18 Iconic Movie Roles That Have Been Turned Down by Actors

1. The Matrix 1999，IMDB Rating: 8.7, IMDB Votes: 2074748, ID: 0133093
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The Matrix is the story of protagonist Neo, who discovers that the world he lives in is a virtual reality system and joins forces with the Resistance to fight against the reign of artificial intelligence. The film has become a classic in science fiction cinema with its unique plot. Will Smith turned down the role of Neo because he feared he would ruin the film. But in the end, Keanu Reeves’ portrayal made it an enduring classic.
2. Grease 1978，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 303929, ID: 0077631
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Grease is a much-loved musical, and the story of Danny and Sandy’s youthful love is shown through energetic song-and-dance scenes that have become a musical film classic. Although initially Henry Winkler turned down the role of Danny Zuko to avoid being typecast. However, the film was eventually made a household name by the outstanding performances of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
3. Legally Blonde 2001，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 252385, ID: 0250494
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Legally Blonde is about Elle Woods, who through perseverance and ingenuity manages to get into Harvard Law School. Although Christina Applegate was initially considered for the role of Ellie, she turned it down for fear that the character would be too similar to her previous work. Ultimately, Reese Witherspoon’s portrayal infuses Elle with humour and heartfelt emotion, making the film a fun and inspiring piece of work.
4. Batman Begins 2005，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 1593165, ID: 0372784
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Batman Begins is the origin story of how Bruce Wayne grew from a pain-filled rich kid into Batman, the guardian of Gotham City. But with either Josh Hartnett or David Boreanaz turning down the role of the Dark Knight, it was Bale’s brilliant performance and Christopher Nolan’s direction that ultimately set a new standard for superhero movies.
5. Boogie Nights 1997，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 284387, ID: 0118749
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Boogie Nights is a focus on the rise and fall of the adult film industry, following a young Dirk Diggler as he enters the business in the 1970s and quickly rises to prominence. Leonardo DiCaprio turned down the role of Dirk Diggler, which went to Mark Wahlberg. Making this movie one of the best of the 90’s movies.
6. Speed 1994，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 395754, ID: 0111257
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Speed is a tense action film centered around a bus rigged with a bomb, where the protagonists must maintain high speeds in a dangerous environment in order to avoid the explosion. Halle Berry turned down the lead role of Annie Porter. Eventually Sandra Bullock made the portrayal stick.
7. Breakfast at Tiffany’s 1961，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 193583, ID: 0054698
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Breakfast at Tiffany’s tells the story of Holly Golightly, a free-spirited but lonely New York socialite who tries to find a sense of belonging in the midst of the glitz and glamor of life. Marilyn Monroe came close to starring as Holly Golightly. But Monroe turned down the role, which eventually went to Audrey Hepburn, whose elegant and captivating performance interpreted the role.
8. Titanic 1997，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 1295162, ID: 0120338
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Titanic is an epic movie about a moving love story that occurs during the sinking of a luxury cruise ship. Its heroine is almost another person. Gwyneth Paltrow turned down the role of Rose, which eventually went to Kate Winslet. Winslet’s and Leonardo DiCaprio’s performances inject depth and emotion into this epic romance, making Titanic a timeless, heartbreaking masterpiece.
9. Tropic Thunder 2008，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 452052, ID: 0942385
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Tropic Thunder is about a group of cocky actors who, while filming a war movie, accidentally get caught up in real-life jungle combat and gradually realize they must survive like real soldiers.Kevin Hart turned down the role of Alpa Chino, which went to Brandon T. Jackson. The film is humorous and witty, a hilarious critique of Hollywood.
10. The Misfits 1961，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 23667, ID: 0055184
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Misfits is the story of a group of marginalized characters, each with their own agenda, who meet in the Nevada desert, including a lost woman and several down-on-their-luck cowboys, attempting to find personal meaning and a sense of belonging in the pursuit of wild horses. Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable give memorable performances. Interestingly, Robert Mitchum had turned down the role of Gay Langland.
11. The Godfather 1972，IMDB Rating: 9.2, IMDB Votes: 2034982, ID: 0068646
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The Godfather is about the Corleone family’s power struggles and family relationships in the world of American gangsters. Al Pacino’s portrayal of Michael Corleone is a classic. Jack Nicholson turned down the role, believing it should be played by an Italian. The success of the movie proves the importance of casting in creating a timeless classic.
12. Pretty Woman 1990，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 368787, ID: 0100405
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Pretty Woman is the story of an unexpected budding love affair between Edward, a wealthy entrepreneur, and Vivian, a down-on-her-luck prostitute. The role of Vivian Ward, played by Julia Roberts, had been rejected by several actresses, including Daryl Hannah and Michelle Pfeiffer. Julia Roberts gave the character a unique charm and warmth that made it a beloved classic.
13. Forrest Gump 1994，IMDB Rating: 8.8, IMDB Votes: 2283769, ID: 0109830
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Forrest Gump is about a man of average intelligence but pure heart who survives the Vietnam War, meets several U.S. presidents, and becomes a football star, ping-pong champion, and successful entrepreneur. Forrest has always maintained a simple faith in life and an obsession with love. The role had been turned down by John Travolta, Bill Murray and Chevy Chase before Hanks. Hanks’ portrayal of the character makes this film an enduring favorite.
14. The Silence of the Lambs 1991，IMDB Rating: 8.6, IMDB Votes: 1565256, ID: 0102926
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Silence of the Lambs is a chilling thriller that follows FBI agent-in-training Clarice Starling as she is ordered to hunt down serial killer Bison Bill. Michelle Pfeiffer turned down the role because of the movie’s dark themes. Foster’s performance, characterized by vulnerability and determination, became a classic.
15. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring 2001，IMDB Rating: 8.9, IMDB Votes: 2027749, ID: 0120737
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The Lord of the Rings is about a young hobbit, Frodo Baggins, who accepts the task of taking the Supreme Ring on a difficult journey to try to destroy this powerful object that can rule the entire world. Nicolas Cage turned down the role of Aragorn. Mortensen’s portrayal greatly contributed to the film’s critical and commercial success.
16. Star Wars 1977，IMDB Rating: 8.6, IMDB Votes: 1462796, ID: 0076759
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Star Wars tells the story of a young farmer who grows up to become a brilliant Jedi Knight as he fights against the tyranny of the Empire and joins his mates in the fight against the evil dark side. Al Pacino turned down the role, which he later admitted was a mistake. Ford’s roguish charm was integral to the movie’s success.
17. Back to the Future 1985，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 1321977, ID: 0088763
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Back to the Future is the story of high school student Marty McFly, who accidentally travels back to 1955 in a time machine to make sure his parents meet in order to restore the future. Eric Stoltz was originally attached to star in the movie, but was replaced due to creative differences. Michael J. Fox’s excellent portrayal makes the film a classic sci-fi comedy in movie history.
18. Die Hard 1988，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 953464, ID: 0095016
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Die Hard is about New York cop John McClain, who fights alone on Christmas Eve against terrorists who have hijacked a building in Los Angeles in an attempt to free the hostages and stop the criminal conspiracy. Several actors, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, had turned down the role of John. This casting decision helped create a relatable and enduring image of the action hero.