So many movies that are considered classics today could have turned out looking a whole lot differently! That is because plenty of leading roles were almost snagged by other awesome actors. In some cases, the leading role for a film was already set for a particular actor or actress who decided to pull out at the last minute. Regardless of the reasoning, the movies on this list were made famous with some iconic movie and TV roles that were almost played by different actors and actresses!
Rocketman Almost Starred Justin Timberlake Instead Of Taron Egerton
Rocketman is an incredible film about the life of Elton John. For the movie, casting directors had to find the perfect young actor to take on the role of Elton John, reenacting some of his major life experiences.
Initially, Justin Timberlake was the actor they had in mind. They considered him for the role because he portrayed Elton John in the music video for his song “This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore" back in 2001. David Furnish, Rocketman's producer, admitted that he never approached Justin Timberlake for the role despite the fact that they were thinking of him.
Gossip Girl Almost Starred Rumer Willis Instead Of Blake Lively
Gossip Girl almost started Rumer Willis instead of Blake Lively. To be honest, we are pretty satisfied with Blake Lively in the role of Serena van der Woodsen because she absolutely plucked the part. We can’t really envision anyone else pulling off such an iconic role as amazingly as Blake Lively was able to.
Gossip Girl is one of the best teen dramas from the early 2000s, and, even to this day, people still reflect on the show with a lot of admiration, respect, and love. Suffice it to say that it won’t be going away anytime soon.
Forrest Gump Almost Starred John Travolta Instead Of Tom Hanks
Forrest Gump is definitely considered a classic, but that may not have been the case had John Travolta landed the role instead of Tom Hanks. It is reported that John Travolta regrets passing on the movie, but, by that same token, he starred in Pulp Fiction that very same year, so he must not have been hurting that badly. Interestingly enough, Tom Hanks and John Travolta battled it out for the Best Actor Oscar award that year, though Tom Hanks is the one who ended up winning it.
Fifty Shades Of Grey Almost Starred Emilia Clarke Instead Of Dakota Johnson
Fifty Shades of Grey almost start Emilia Clarke instead of Dakota Johnson. When we think of Fifty Shades of Grey, it is easy to envision Dakota Johnson’s face. Emilia Clarke knew that she didn’t want to film any nude scenes, and that was a major deciding factor for her when she decided against starring in the Fifty Shades of Grey movie franchise.
It is definitely for the best that she avoided that franchise, as we would rather think of HBO’s Game of Thrones when we think of Emelia Clarke. HBO’s Game of Thrones has a much better reputation.
Silver Linings Playbook Almost Starred Anne Hathaway Instead of Jennifer Lawrence
Silver Linings Playbook almost start Anne Hathaway instead of Jennifer Lawrence, and that would’ve been very interesting! Anne Hathaway has proven herself to be an incredibly seasoned actress over the course of her acting career, so we have a lot of respect for her.
At the same time, Silver Linings Playbook was definitely a movie meant for Jennifer Lawrence. She did an incredible job in the role which focuses on mental health, dancing, heartbreak, and budding romance. Lawrence starred in Silver Linings Playbook opposite Bradley Cooper.
Legally Blonde Almost Starred Christina Applegate Instead Of Reese Witherspoon
Legally Blonde is arguably one of the most iconic chick flicks of all time, and Reese Witherspoon definitely made that possible. Reese Witherspoon’s leading role on Legally Blonde was a game-changer for her career, as, once she filmed this movie, she became a household name to pretty much everyone!
Who could’ve ever guessed that Christina Applegate was almost in the movie instead of Reese Witherspoon? Honestly, Christina Applegate would’ve done a great job, as well, but we really love how well Reese Witherspoon did.
Million Dollar Baby Almost Starred Sandra Bullock Instead Of Hilary Swank
Million Dollar Baby is another iconic film that started Hilary Swank and a leading role. Sandra Bullock almost snagged the leading role instead of Hilary Swank, which would have made the movie look a lot different. Sandra Bullock and Hilary Swank are both incredible actresses who have individually raked in several awards for themselves. Hilary Swank won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Million Dollar Baby. Sandra Bullock won the Academy Award for Best Actress for The Blind Side later on down the line.
Jennifer’s Body Almost Starred Blake Lively Instead Of Megan Fox
Jennifer's Body almost started Blake Lively instead of Megan Fox, which is pretty crazy! The reason that things panned out the way they did is that Blake Lively had to focus on filming Gossip Girl, while Megan Fox had an open schedule to focus on Jennifer's Body.
The movie didn’t receive the best reviews at the time that it was released, but now, years later, it is considered a cult classic. Megan Fox is one of the most gorgeous actresses ever, and seeing her in any film is enjoyable simply because of how beautiful she is.
Scandal Almost Starred Connie Britton Instead Of Kerry Washington
Scandal is an intense and popular TV show about what goes on behind the scenes when it comes to a presidential candidacy. The show stars the amazingly gorgeous Kerry Washington in the leading role, but it almost started Connie Britton, instead! Can you imagine how different this show would’ve been without Kerry Washington as the lead?
Kerry Washington pretty much carried the show on her shoulders! She made the show so much more intense and fun to watch with her fast-talking, energetic personality, and Scandal just wouldn't have been the same without her!
Titanic Almost Starred Claire Danes Instead Of Kate Winslet
Titanic is definitely one of the most popular and iconic movies to ever be filmed. It is based on the tragic sinking of a cruise ship from 1912. The movie focuses on two young people who fall passionately in love with each other while aboard the ship just hours before it begins to sink.
Titanic stars Leonardo DiCaprio opposite Kate Winslet, but it could’ve been a lot different, as Claire Danes was considered for the leading role instead of Kate Winslet at the time. We wonder how much she regrets not taking it!