Some actors perfectly fit into their movie roles and could not be imagined as someone else. However, there are plenty of instances where movie roles were dangerously close to belonging to another actor. For instance, we could have had a very different Han Solo if Al Pacino had taken the role. Whether it was due to conflicting schedules or downright refusal, these are six iconic movie roles that could have been played by vastly different actors.
6. Michael Corleone, The Godfather
Sixth on our list of iconic movie roles is Michael Corleone in The Godfather. Taking Al Pacino and transforming him into a Hollywood heavy-hitter, the role almost went in a different direction. Jack Nicholson was also offered the role but claimed that “Italians should play Italians.” Nicholson didn’t miss out on fame though, starring in films like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Chinatown in the years following The Godfather’s release.
Related: 6 Best Movie Cameos in History
5. Noah Calhoun, The Notebook
While both leading roles were almost portrayed by different characters in The Notebook, the choices for Noah are more surprising. Fifth on our list of iconic movie roles, Tom Cruise was considered for the role of Noah, but it ultimately went to Ryan Gosling. This was partially due to scheduling conflicts and a new director who wanted someone unknown and “not handsome” to play Noah. Enter, Ryan Gosling.
Check Out: 6 Child Actors Who Went on to Have Incredible Careers
4. Forrest Gump, Forrest Gump
One of the most iconic movie roles in Hollywood history, Tom Hanks nailed the personality of Forrest Gump in the film of the same name. Winning a Best Actor Oscar for the role, Hanks was not the first choice. John Travolta was approached first, but he turned down the film in favor of playing Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction. Despite losing the Oscar, Travolta’s role in Pulp Fiction became a career-defining moment.
Also Read: 10 Celebrities Who Made Glasses Look Good
3. Neo, The Matrix
Entering the top three iconic movie roles is The Matrix, a beloved movie for both its leading actor and its CGI. Before Keanu Reeves accepted his most famous role as Neo, the part was offered to Will Smith. Around the same time, Smith had just completed Men in Black and Independence Day and was hesitant to accept another “alien movie.” The concern and a convoluted pitch meeting led Smith to pass and become one of his biggest career regrets.
2. Han Solo, Star Wars
Second on our list of iconic movie roles is the vigilante space pilot Han Solo. A staple of the Star Wars franchise, the role almost didn’t go to Harrison Ford. Al Pacino was also approached for the role, but he turned it down because he didn’t understand the script. This allowed Ford to catapult himself into the Hollywood industry and George Lucas’s good graces, leading him to the Indiana Jones franchise.
Read More: The Best Celebrity Appearances on Our Favorite Game Shows
1. Jason Bourne, The Bourne Identity
Last but not least on our iconic movie roles list is Matt Damon as Jason Bourne. Based on the book series, Damon became the face of Bourne, but it was originally another actor slated to lead. Brad Pitt was lined up but exited the film at the last minute due to a scheduling conflict. Damon stepped in and would go on to play the iconic character three more times.
Check Out: 6 Best Completed TV Shows You Can Binge From Start to Finish
More About:Movies