2002's The Ring ended up starring Naomi Watts as protagonist Rachel Keller, but the role almost went to several other recognizable actresses first. Arguably the greatest instance of an Asian horror film remade for an American audience, The Ring still remains a creepy, suspenseful film nearly 20 years after its release. That's despite the entire story revolving around people not being able to resist watching a cursed VHS tape, which was already a pretty antiquated technology even back in 2002.
The Ring served as the launching pad for Watts' ascent to the Hollywood A-list, becoming a huge success with both critics and audiences. The Ring, combined with her work in David Lynch's Mulholland Drive, led to Watts eventually becoming a two-time Oscar-nominee, and led to her starring in both big budget blockbusters like King Kong and quirky award-magnet TV shows like Twin Peaks: The Return. It's no wonder she returned to star in The Ring 2, although considering how bad that sequel is, it's possible she now regrets that choice.
As great as Watts is in The Ring, and as hard as it is to imagine anyone else playing Rachel, there were no less than four other actresses considered for the part, or even outright offered it. One wonders what each might've brought to the lead role, and how The Ring might've changed as a result.
The Ring: Every Actress Who Almost Starred (Before Naomi Watts)
The first choice to play Rachel Keller in The Ring was actually Jennifer Connelly, star of Requiem for a Dream and A Beautiful Mind. Unfortunately, Connelly had issues with Rachel being written as a negligent parent, and demanded script rewrites if she took the role. Producers balked at that request, so Connelly was removed from the mix, but would later end up starring in the Japanese horror remake Dark Water. The role was then offered to Gwyneth Paltrow, then coming off the comedy Shallow Hal, but she wasn't interested and said no.
Heartbreakers era Jennifer Love Hewitt was also reportedly offered the Rachel role in The Ring, but it's unclear why she turned it down or was unavailable. It's doubtful Samara would've listened to the future Ghost Whisperer anyway, plus she was in her early 20s, and would've probably been too young to take seriously as a seasoned reporter. The final two contenders for the part were Naomi Watts and future Underworld star Kate Beckinsale. Beckinsale was the studio's favorite for a time, but then a Dreamworks exec saw Mulholland Drive, and was impressed by Watts' performance enough to cast her in The Ring.