On Monday we heard that two of our great loves, Baywatch and Leonardo DiCaprio, could have joined in holy union back in the ’90s, when DiCaprio was lined up to play David Hasselhoff’s son on the show. Sadly, though, the casting was vetoed by Mr. Hoff as teenage DiCaprio made him look too old. Iconic roles are defined by their interpreters, but as it turns out, many of our most beloved on-screen characters were originally intended for someone else. Could Travolta seriously have seriously ever played Forrest?
Will Smith as Neo in ‘The Matrix’.
Role went to: Keanu Reeves.
Will ‘Fresh Prince’ Smith was first shown the script for the role of Neo in ‘The Matrix’, but turned it down because “’The Matrix’ is a difficult thing to pitch. In the pitch, “I just didn’t see it.”
Molly Ringwald, Daryl Hannah, Meg Ryan and Michelle Pfieffer (and more) as Vivian in ‘Pretty Woman’.
Role went to: Julia Roberts.
One of the most hotly disputed roles in Hollywood was for the part of kind and funny working girl Vivian in Garry Marshall’s 1990 romantic comedy ‘Pretty Woman’. The role launched Roberts’ career.
Julia Roberts as Leigh Anne Tuohy in ‘The Blind Side’.
Role went to: Sandra Bullock.
Roberts’ attachment to Garry Marshall may have served her a few wrong steps in the past however, like when she turned down Sandra Bullock’s Oscar winning role in ‘The Blind Side’ to do ‘Valentine’s Day’.
Matthew Broderick as Walter White in ‘Breaking Bad’.
Role went to: Bryan Cranston.
He may be “the one who knocks”, but he was also once Malcolm in the Middle’s dad. Bryan Cranston nearly lost the role of Walter White to Matthew Broderick.
John Travolta as Forrest Gump, in ‘Forrest Gump’.
Role went to: Tom Hanks.
Tom Hanks won an Oscar for his endearing performance as the eponymous hero in ‘Forrest Gump’, but this might never have happened had the part been accepted by ‘Grease’ star John Travolta, who admits turning it down was a mistake.
Jim Carrey as Edward Scissorhands in ‘Edward Scissorhands’.
Role went to: Johnny Depp.
‘Edward Scissorhands’ was the iconic first collaboration between Johnny Depp and Tim Burton, which would span to eight films. Had Carrey not missed out on the role due to a lack of dramatic experience, everything might be different.
Sean Connery as Gandalf in ‘Lord of the Rings’.
Role went to: Sir Ian McKellen.
Ex-Bond Sean Connery was the favourite for the gargantuan role of Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s production of the Tolkein classic, but no one waves a staff like McKellen.
Hugh Jackman as James Bond in ‘Casino Royale’.
Role went to: Daniel Craig.
Like Connery, Hugh Jackman too could have joined the roster of Hollywood royalty Bond stars, but turned down the role to prepare for ‘Wolverine’.
Helen Mirren as Mrs Weiss in ‘Precious’.
Role went to: Mariah Carey.
‘Precious’ director Lee Daniels told The Daily Show that Helen Mirren was originally lined up to play Carey’s role of Mrs Weiss the councillor, but cancelled days before shooting, saying “I can’t do it; I have a real job, a paying job.”
Leonardo DiCaprio as Anakin Skywalker in ‘Star Wars’.
Role went to: Hayden Christensen.
The whole “The Beach” beef would have made things super awkward, had DiCaprio accepted the offer of playing Anakin Skywalker in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise. McGregor played Obi-Wan Kenobi in the series, Skywalker’s master, played by now-farmer Hayden Christensen.
