Arts & Entertainment

13 iconic movie roles that almost went to different stars

Monday, August 4, 2014

Jim Carrey turned down playing Captain Jack Sparrow in favor of starring in "Bruce Almighty."

Chris Farley was originally cast as the nasty green ogre in "Shrek." But after his tragic death in 1997, the role went to Mike Myers instead.

Tom Cruise was highly interested in playing Tony Stark in "Iron Man" before it went to Robert Downey Jr.

David Boreanaz was the original choice for Bruce Wayne in Christopher Nolan's reboot "Batman Begins" before it went to Christian Bale.

Jodie Foster was in the running to play Catwoman in "Batman Returns," but she dropped out of consideration to film "Little Man Tate."

Angelina Jolie is a notable name who auditioned for the part of Rose in "Titanic." Ultimately the role went to Kate Winslet.

Julia Roberts turned down playing Leigh Anne Touhy in "The Blind Side." Sandra Bullock starred instead, and won an Oscar in the process.

Nicole Kidman chose to run away from the role of Jenny in "Forrest Gump," which would be filled by Robin Wright instead.

Strangely enough, O.J. Simpson was passed over to star in "The Terminator" because he was considered too likable and innocent.

Tom Selleck passed on playing Indiana Jones in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" to star in "Magnum P.I." instead.

Will Smith turned down Neo in "The Matrix." Keanu Reeves was the one chosen instead.

Eric Stoltz had already begun shooting as Marty McFly in "Back to the Future." But director Robert Zemeckis made a last minute decision for Michael J. Fox to star instead.

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13 iconic movie roles that almost went to different starsJim Carrey turned down playing Captain Jack Sparrow in favor of starring in "Bruce Almighty."

Disney / AP

Could you imagine Jim Carrey battling zombie pirates as the swashbuckling Captain Jack Sparrow? Or Tom Selleck digging up ancient artifacts while dodging Nazi bullets as Indiana Jones? Probably not, but you'll be surprised to hear that these iconic movie roles almost went to different stars.

Whether you think Tom Cruise would be a better Iron Man than Robert Downey Jr. or are glad that Christian Bale beat out David Boreanaz in "Batman Begins," Hollywood would have looked a lot different if these casting decisions went through. Here are iconic movie roles almost played by other actors.