Did you know that Will Smith could have played Neo in The Matrix, Jack Nicholson turned down the role of Michael Corleone in The Godfather, and Adrien Brody was invited to play one of the four hobbits in the film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, but he didn't want to come to the casting because he didn't get the idea of ​​the book at all.

In any case, the history of movies could've gone completely differently if these star actors had accepted their invitations—but it's far from certain that they would have gotten as into their roles as Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, or, for example, Elijah Wood. And believe me, there are many of these examples—like the ones found in this popular online thread.

More info: Reddit

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#1

Actor in a brown suit hitchhiking on a rural road, showcasing a flawlessly iconic role. Rowan Atkinson as Mr Bean. You know you've nailed a role when most of the world knows you as your character's name, not your real name.

tizz66 , Universal Pictures Report

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    #2

    Actor in iconic sci-fi role, wearing a blue uniform, making a Vulcan salute on a set with a red background. Leonard Nimoy as Spock.

    Zachary Quinto and Ethan Peck are fine in their own rights, but Mr. Nimoy's performance is what made Spock a cultural icon.

    Silvaria928 , Paramount Global Report

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    #3

    Actor in pirate costume against a clear sky, embodying a flawless iconic role with unique style. Johnny Depp at Jack Sparrow.

    sherlock_jr , Walt Disney Pictures Report

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    #4

    Actor in dark, glittery outfit with dramatic makeup, arms open wide in an iconic performance scene. Tim Curry as Frank-N-Furter!

    Honey_I_am_amazing , Michael White Productions Report

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    #5

    Actor in character with long dark hair, set in a dimly lit, castle-like background. SNAPE.

    FNc2nsZQLtOX24S4 , Warner Bros. Report

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    #6

    Actor in a witch costume with a pointed hat, embodying a flawless role in a film scene. Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall.

    Phillimac16 , Warner Bros. Report

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    #7

    An actor flawlessly portraying a wizard character, holding a staff, with a serene forest background. Ian McKellen - Gandalf.

    Jay-Dee-British , New Line Cinema Report

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    #8

    Actor in a purple coat and brown hat, looking ahead, portraying a role flawlessly in a colorful setting. Gene Wilder as Wonka.

    Karmacoma77 , Paramount Pictures Report

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    #9

    Actor portraying a character flawlessly, looking thoughtful in a dimly lit room with blinds in the background. Hugh Laurie as Dr. House.

    JBmadera , Fox Report

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    #10

    Two actors perfectly portraying characters in an iconic movie scene, one holding a remote, the other with a camcorder. Christopher Lloyd nailed it as Doc Brown in the Back to the Future movies. 

    Itisd , Universal Pictures Report

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    #11

    Actor in sunglasses and leather jacket, embodying an iconic, irreplaceable role in film history. Arnold Schwarzenegger as The Terminator!

    proclubs24 , TriStar Pictures Report

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    #12

    Actor sitting on a park bench in a gray suit, holding a box of chocolates, with a suitcase beside him. Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump.

    punk0mi , Paramount Pictures Report

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    #13

    An actor immersed in a dramatic role, showing intense focus and expression. Let’s just say a Misery remake would be utterly pointless.

    NeitherSparky , Columbia Pictures Report

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    #14

    Actor in iconic superhero armor, delivering an unforgettable performance that sets a standard for excellence. RDJ as Iron man/Tony Stark.

    Brush_bandicoot , Paramount Pictures Report

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    #15

    Actor in period costume with a navy coat and black hat, holding an umbrella, embodying a flawless iconic role. Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins, to the extent that my ex doesn't even know her real name. Anytime he sees Julie in a movie, he calls her Mary Poppins (writing that does not do justice to hearing this British character's name in a Salvadoran accent).

    (honorable mention: also as Maria Von Trapp, much nicer than the real MVT).

    Tejanisima Report

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    #16

    Actor in a military uniform at a dining table, delivering a memorable and flawless performance. Christoff Waltz as Hans Landa.

    Nicetoyourface87 , Universal Pictures Report

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    #17

    Actor portraying a character in a scene, wearing clown makeup and a nurse outfit, exemplifying an iconic, flawless performance. Obligatory Heath Ledger as The Joker response

    Him copying Tom Waits was a stroke of genius.

    InvadeTheUSA , HBO Report

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    #18

    Actor in a blue velvet suit with glasses, embodying an iconic role with irreplaceable flair. Only Mike Meyers could make Austin Powers work.

    thatlookslikemydog , Warner Bros. Pictures Report

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    #19

    Bald man in glasses and blue shirt, portraying a role with unmatched skill. Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad.

    No-Wear-3028 , Sony Pictures Television Report

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    #20

    Actor in character, sitting on an iron throne, wearing a golden crown and ornate robe, embodying an iconic role flawlessly. Jack Gleeson as Joffrey in Game of Thrones. Never wanted to punch a character so bad….

    Ark2226 , HBO Report

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    #21

    Animated character holding a towering sandwich, illustrating actors who flawlessly played roles that are irreplaceable. Matthew Lillard as Shaggy Rogers. So good he’s ended up voicing Shaggy in lots of further adaptations of Scooby Doo.

    _disgustingly , Warner Bros. Animation Report

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    #22

    Child actor in a winter hat and coat, sitting in a store, delivering a flawless performance in a memorable film role. Macauley Culkin as Kevin McCallister.

    TheThreeRocketeers , 20th Century Studios Report

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    #23

    Actor in a striped shirt, seated at a red-checkered table with coffee and water; exemplifying an unforgettable role. James Gandolfini - Tony Soprano.

    DarkPasta , HBO Report

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    #24

    Actor portraying a role with unmatched skill, wearing a suit and tie, in a dramatic setting. JK Simmons as JJ Jameson.

    AContrarianDick , Columbia Pictures Report

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    #25

    Actor in medieval armor on a white horse, flanked by soldiers, portraying an iconic role, impossible to replicate. Charles Dance as Tywin Lannister dude owned every scene I could see him as the only one unimpressed by the Night King.

    poop_truck1226 , HBO Report

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    #26

    Actor speaking at a press conference, wearing a black sweater, smiling and gesturing, embodying a role flawlessly. Patrick Stewart as Jean-Luc Picard

    Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso

    Jack Nicholson - Jack Torrance (The Shining).

    bevymartbc , Warner Bros. Television Report

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    #27

    Actor in an office setting, wearing a suit, embodying a role flawlessly with an expressive look and arms crossed. Steve Carell as Michael Scott.

    melissapurtle , NBC Report

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    #28

    Actor in a legal office setting, wearing a suit, epitomizing an iconic, irreplaceable role. Bryan Cranston as Walter White according to Vince Gilligan

    I’d say you couldn’t replace Bob Odenkirk as Saul Goodman either.

    learn2cook , Sony Pictures Television Report

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