Casting can make or break a movie or TV show. The right actor brings depth, charisma, and authenticity that transforms a script into something unforgettable. But what if the characters we now associate with specific stars had been played by someone else entirely?
Every iconic role starts with a decision. Sometimes actors audition and don’t get the part. Other times, well-known stars are offered roles they eventually turn down — only for another actor to step in and make history. While it’s hard to imagine anyone else in these roles, it’s fascinating to think about how different things could’ve been.
1. Meryl Streep as Larissa Weems (Wednesday)
Gwendoline Christie delivered a commanding performance as Nevermore Academy’s principal, Larissa Weems, in Netflix’s hit series Wednesday. But imagine if the role had gone to Meryl Streep. Known for her transformative acting, Streep would’ve brought a completely different energy — perhaps more refined and mysterious than gothic and glamorous. It’s a fun “what if,” but Christie certainly made the role her own.
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2. Johnny Depp as Jack Dawson (Titanic)
Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Jack Dawson in Titanic made him a global sensation, but the role almost went to Johnny Depp. At the time, Depp was already a rising star with a unique screen presence. While he’s known for his eccentric and often darker roles, it’s intriguing to imagine how he might have portrayed the romantic, free-spirited Jack. Would the chemistry with Kate Winslet have been the same?
3. Al Pacino as John McClane (Die Hard)
It’s nearly impossible to imagine anyone but Bruce Willis yelling “Yippee-ki-yay,” but Al Pacino was reportedly offered the role of John McClane before Willis took it. Pacino’s intense, dramatic delivery would have turned Die Hard into something far more serious. While it would’ve been a very different kind of action movie, there’s no doubt Pacino would’ve brought his signature edge to the role.
4. Kurt Russell as Han Solo (Star Wars)
Before Harrison Ford landed the role that defined his career, Kurt Russell was in the running to play Han Solo. Russell had the swagger and charm, no doubt, but Ford’s cool, sarcastic energy became essential to Star Wars’ appeal. Still, it’s easy to picture Russell piloting the Millennium Falcon with a cocky smirk and a blaster at his side.
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5. Kristin Davis as Monica Geller (Friends)
We all know Courteney Cox as the clean-freak, competitive Monica Geller, but what if Kristin Davis had played her instead? Davis, who went on to become famous as Charlotte York in Sex and the City, was reportedly considered for the role. Her take would’ve likely been softer and more romantic, changing the dynamic of the entire Friends cast chemistry.
6. Matt Damon as Ennis Del Mar (Brokeback Mountain)
Heath Ledger’s performance in Brokeback Mountain was powerful, restrained, and emotionally raw. But before Ledger, the role of Ennis Del Mar was considered for Matt Damon. While Damon is a phenomenal actor, it’s hard to imagine anyone capturing the quiet intensity of that role quite like Ledger did. The movie may still have made waves — but it wouldn’t have had the same haunting impact.
7. Jeremy Irons as Dr. Hannibal Lecter (The Silence of the Lambs)
Before Anthony Hopkins chilled audiences to the bone as Hannibal Lecter, the studio reportedly considered Jeremy Irons for the part. Known for his commanding voice and sophisticated demeanor, Irons would’ve delivered a more aristocratic, perhaps more restrained version of the character. But Hopkins’ eerie calm and sudden menace are what made Lecter unforgettable — and Oscar-worthy.
8. Anya Taylor-Joy as Young Rhaenyra Targaryen (House of the Dragon)
Milly Alcock brought fierce vulnerability and defiance to young Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon, but early fan speculation imagined Anya Taylor-Joy in the role. With her ethereal presence and proven period drama chops (The Queen’s Gambit, Emma), she could have added a different nuance — perhaps more mystique, less rebellious energy. Still, Alcock delivered a performance that fans won’t soon forget.
9. Angelina Jolie as Morticia Addams (Wednesday)
Catherine Zeta-Jones brought elegance and edge to her portrayal of Morticia Addams in Wednesday, but imagine if Angelina Jolie had taken on the role instead. Known for her dark beauty and commanding screen presence, Jolie would’ve leaned into Morticia’s sensual, gothic side even more. Fans would have eaten it up — but Zeta-Jones brought a delicate balance that perfectly matched the tone of the series.
10. Jude Law as Superman (Superman Returns)
Before Brandon Routh donned the cape in Superman Returns, Jude Law was a top contender for the role. While Law certainly has the looks and charm, he turned it down — reportedly not wanting to be typecast. Superman with a British flair might have felt off-brand to longtime fans, but there’s no doubt Law would have brought depth and complexity to the role, had he taken the leap.
11. Tom Holland as Xavier Thorpe (Wednesday)
This one might sound wild, but Tom Holland was reportedly considered for the role of Xavier Thorpe in Wednesday. While the part ultimately went to Percy Hynes White, it’s interesting to imagine Holland in the role. Known for his boyish charm and emotional range (Spider-Man, The Crowded Room), he could have brought a different dynamic to the moody, artistic student. Whether the chemistry with Wednesday would’ve clicked the same way is anyone’s guess.
Final Thoughts: The “What-If” Game of Hollywood Casting
One of the most fascinating parts of Hollywood history is thinking about what could have been. These alternate castings aren’t just trivia — they represent turning points where a single decision changed everything. The right actor can elevate a character into pop culture legend, while a different choice might have rewritten the tone, the story, and even the success of the entire project.
It’s a reminder that casting isn’t just about talent — it’s about timing, chemistry, and vision. And for fans, imagining these alternate versions adds a whole new layer of appreciation for the performances we’ve come to know and love.
