Ever wondered how your favorite blockbusters might’ve turned out with a different face in that iconic role? Hollywood history is full of jaw-dropping moments when a simple casting decision nearly changed the course of pop culture. From pop icons and MCU regulars to Oscar-winning stars, some of the biggest names in showbiz nearly starred in the parts we now consider untouchable. Here’s a rare peek inside the ultimate what-if moments in film.
Madonna – Batman Returns
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The Queen of Pop is synonymous with reinvention, but few fans know she almost brought her boldness to Gotham as Catwoman in Batman Returns. This unexpected casting nearly gave the anti-heroine a twist. While the Selina Kyle we got is iconic, imagining Madonna‘s take will always intrigue fans and music lovers alike. Madonna herself confirmed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that she turned down the Catwoman role and later regretted it, as reported by W Magazine.
Amanda Seyfried – Wicked
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Amanda Seyfried‘s ethereal charm nearly landed her the role of Glinda in Wicked. She was eyed for the part before producers changed directions, a move that might have transformed this beloved musical adaptation. Seyfried, known for both her vocal talents and acting depth, would have brought a new shimmer to Glinda’s magical persona. Seyfried revealed she auditioned six times for the role before it ultimately went to Ariana Grande, per Variety.
Scarlett Johansson – Jumanji
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Before her rise in action and indie films, Scarlett Johansson almost took a wild ride as Judy in the adventure hit Jumanji. Producers seriously considered her for the role, and her presence could have added another dimension to the whirlwind journey through the magical game. Johansson auditioned for the role of Judy in the 1995 fantasy film, but the part ultimately went to the more established Kirsten Dunst, according to Collider.
Gwen Stefani – Mr. & Mrs. Smith
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No Doubt’s frontwoman Gwen Stefani might have swapped stadiums for secret missions as Jane in Mr. & Mrs. Smith. With her signature style and rebellious spirit, Stefani was in the running before casting ultimately shook out differently. The idea of her as a high-octane secret agent leaves fans dreaming of a very different action-comedy pairing. Stefani revealed on The Howard Stern Show that she went to multiple auditions for the role of Jane Smith and felt she “almost got it,” as reported by Today.
Eddie Redmayne – Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens
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The Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne nearly crossed over to the dark side as Kylo Ren in Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens. Audiences might have seen a whole new shade of villainy in the galaxy far, far away had Redmayne landed the role. His blend of intensity and vulnerability would have made for a fascinating Force-wielder. Redmayne himself disclosed his “catastrophically bad” audition for the role, which eventually went to Adam Driver, according to Variety.
Ben Affleck – Clueless
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Before cementing his legacy as Batman, Ben Affleck almost found himself navigating high school drama as Josh in Clueless. A very different project from his usual fare, Affleck’s involvement would have put a new spin on the beloved teen comedy. It’s fun to imagine the dynamic Affleck could have brought to Cher’s world. Casting director Carrie Frazier confirmed she brought Affleck in for the role of Josh and was “heartbroken” when it didn’t work out, per Entertainment Tonight.
Emma Watson – La La Land
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Emma Watson‘s dance card nearly included La La Land, where she was considered to play Mia. Her blend of wit and passion would have brought a different energy to the Hollywood romance. Watson’s almost-involvement is one of those “what if” tales that keeps musical fans talking. Watson explained she had to pass on the role due to scheduling conflicts with her commitment to Beauty and the Beast, as reported by NME.
John Krasinski – Captain America: The First Avenger
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Known for his comedic timing and action hero glow-up, John Krasinski was nearly cast as Steve Rogers in Captain America: The First Avenger. If the producers had gone in a different direction, Krasinski’s all-American charm could have made the iconic superhero role his own. That near-miss remains one of Marvel’s most famous alternate casting stories. Krasinski confirmed he tested for the role and even got as far as wearing the Captain America suit before the part went to Chris Evans, according to UPI.
Matthew McConaughey – Titanic
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Matthew McConaughey‘s southern swagger was almost part of Titanic‘s legendary voyage — he was a major contender for the role of Jack. A different leading man would have radically altered the chemistry of this blockbuster epic. McConaughey as Titanic‘s romantic hero is one of Hollywood’s juiciest casting near-misses. According to late producer Jon Landau‘s memoir, McConaughey even did a chemistry read with Kate Winslet before losing the part over his refusal to drop his Texas accent, as reported by E! News.
Jennifer Lawrence – Twilight
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Before she became the girl-on-fire Katniss, Jennifer Lawrence was almost cast as Bella Swan in Twilight. This casting would have set a very different tone for vampires in pop culture. The alternate universe where Lawrence lived out Bella’s brooding teenage years remains a fan-favorite fantasy. Lawrence herself revealed on The Rewatchables podcast that she auditioned for the role but was turned down “immediately,” per The Hollywood Reporter.
Robert De Niro – Big
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Imagine acclaimed actor Robert De Niro in a body-swap comedy. The Hollywood star was considered for the role of Josh in Big. Such a serious presence in a lighthearted role would have created a unique spin on the coming of age story. De Niro confirmed on The Tonight Show that he was originally cast as Josh but exited due to a negotiation dispute, with the role ultimately going to Tom Hanks, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
This story 11 Iconic Movie Roles That Nearly Went to Different Actors first appeared on InTouch Weekly. Follow InTouch Weekly on Yahoo so you don’t miss what’s coming next.
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