Movies are often defined by the memorable characters brought to life by iconic actors. But did you know that some of the roles we associate with these stars were originally meant for someone else? The casting process can be a long and winding road, with many talented actors vying for the same part. Some close calls in Hollywood history could have changed the way we see some of the most beloved movies and characters.

1. Matthew McConaughey as Joel in The Last of Us

Before Pedro Pascal took on the iconic role of Joel in The Last of Us, Matthew McConaughey was reportedly considered for the role. Craig Mazin, the co-creator of the hit series, revealed that McConaughey was among the top contenders, but ultimately, Pascal’s performance won the role. Can you imagine The Lincoln Lawyer star as a video game hero?

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Joel & Ellie Meet Old Couple Scene – The Last of Us

2. Claire Danes Turns Down Titanic Role

Claire Danes, known for her roles in Romeo + Juliet and Homeland, was once offered the role of Rose in Titanic. However, after working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Romeo + Juliet, she wasn’t interested in pursuing another romantic role. The rest, as we know, is history, with Kate Winslet bringing Rose to life and forever changing movie history.

3. Jennifer Lawrence and the Twilight Snub

Before Jennifer Lawrence became the star of The Hunger Games, she auditioned for the role of Bella Swan in the Twilight franchise. Unfortunately for her, the casting directors immediately turned her down. In an interview, she confessed, “I didn’t even get a callback.” Little did they know, Jennifer would go on to become one of Hollywood’s most successful actresses.

4. Emma Stone Misses Out on Little Women Role

Emma Stone, who later starred in La La Land, was initially considered for the role of Meg March in Little Women. However, due to her commitment to promoting The Favourite, she turned down the part. The role ultimately went to the talented Emma Watson, and the film became a huge success.

5. Gwen Stefani Almost Stars in Mr. & Mrs. Smith

The role of Mrs. Smith in Mr. & Mrs. Smith was initially a contender for singer Gwen Stefani. While she came close to landing the role, Angelina Jolie ultimately stepped in, bringing the character to life alongside Brad Pitt. Despite this, Stefani’s impact on pop culture remains undeniable.

6. Julianne Moore Fired from Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Julianne Moore was originally cast in Can You Ever Forgive Me?, but was surprisingly let go. The part later went to Melissa McCarthy, who went on to earn an Academy Award nomination for her performance. Sometimes, unexpected changes lead to better outcomes!

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Actors Who Were Almost Cast In Iconic Role

7. Eddie Murphy’s Near Role in How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Eddie Murphy was reportedly set to play the Grinch in the 2000 holiday classic, but Jim Carrey ultimately took the role. Murphy’s style of comedy would have brought a unique twist to the iconic character, but Carrey’s eccentric performance won audiences over.

8. Britney Spears Auditions for The Notebook

Did you know that pop princess Britney Spears auditioned for the role of Allie Hamilton in The Notebook? She even auditioned alongside Ryan Gosling, but ultimately, the role went to Rachel McAdams. Can you imagine the “Oops!… I Did It Again” singer in a romantic drama?

9. Charlie Hunnam Turns Down Fifty Shades of Grey

Charlie Hunnam was initially cast as Christian Grey in Fifty Shades of Grey, but he ultimately backed out due to scheduling conflicts with his role in Sons of Anarchy. The role was then given to Jamie Dornan, and the rest is cinematic history.

10. Jessica Simpson Rejects The Notebook Due to Bed Scene

Jessica Simpson was offered the lead role in The Notebook but turned it down because of the infamous bed scene with Ryan Gosling. The film went on to become a cultural touchstone, but Simpson’s decision didn’t stop her from continuing her successful career.

11. Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington Miss Out on Clueless Roles

Both Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington auditioned for roles in the 1995 teen classic Clueless, but neither was cast. The role of Cher Horowitz went to Alicia Silverstone, and the rest is history. However, Witherspoon and Washington would go on to have incredibly successful careers of their own.

12. Julia Roberts Passes on The Blind Side

Julia Roberts was initially offered the role of Leigh Anne Tuohy in The Blind Side but declined the part. Sandra Bullock took on the role and won the Academy Award for Best Actress. It’s always interesting to see how different actors’ choices shape the outcome of a movie.

13. Mindy Kaling Misses Out on Bridesmaids Role

Mindy Kaling was devastated when she didn’t land a part in Bridesmaids, a role that eventually went to Maya Rudolph. Kaling’s comedic timing and humor would have made her a great fit, but the movie still ended up being a massive success.

14. Jennifer Hudson Turns Down Precious Role

Jennifer Hudson was offered the lead role in Precious but turned it down because she didn’t want to gain the weight required for the character. The role went to Gabourey Sidibe, who delivered an unforgettable performance.

15. Saoirse Ronan’s Close Call with Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Saoirse Ronan once auditioned for a role in Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens and was reportedly in the running for the role of Rey. However, Daisy Ridley was ultimately cast in the iconic role, which helped her rocket to stardom.

16. Tiffany Haddish Turns Down Get Out Role

Tiffany Haddish famously turned down the role in Get Out because she didn’t want to star in a horror film. The role went to Betty Gabriel, and Get Out went on to become a genre-defining movie.

17. The Director of Kingsman: The Secret Service Struggles with Casting

When casting Kingsman: The Secret Service, director Matthew Vaughn had a tough choice between John Boyega and Taron Egerton. Ultimately, Egerton landed the role, and Boyega would later star in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

18. Renée Zellweger Almost Stars in 13 Going on 30

Renée Zellweger was initially in the running for the role of Jenna Rink in 13 Going on 30, but the part was ultimately given to Jennifer Garner. Garner’s portrayal of the character became iconic, but Zellweger’s career has continued to thrive.

19. Bette Midler and Sister Act

The role of Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act was originally meant for Bette Midler, but she turned it down. The role went to Whoopi Goldberg, and her performance became a defining moment in comedy cinema.

20. Connie Britton and Jerry Maguire

Connie Britton could have played Dorothy Boyd in Jerry Maguire, but the role ultimately went to Renée Zellweger. Britton was disappointed by the casting change but would go on to have a successful career of her own.

21. Angela Bassett Passes on Monster’s Ball Role

Angela Bassett turned down the role of Leticia Musgrove in Monster’s Ball because she felt the character was too stereotypical. Halle Berry ended up playing the role and won an Academy Award for it.

22. Jennifer Lawrence Wanted to Play Serena in Gossip Girl

Before becoming an Oscar-winning actress, Jennifer Lawrence auditioned for the role of Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl. She was disappointed when she didn’t get the part, but Blake Lively, who played Serena, quickly became an iconic TV star.