When filmmakers set out to bring a story to life, they often have a dream actor in mind. But casting doesn’t always go according to plan. Sometimes actors turn down roles, scheduling conflicts arise, or creative differences get in the way.
It’s fascinating to realize that some of the most iconic performances we love today were almost played by entirely different stars. Here’s a look at 12 big roles that almost went to someone else!

Barbie — Barbie (2023)

Before Margot Robbie became the face of Barbie, comedian Amy Schumer was attached to the project.
During the early stages of development, Amy was in talks to star in the live-action film. However, she later revealed that it wasn’t just “scheduling conflicts” as previously stated—it was creative differences that led her to walk away.
In the end, Margot Robbie stepped into the role, giving the character a fresh and modern twist that audiences adored.

Video: Barbie | Main Trailer

Rick — The Mummy (1999)

Believe it or not, Leonardo DiCaprio wanted to play Rick O’Connell in The Mummy.
He loved the script so much that he reportedly begged the producers of The Beach to delay filming so he could take on the adventurous role.
Unfortunately, his request was denied, and the role eventually went to Brendan Fraser—who absolutely nailed it and created an unforgettable character.

Amy — Gone Girl (2014)

Reese Witherspoon was originally set to star in Gone Girl, a film she also produced.
However, after discussions with director David Fincher, she agreed she wasn’t the best fit for the complex, dark character.
Instead, Rosamund Pike took on the role of Amy Dunne, delivering a chilling performance that captivated audiences and earned her an Oscar nomination.

Rosalind — The Gentlemen (2019)

Kate Beckinsale was initially cast as Rosalind in The Gentlemen but had to leave the project just two weeks into filming due to family reasons.
Luckily, director Guy Ritchie quickly found the perfect replacement in Michelle Dockery.
Dockery’s performance brought just the right mix of strength and elegance to the film, winning over fans and critics alike.

Napoleon Solo — The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)

Robert Pattinson came close to playing Napoleon Solo in The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
However, the role ultimately went to Henry Cavill, who delivered a suave, charming performance.
Interestingly, Cavill had lost out to Pattinson before, notably for roles in Harry Potter (as Cedric Diggory) and Twilight (as Edward Cullen).
This win was a personal triumph for Cavill—and fans were thrilled with the outcome.

Adaline — The Age of Adaline (2015)

Natalie Portman was originally offered the role of Adaline, the woman who doesn’t age, in The Age of Adaline.
Without giving a clear reason, she turned it down.
The part then went to Blake Lively, who embraced the role beautifully. Her ethereal portrayal earned her several award nominations and showed just how perfectly she fit the character.

Selina Kyle — The Batman (2022)

Nathalie Emmanuel, best known from Game of Thrones, auditioned for the role of Catwoman in The Batman.
However, Zoë Kravitz ultimately won the part.
Her casting received praise from past Catwoman actresses like Michelle Pfeiffer, Halle Berry, and Anne Hathaway—proving she was the right choice to take on the iconic role.

Kevin Lomax — The Devil’s Advocate (1997)

Brad Pitt was almost cast as the ambitious young lawyer Kevin Lomax in The Devil’s Advocate.
Originally, Joel Schumacher was attached to direct and had Pitt in mind for the role.
When Schumacher left the project and Taylor Hackford took over, the direction shifted, and Keanu Reeves was cast instead.
Reeves famously turned down a major payday for Speed 2 just to star in this film—and it paid off.

Mary Boleyn — The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)

Jessica Biel auditioned for the role of Mary in The Other Boleyn Girl, but the part eventually went to Scarlett Johansson.
Biel later expressed her frustration, stating that top roles often went to the same elite group of actresses.
Despite missing out, Biel continued to build a strong career—and Johansson’s portrayal of Mary remains one of her most memorable performances.

Marilyn Monroe — Blonde (2022)

During the early development of Blonde, Jessica Chastain was rumored to be the frontrunner to play Marilyn Monroe.
However, Chastain ultimately passed on the role, explaining she wasn’t interested in taking on another Monroe biopic.
Instead, Ana de Armas took on the challenge and delivered a performance that mesmerized audiences, bringing new depth and vulnerability to the iconic figure.

Video: BLONDE | Official Trailer

Lestat de Lioncourt — Interview with the Vampire (1994)

Back in the 1970s, when the rights to Interview with the Vampire were first secured, John Travolta was in line to play the charismatic vampire Lestat.
But the project was delayed for years, and by the time production began, Travolta was considered too old for the eternally youthful role.
Tom Cruise stepped in and gave a haunting, unforgettable performance as Lestat, cementing his place in vampire movie history.

Furiosa — Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

At one point, Jodie Comer, star of Killing Eve, was considered for the role of Furiosa in the upcoming Mad Max prequel.
Director George Miller also briefly thought about using CGI to de-age Charlize Theron to reprise her role.
Ultimately, Miller decided against it, explaining, “We’re not there yet with the technology.”
A fresh face was needed to portray a younger Furiosa—and fans are eager to see how it plays out.

Conclusion: Imagine If These Stars Had Taken the Roles

It’s crazy to think how different some of our favorite movies might have been if these original casting choices had stuck.
While we can only imagine what those alternate versions would look like, it’s clear that sometimes the second—or even third—choice ends up being absolutely perfect.

Casting surprises, missed opportunities, and unexpected performances are part of what makes Hollywood so endlessly fascinating.