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#2

Will Smith Turned Down The Role Of Neo In "The Matrix", Eventually Played By Keanu Reeves

Final score:

167points

POST

Cathal 3 years ago

Nicolas Cage auditioned for this and every other film on this entire list :P

118points

#3

Thomas Brodie-Sangster Auditioned For The Part Of Ron Weasley In "Harry Potter", Rupert Grint Was Cast

Final score:

165points

POST

MyPrecious 3 years ago

no way Rupert way too good to be rejected he is the one and only ron for the job

90points

There’s something about the strong characters we like that makes us feel deeply attached to them. Like, genuinely attached as we feel their pains and joys just like they were our close friends or relatives.

The topic is no stranger to academic scholars and Howard Sklar, a postdoctoral researcher in the English Philology Unit at the University of Helsinki, has his own theory. Turns out, our bond with fictional characters reflects our bond with people in the real world.

“We’d have no way of processing a character cognitively if we didn’t have experiences with people outside of the fictional world,” he explains. “The experiences with fictional characters resonate with us because of the fact that we’ve had deep experiences with people throughout our lives.”

#4

John Travolta Turned Down The Role Of Forrest Gump, Eventually Played By Tom Hanks

Final score:

159points

POST

Lxm 3 years ago

Good

282points

#5

Sean Connery Said No To Playing Gandalf In "The Lord Of The Rings", Ian Mckellen Took The Part

Final score:

157points

POST

Daria Z 3 years ago

Sir Connery would be a great Gandalf too :)

32points

#6

Ian Mckellen Turned Down The Part Of Albus Dumbledore In "Harry Potter", Michael Gambon Was Cast

Final score:

154points

POST

Daria Z 3 years ago

Well, it would be confusing to see Gandalf in Hogwarts :)

305points

And as we invest our attention, time, and empathy in the characters of a particularly engaging film or novel, we begin to respond to them as though they were real individuals. Even if we cannot truly connect with their circumstances, e.g. we have never been in a war, our ability to feel emotionally for fictional beings can transcend these details and make them unimportant. This is what powerful filmmaking and the art of storytelling do to us.

#7

Tom Cruise Was Considered For The Part Of Iron Man, But Robert Downey, Jr Was Cast

Final score:

152points

POST

ahmad fauzi md sharif 3 years ago

Nahh....Iron Man would have been running everywhere instead of flying.

228points

#8

Robin Williams Wanted To Play Rubeus Hagrid In "Harry Potter" But Was Rejected, Robbie Coltrane Got The Part

Final score:

150points

POST

Verena 3 years ago

Only British actors were cast.

172points

#9

Jim Carrey Was Considered To Play Edward Scissorhands, Johnny Depp Got The Part

Final score:

148points

POST

Lxm 3 years ago

Jc would not have brought the wonderful whimsy that jd did to the role. Would have been just another joke.

172points

#10

Russell Crowe Turned Down The Role Of Aragorn In "The Lord Of The Rings", Eventually Played By Viggo Mortensen

Final score:

145points

POST

Kisses4Katie 3 years ago

Good casting.

159points

#11

Bette Midler Turned Down The Part Of Sister Mary Clarence In "Sister Act", Eventually Played By Whoopi Goldberg

Final score:

138points

POST

MyPrecious 3 years ago

hey whoopis Goldberg is in another movie called corrina corrina it is an amazing movie

61points

#12

Eddie Redmayne Auditioned For The Part Of Star-Lord In "Guardians Of The Galaxy", But Chris Pratt Was Cast

Final score:

121points

POST

Kisses4Katie 3 years ago

Oh thank everything

203points

#13

Al Pacino Turned Down The Part Of Han Solo In "Star Wars", Eventually Played By Harrison Ford

Final score:

120points

POST

Daria Z 3 years ago

Why are these two pictures from different time periods?

133points

#14

Matthew Mcconaughey Auditioned For The Role Of Jack Dawson In "Titanic", Eventually Played By Leonardo Dicaprio

Final score:

119points

POST

Kisses4Katie 3 years ago

Alright alright alRose

168points

#15

Christina Applegate Was Considered For The Role Of Elle Woods In "Legally Blonde", Eventually Played By Reese Witherspoon

Final score:

117points

POST

Jonathan 3 years ago

Both played Rachels sisters in Friends!

129points

#16

Ryan Gosling Was Considered For The Role Of Doctor Strange, Eventually Played By Benedict Cumberbatch

Final score:

115points

POST

Janine B. 3 years ago

There's only one Doctor.

150points

#17

Paul Giamatt Declined The Role Of Michael Scott In "The Office", Steve Carell Got The Part

Final score:

114points

POST

tuzdayschild 3 years ago

HURRAY!

124points

#18

Emily Blunt Was The First Choice To Play Black Widow, But Scarlett Johansson Got The Part

Final score:

112points

POST

Vic 3 years ago

I've read she's been offered Marvel roles multiple times, but couldn't take them up coz of date clashes. Scarlett Johansson is awesome, but Emily Blunt would have made an excellent Black Widow too..

180points

#19

Hugh Grant Was Considered For The Part Of Gilderoy Lockhart In "Harry Potter", But Kenneth Branagh Was Cast

Final score:

111points

POST

Wendillon 3 years ago

Hugh probably would have made a pretty good Lockhart too

220points

#20

Gwyneth Paltrow Turned Down The Role Of Rose Dewitt Bukater In "Titanic", Kate Winslet Got The Part

Final score:

110points

POST

TTourist 3 years ago

Good decision.

218points

#21

Emilia Clarke Turned Down The Role Of Anastasia Steele In "Fifty Shades Of Grey", Eventually Played By Dakota Johnson

Final score:

108points

POST

Kisses4Katie 3 years ago

Yeah poor girl didn't want to be associated with sex roles for everything.

177points

#22

Liam Aiken Was Offered The Role Of Harry Potter, But Daniel Radcliffe Got The Part

Final score:

104points

POST

Janine B. 3 years ago

Just considering his looks, he would have been a good choice, too.

106points

#23

Joanne Rowling Was Asked To Play Lily Potter In "Harry Potter", But She Declined, Geraldine Somerville Got The Part

Final score:

102points

POST

Daria Z 3 years ago

Oh but that would be neat as she's actually the one who created him.

145points

#24

Hugh Jackman Turned Down The Role Of James Bond, Eventually Played By Daniel Craig

Final score:

99points

POST

Rose the Cook 3 years ago

That could have been interesting.

170points

#25

Henry Cavill Was The First Pick To Play Edward Cullen In "Twilight", Robert Pattinson Was Cast For The Role

Final score:

99points

POST

Katy F 3 years ago

Good decision, I don't see Henry as an Edward Cullen lol

94points

#26

David Thewlis Was Considered For The Role Of Quirinus Quirrell In "Harry Potter", Eventually Played By Ian Hart

Final score:

98points

POST

MyPrecious 3 years ago

but he got remus lupin, that's a better part and he is amazing

241points

#27

Britney Spears Auditioned For The Part Of Allie In "The Notebook", Eventually Played By Rachel Mcadams

Final score:

94points

POST

Bole Perishon 3 years ago

In spite of her attempts, Britney Spears can not be categorised as "actress".

169points

#28

Jennifer Lawrence Auditioned For The Role Of Bella Swan In "Twilight", But Kristen Stewart Was Cast Instead

Final score:

90points

POST

Jonathan 3 years ago

Kristen Stewart is an awful actor 😂

186points

#29

Emma Watson Turned Down The Part Of Mia In "La La Land", Emma Stone Was Cast

Final score:

89points

POST

로희 3 years ago

I love both Emmas but I think Stone was the better choice.

94points

#30

Jack Nicholson Passed On The Role Of Michael Corleone In "The Godfather", Eventually Played By Al Pacino

Final score:

86points

POST

birdie asf 3 years ago

Nope. the vibe would have been SUPER different and the movie wouldn't be the same without Al Pacino.

127points

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#31

Liam Hemsworth Auditioned For The Part Of Thor, But Chris Hemsworth Was Cast

Final score:

27points

POST

Daria B 3 years ago

Owww... sibling rivalry ♡

41points

#32

Marilyn Monroe Was Considered For The Part Of Holly Golightly In " Breakfast At Tiffany's", Eventually Played By Audrey Hepburn

Final score:

27points

POST

Verena Gitterle 3 years ago

If you havent read the book: Marilyn would have been perfect, as Holly is described as a curvy blonde.

36points

#33

John Krasinski Auditioned For The Part Of Captain America, But Chris Evans Was Cast

Final score:

26points

POST

Soro Doeth 3 years ago (edited)

He would be perfect for a hobbit part.

7points

#34

Saoirse Ronan Auditioned For The Part Of Luna Lovegood In "Harry Potter", But Evanna Lynch Was Cast

Final score:

24points

POST

Ozacoter 3 years ago

Evanna did such a great job. I cannot imagine another Luna.

39points

#35

Johnny Depp Was Considered For The Role Of Patrick Bateman In "American Psycho", Eventually Played By Christian Bale

Final score:

24points

POST

von Funnyname 3 years ago

Bale nailed that role, hand's down, especially after reading the book -- the neuroses are spot on. I would be VERY curious to see Depp handle that though, because lord knows dude has range.

51points

#36

Anna Popplewell Auditioned For The Part Of Hermione Granger In "Harry Potter", Eventually Played By Emma Watson

Final score:

23points

POST

Kisses4Katie 3 years ago

Is that Susan? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the actress.

25points

#37

Emma Stone Was Considered For The Part Of Meg In "Little Women", But Emma Watson Got The Role

Final score:

23points

POST

Wouter 3 years ago

Actual interchangeable Emmas! (Terry Pratchett reference).

27points

#38

Nicolas Cage Was Offered The Role Of Aragorn In "The Lord Of The Rings", Eventually Played By Viggo Mortensen

Final score:

22points

POST

Jimi Laoshi 3 years ago

What were they thinking??

41points

#39

Michelle Pfeiffer Was Considered For The Role Of Clarice Starling In "The Silence Of The Lambs", Eventually Played By Jodie Foster

Final score:

21points

POST

Hooked 3 years ago

Both great options

14points

#40

Christopher Walken Auditioned For The Role Of Han Solo In "Star Wars", But Harrison Ford Got The Part

Final score:

21points

POST

Kevin Camp 3 years ago

That would have taken an odd turn with Walken as Han Solo.

17points

#41

Nicolas Cage Was Considered For The Role Of Bender In "The Breakfast Club", Eventually Played By Judd Nelson

Final score:

21points

POST

JessG 3 years ago

I think that *may* have worked, but I think Judd has a bit of a tougher attitude. 80's Nick Cage was a bit too goofy. If you haven't seen Peggy Sue Got Married, you'd understand what I mean

9points

#42

Eddie Murphy Was Considered For The Part Of Grinch In "How The Grinch Stole Christmas", But Jim Carrey Was Cast

Final score:

21points

POST

BluEyedSeoulite 3 years ago

Very different comedic styles but Murphy would have been funny too. Carry is more entertaining for kids though

13points

#43

Cameron Diaz Was Considered For The Role Of Mia Thermopolis In "The Princess Diaries", But Anne Hathaway Got The Part

Final score:

21points

POST

MyPrecious 3 years ago

no anne Hathaway is perfect

30points

#44

Matt Leblanc Turned Down The Role Of Phil Dunphy In "Modern Family", Eventually Played By Ty Burrell

Final score:

21points

POST

Requiem 3 years ago

Its not like Matt had any other acting gigs.

9points

#45

Tilda Swinton Was Offered The Part Of Sybill Patricia Trelawney In "Harry Potter", Eventually Played By Emma Thompson

Final score:

20points

POST

Kisses4Katie 3 years ago

Tilda Swinton is a treasure

35points

#46

Henry Cavill Was Considered For The Role Of Cedric Diggory In "Harry Potter", But The Part Went To Robert Pattinson

Final score:

20points

POST

JessG 3 years ago

Robert taking all the roles from Henry, lol

19points

#47

Jason Momoa Auditioned For The Role Of Drax In "Guardians Of The Galaxy", Eventually Played By Dave Bautista

Final score:

19points

POST

Janine B. 3 years ago

Not bad either. But Dave does this brilliantly.

17points

#48

Reese Witherspoon Auditioned To Play Cher Horowitz In "Clueless", Eventually Played By Alicia Silverstone

Final score:

19points

POST

Vic 3 years ago

Witherspoon or Without-a-spoon that was the question!

13points

#49

Saoirse Ronan Auditioned For The Part Of Rey In "Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker", Eventually Played By Daisy Ridley

Final score:

19points

POST

The 5-star rated 5-star rating system 3 years ago

Another good choice if you ask me.

4points

#50

Angelina Jolie Dropped Out From Playing Dr. Ryan Stone In "Gravity", Sandra Bullock Was Cast

Final score:

19points

POST

Azure Adams 3 years ago

She wouldn't have been able to do it right.

5points

#51

Jake Gyllenhaal Was Considered For The Part Of Peter Parker In "Spider-Man", Eventually Played By Tobey Maguire

Final score:

18points

POST

Daria B 3 years ago

He eventually made it into another Spiderman film as Mysterio.

23points

#52

Glenn Howerton Auditioned For The Role Of Star-Lord In "Guardians Of The Galaxy", Eventually Played By Chris Pratt

Final score:

18points

POST

lara 3 years ago

No and no and no.

14points

#53

Gwen Stefani Auditioned For The Role Of Jane Smith In "Mr. & Mrs. Smith", But Angelina Jolie Got The Part

Final score:

18points

POST

LaLaMama 3 years ago

Imagine this! Do you think Brad and Jen would still be together? 🙈

22points

#54

Eric Mccormack Auditioned For The Role Of Ross Geller In "Friends", Eventually Played By David Schwimmer

Final score:

18points

POST

Gogamash 3 years ago

well, in this case, I believe: Schwimmer was a perfect for the role and in some cases, the series and movies named here may not have become iconic if the roles were casted by other actors

13points

#55

Matt Damon Turned Down The Role Of Jake Sully In "Avatar", Eventually Played By Sam Worthington

Final score:

17points

POST

Joshua Topash 3 years ago

I thought Sam was absolute perfect for this role .

7points

#56

Naomi Ellen Watts Was Considered For The Role Of Narcissa Malfoy In "Harry Potter", Eventually Played By Helen Mccrory

Final score:

17points

POST

Vic 3 years ago

Hey hey what's with the middle names..

11points

#57

Joseph Gordon-Levitt Was Considered For The Part Of Ant-Man, But Paul Rudd Was Cast

Final score:

17points

POST

Nevits Yibble 3 years ago

I don't think he could've matched Rudd's comedic touch. That scene when Ant Man meets Captain America is hilarious. And the "I ruined the moment, didn't I" scene. Can't see Gordon in either.

10points

#58

Joaquin Phoenix Was Considered For The Part Of Doctor Strange, Eventually Played By Benedict Cumberbatch

Final score:

17points

POST

Mama Panda 3 years ago

Again Benedryl Cabbagepatch was the only one to play Doctor Strange

9points

#59

Ryan Gosling Was The First Choice For The Part Of Joker In "Suicide Squad", But Jared Leto Was Cast

Final score:

17points

POST

Mama Panda 3 years ago

Kermit the Frog would have been better than Jared Leto!

7points

#60

Denzel Washington Passed Up The Role Of Detective David Mills In "Se7en", Eventually Played By Brad Pitt

Final score:

17points

POST

von Funnyname 3 years ago

the real question... what's in the box?

13points

#61

Rosamund Pike Turned Down The Role Of Rita Skeeter In "Harry Potter", Eventually Played By Miranda Richardson

Final score:

16points

POST

Tanja J 3 years ago

although i love Rosamund Pike, Miranda Richardson for me will forever be the queen of hearts saying "get off with his head!"

4points

#62

Saoirse Ronan Was Considered For The Part Of Scarlet Witch, Eventually Played By Elizabeth Olsen

Final score:

15points

POST

Verena Gitterle 3 years ago

It must be hard, always coming in second.

16points

#63

Anne Hathaway Dropped Out From Playing Tiffany In "The Silver Linings Playbook", Jennifer Lawrence Was Cast Instead

Final score:

15points

POST

Canadian in Cornwall 3 years ago

One of my all-time favourite films, and Jennifer was FAB in it, can't imagine anyone else doing as well as she did. Just superb!

13points

#64

Olivia Wilde Passed On The Role Of Gamora In "Guardians Of The Galaxy", Eventually Played By Zoe Saldana

Final score:

14points

POST

Janine B. 3 years ago

Zoe rocks.

17points