Manyiconic roles were so well performedthat they defined the careers of the actors that brought them to life. As a consequence, it is hard to imagine someone else stepping into those shoes. However, sometimes, accepting a role in a popular franchise or a particularly important movie is not as instinctive as it might seem. Some movie parts are so significant that they might change the lives of the actors who take them; indeed, some actors almost passed on the very roles that made them famous.
From doubts about a script and struggles to fully grasp a character’s psychology immediately to concerns about being typecast, committing to a very demanding schedule, or even physical requirements, an actor ought to take into consideration many factors before immersing themselves into a new cinematic adventure. Despite these obstacles,when they ultimately accept the part, their decision might forever change the course of their career and leave an impact on the history of cinema.
10Guy Pearce
Edmund Exley In L.A. Confidential (1997)
He had already gained international recognition for his role as a drag queen inThe Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.Still, Australian actor Guy Pearce was not particularly interested in pursuing other parts that would open his path to the American film industry (viaBusiness Insider). As he specified in his interview, he was never after fame, proved by the fact that, after the first audition, he did not even want to come back from Australia for a second screen test.
Thankfully, the actor changed his mind due to the insistence of the movie’s director, Curtis Hanson, who immediately recognized his ability. Pearce had the opportunity to shine in the nuanced and divisive role of the ambitious and intelligent Detective Exley. The movie paved the way for him to have a brilliant future in Hollywood.ConsideringL.A. Confidential’s success and how this role shaped his career, it is almost unthinkablethat the actor almost turned down the acclaimed cult thriller.
9Gwyneth Paltrow
Viola De Lesseps In Shakespeare In Love (1998)
It is the legendary part that defined her long and prolific career, but according to an interview withMarie Claire, Gwyneth Paltrow almost refused the critically acclaimed role inShakespeare In Love. Although her name was already known in the studios for her work in films likeEmmaandSliding Door,the part of Viola De Lesseps in the 1998 period romance is what earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.However, had she gone through with her original plan, she would never have gotten the Oscar.
The movie had been in development for some time, and the role of Viola almost went to another A-List actress, Julia Roberts. When the proposal came for Paltrow, she initially did not even read the script as she was at the time going through a breakup with Brad Pitt. Understandably, she did not feel ready to move to another country for the film, but, luckily, something must have convinced her and the movie changed her life.
8Ralph Fiennes
Lord Voldemort In The Harry Potter Movies
It is hard to imagine a better actor than Ralph Fiennes to play the darkest wizard of all time, Lord Voldemort.Fiennes successfully captured the blood-curling and sophisticated demeanor of Harry Potter’s arch-enemy,giving him a dramatic appeal that, since his first appearance in the fourth movie, enlightened the set as if it were a theater stage. The actor was born to deliver thisperfect fantasy movie villain performance. After all, few other interpreters are capable of embracing their character’s inner darkness as effortlessly as he does.
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Nevertheless, Fiennes almost turned down the part. The star ofThe English Patientadmitted he was ignorant about theHarry Potterfilms and books when he was first approached by the production (viaCinema Blend). As a consequence, it is understandable how he was hesitant about such a crucial role. Fortunately, his sister, at the time the mother of three children who were fans of the saga, convinced him to do it. The rest is history.
7Julie Andrews
Maria von Trapp In The Sound of Music (1965)
After she had already won an Academy Award for her legendary role inMary Poppinsin 1964,Julie Andrews was at the peak of her career when she was offered the part of Maria von Trapp in the beloved musicalThe Sound of Music.However, the award-winning actress revealed in her bookHome Workthat she did not immediately accept the part (viaForbes).
The reason why Andrews was so originally uncertain about the movie was primarily due to the similarities between the characters of Mary Poppins and Maria. The actress was indeed worried that, if she were to accept the work, she would end up being typecast as the nanny in her future projects. Fortunately, her Hollywood agent back them was persistent in encouraging her to get the job, which, apparently, did the trick. It seems almost unbelievable now, thinkingJulie Andres almost turned down her most iconic movie.
6Chris Evans
Captain America In The MCU
Chris Evans was an impeccable choice as Captain America. The actor is particularly skilled at embodying the fierce righteousness and humble generosity of one of the most beloved Avengers. With his dramatic gaze and thoughtful demeanor, he made Cap a relatable, albeit incredibly good-hearted, hero who was, however, still a multidimensional and nuanced character. Therefore, it might also come as a shock to some thatEvans almost did not play Marvel’s most famous super-soldier.
Evans revealed in an interview withThe Hollywood ReporterpodcastAwards Chatterthat he almost refused the part due to mental health issues (viaCNN). The actor was indeed dealing with some extreme anxiety that had begun around his debut as the Human Torch in the movieFantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. However, his friend and future colleague Robert Downey Jr. persuaded him to join the Marvel family. In hindsight, the public was lucky he didn’t turn down the part because he is so perfect in this iconic role.
5Arnold Schwarzenegger
The T-800 In The Terminator Movies
Arnold Schwarzenegger also almost passed on the role of the T-800 in James Cameron’sThe Terminator, a decision that could have reshaped his career. At the time, the actor had more than one doubt about portraying the film’s ruthless killing machine. Schwarzenegger revealed the foundations of his concern in the book Total Recall and later expanded on it in his interview withMen’s Health.
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His main issue at the time was the villainous nature of the role. Schwarzenegger, apparently, did not want to play the “bad guy.” On the contrary, he wanted to be the hero. However,after Cameron realized how thoroughly Schwarzenegger had analyzed and understood the character of Terminator, he insisted he would accept the part.The audience is fortunate the actor, in the end, did not turn down what would become one of his most famous roles, a character of many iterations that needed Schwarzenegger to play him.
4Ewan McGregor
Obi-Wan Kenobi In The Star Wars Prequel Trilogy
After gaining international attention for his portrayal of Mark Renton inTrainspotting,Ewan McGregor achieved the peak of his fame with the role of the legendary Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobiin theStar Wars1990s and 2000s prequel trilogy. It would be difficult to paint someone else as Anakin Skywalker’s wise yet, at the time, young mentor. McGregor was able to embody the quiet intelligence and courage of the beloved franchise’s character. However, the actor was not always eager to play the role.
According to an interview withThe Independent,McGregor was not certain about accepting the role because it was too “mainstream.” At the time, the actor joked he felt like “the Oasis of the British movie industry.” Fortunately, his love for the original saga and the encouragement of Danny Boyle, who had previously directed him inTrainspotting, won out. Despite the Star Wars prequels' weaknesses, no one can deny that McGregor’s charm and compassion as Obi-Wan is a highlight.
3Alan Rickman
Hans Gruber In Die Hard (1988)
In his prolific and stunning career, Alan Rickman had many iconic roles that made him one of the most beloved and famous actors of all time. From Severus Snape to the Sheriff of Nottingham, he boasts plenty of accomplishments. One of these was his portrayal of Hans Gruber inDie Hard. However, Rickman, who at the time was 41, was a classically trained stage actor and did not want to take part in another “action movie” (viaThe Guardian).
Apparently, what changed his mind were the undeniable wit of the script and the intelligent representations of the characters which, according to Rickman, were unusual for the genre at the time.His thorough interpretation of the role and the complex and textured performance that emerged from it additionally elevated Hans Gruber,delivering a layered villain that is often considered the greatest villain of action movies. Even though Rickman played many other singular characters perfectly, cinema would have been the lesser for it had he passed onDie Hard.
2Will Smith
Agent J In The Men In Black Movies
Although he was already famous as a rapper and forThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Will Smith’s fame as a leading man was helped by his role as Agent J inMen in Black.However, the part in the science-fiction action moviecould have gone to another actor, had Smith gone through with his first idea. According toVariety,Smith, after his work onIndependence Day, was not too eager to take part in another alien-centric movie.
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Thankfully, Stephen Spielberg, who was involved in the production of the film, refused to accept no as a response and showed up to Smith’s house in New York in a helicopter to change his mind. The star’s work as Agent J. will always be remembered in the history of cinema for the charismatic, entertaining, and larger-than-life presence he brought to the character. Spielberg taking matters into his own hands was dramatic but doubtlessly benefited the film.
1Chris Pratt
Peter Quill In The Guardians Of The Galaxy Movies
Another one of Marvel’s big reveals, Chris Pratt’s performance as Peter Quill inGuardians of the Galaxyaccentuated his popularity. At the time,Pratt was best known for his comedic role as Andy Dwyer inParks and Recreationand was still not seen as a leading manor action star. In his role as Starlord, Pratt gave proof of all his charisma and talent. However, the actor almost gave up upon the audition (viaDeadline).
The reason why Pratt initially showed hesitation about even giving a try at the role of “Star-Lord” was the string of rejections he previously had received, including his unsuccessful bid for the role of Thor. Disheartened, theGuardians of the Galaxystar believed he wasn’t cut out to be an action-movie star. Fortunately, James Gunn saw the potential in him and worked with him to prepare him for the role, which remains his most iconic character.
