassja Kinski – Diane Kruger

The director had his sights set on Nastassja Kinski to take on the role of the German cinematography star and British spy character in “Bridget von Hammersmark”, however, she ultimately declined the offer. Thus, Diane Kruger was cast instead.

12. Gamora: Amanda Seyfried – Zoe Saldana

Amanda Seyfried turned down the opportunity to be a part of Marvel, as she had no interest in seeing a film featuring a conversing tree and a raccoon. On the other side of the spectrum, Zoe Saldana was up for taking on the part, and she eventually had tremendous success.

Life is all about the choices we make. Whether it's a decision to go to school, buy a house, or take a job, the outcome of any choice can have a lasting impact on our lives.

As an actor, one of the most important choices that you can make is the roles you choose. It's essential to take the time to carefully consider each role and make sure that it aligns with your goals, values, and beliefs.

The right role can mean the difference between a successful career and one that stalls.

Damjan