10 Actors Who Almost Turned Down Iconic Roles

10 Actors Who Almost Turned Down Iconic Roles

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Guy Pearce

Edmund Exley In L.A. Confidential (1997)

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He had already gained international recognition for his role as a drag queen in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Still, Australian actor Guy Pearce was not particularly interested in pursuing other parts that would open his path to the American film industry (via Business Insider). As he specified in his interview, he was never after fame, proved by the fact that, after the first audition, he did not even want to come back from Australia for a second screen test.

Thankfully, the actor changed his mind due to the insistence of the movie’s director, Curtis Hanson, who immediately recognized his ability. Pearce had the opportunity to shine in the nuanced and divisive role of the ambitious and intelligent Detective Exley. The movie paved the way for him to have a brilliant future in Hollywood. Considering L.A. Confidential‘s success and how this role shaped his career, it is almost unthinkable that the actor almost turned down the acclaimed cult thriller.

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Gwyneth Paltrow

Viola De Lesseps In Shakespeare In Love (1998)

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It is the legendary part that defined her long and prolific career, but according to an interview with Marie Claire, Gwyneth Paltrow almost refused the critically acclaimed role in Shakespeare In Love. Although her name was already known in the studios for her work in films like Emma and Sliding Door, the part of Viola De Lesseps in the 1998 period romance is what earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. However, had she gone through with her original plan, she would never have gotten the Oscar.

The movie had been in development for some time, and the role of Viola almost went to another A-List actress, Julia Roberts. When the proposal came for Paltrow, she initially did not even read the script as she was at the time going through a breakup with Brad Pitt. Understandably, she did not feel ready to move to another country for the film, but, luckily, something must have convinced her and the movie changed her life.

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Ralph Fiennes

Lord Voldemort In The Harry Potter Movies

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It is hard to imagine a better actor than Ralph Fiennes to play the darkest wizard of all time, Lord Voldemort. Fiennes successfully captured the blood-curling and sophisticated demeanor of Harry Potter’s arch-enemy, giving him a dramatic appeal that, since his first appearance in the fourth movie, enlightened the set as if it were a theater stage. The actor was born to deliver this perfect fantasy movie villain performance. After all, few other interpreters are capable of embracing their character’s inner darkness as effortlessly as he does.

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Nevertheless, Fiennes almost turned down the part. The star of The English Patient admitted he was ignorant about the Harry Potter films and books when he was first approached by the production (via Cinema Blend). As a consequence, it is understandable how he was hesitant about such a crucial role. Fortunately, his sister, at the time the mother of three children who were fans of the saga, convinced him to do it. The rest is history.

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Julie Andrews

Maria von Trapp In The Sound of Music (1965)

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After she had already won an Academy Award for her legendary role in Mary Poppins in 1964, Julie Andrews was at the peak of her career when she was offered the part of Maria von Trapp in the beloved musical The Sound of Music. However, the award-winning actress revealed in her book Home Work that she did not immediately accept the part (via Forbes).

The reason why Andrews was so originally uncertain about the movie was primarily due to the similarities between the characters of Mary Poppins and Maria. The actress was indeed worried that, if she were to accept the work, she would end up being typecast as the nanny in her future projects. Fortunately, her Hollywood agent back them was persistent in encouraging her to get the job, which, apparently, did the trick. It seems almost unbelievable now, thinking Julie Andres almost turned down her most iconic movie.

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Chris Evans

Captain America In The MCU

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Chris Evans was an impeccable choice as Captain America. The actor is particularly skilled at embodying the fierce righteousness and humble generosity of one of the most beloved Avengers. With his dramatic gaze and thoughtful demeanor, he made Cap a relatable, albeit incredibly good-hearted, hero who was, however, still a multidimensional and nuanced character. Therefore, it might also come as a shock to some that Evans almost did not play Marvel’s most famous super-soldier.

Evans revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter podcast Awards Chatter that he almost refused the part due to mental health issues (via CNN). The actor was indeed dealing with some extreme anxiety that had begun around his debut as the Human Torch in the movie Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. However, his friend and future colleague Robert Downey Jr. persuaded him to join the Marvel family. In hindsight, the public was lucky he didn’t turn down the part because he is so perfect in this iconic role.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger

The T-800 In The Terminator Movies

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Arnold Schwarzenegger also almost passed on the role of the T-800 in James Cameron’s The Terminator, a decision that could have reshaped his career. At the time, the actor had more than one doubt about portraying the film’s ruthless killing machine. Schwarzenegger revealed the foundations of his concern in the book Total Recall and later expanded on it in his interview with Men’s Health.

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His main issue at the time was the villainous nature of the role. Schwarzenegger, apparently, did not want to play the “bad guy.” On the contrary, he wanted to be the hero. However, after Cameron realized how thoroughly Schwarzenegger had analyzed and understood the character of Terminator, he insisted he would accept the part. The audience is fortunate the actor, in the end, did not turn down what would become one of his most famous roles, a character of many iterations that needed Schwarzenegger to play him.

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Ewan McGregor

Obi-Wan Kenobi In The Star Wars Prequel Trilogy

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After gaining international attention for his portrayal of Mark Renton in Trainspotting, Ewan McGregor achieved the peak of his fame with the role of the legendary Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars 1990s and 2000s prequel trilogy. It would be difficult to paint someone else as Anakin Skywalker’s wise yet, at the time, young mentor. McGregor was able to embody the quiet intelligence and courage of the beloved franchise’s character. However, the actor was not always eager to play the role.

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According to an interview with The Independent, McGregor was not certain about accepting the role because it was too “mainstream.” At the time, the actor joked he felt like “the Oasis of the British movie industry.” Fortunately, his love for the original saga and the encouragement of Danny Boyle, who had previously directed him in Trainspotting, won out. Despite the Star Wars prequels’ weaknesses, no one can deny that McGregor’s charm and compassion as Obi-Wan is a highlight.

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Alan Rickman

Hans Gruber In Die Hard (1988)

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In his prolific and stunning career, Alan Rickman had many iconic roles that made him one of the most beloved and famous actors of all time. From Severus Snape to the Sheriff of Nottingham, he boasts plenty of accomplishments. One of these was his portrayal of Hans Gruber in Die Hard. However, Rickman, who at the time was 41, was a classically trained stage actor and did not want to take part in another “action movie” (via The Guardian).

Apparently, what changed his mind were the undeniable wit of the script and the intelligent representations of the characters which, according to Rickman, were unusual for the genre at the time. His thorough interpretation of the role and the complex and textured performance that emerged from it additionally elevated Hans Gruber, delivering a layered villain that is often considered the greatest villain of action movies. Even though Rickman played many other singular characters perfectly, cinema would have been the lesser for it had he passed on Die Hard.

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Will Smith

Agent J In The Men In Black Movies

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Although he was already famous as a rapper and for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Will Smith’s fame as a leading man was helped by his role as Agent J in Men in Black. However, the part in the science-fiction action movie could have gone to another actor, had Smith gone through with his first idea. According to Variety, Smith, after his work on Independence Day, was not too eager to take part in another alien-centric movie.​​​​​​​

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Thankfully, Stephen Spielberg, who was involved in the production of the film, refused to accept no as a response and showed up to Smith’s house in New York in a helicopter to change his mind. The star’s work as Agent J. will always be remembered in the history of cinema for the charismatic, entertaining, and larger-than-life presence he brought to the character. Spielberg taking matters into his own hands was dramatic but doubtlessly benefited the film.

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Chris Pratt

Peter Quill In The Guardians Of The Galaxy Movies

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Another one of Marvel’s big reveals, Chris Pratt’s performance as Peter Quill in Guardians of the Galaxy accentuated his popularity. At the time, Pratt was best known for his comedic role as Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation and was still not seen as a leading man or action star. In his role as Starlord, Pratt gave proof of all his charisma and talent. However, the actor almost gave up upon the audition (via Deadline).

The reason why Pratt initially showed hesitation about even giving a try at the role of “Star-Lord” was the string of rejections he previously had received, including his unsuccessful bid for the role of Thor. Disheartened, the Guardians of the Galaxy star believed he wasn’t cut out to be an action-movie star. Fortunately, James Gunn saw the potential in him and worked with him to prepare him for the role, which remains his most iconic character.

Source: Business Insider, Marie Claire, Cinema Blend, Forbes, Men’s Health, The Independent, The Guardian, Deadline

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