theory of the multiverse, know that on one of those Earths, that’s exactly how things went down. If some famous actors had not rejected roles, we would have completely different movies.
Let’s take a look at 9 iconic roles nobody wanted to play.
1. Wolverine – “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”
As I’ve mentioned, the role of Wolverine was offered to Russell Crowe, who was already famous for starring in “Gladiator”. Crowe was on board until he heard how much he’s getting paid. So he dumped the proposal, all high and mighty, and Hugh Jackman gladly picked it up!
2. Captain Jack Sparrow – “Pirates of the Caribbean”
What if I told you that before Depp this role was offered to Matthew McConaughey, Hugh Jackman, and Jim Carrey? Sounds bizarre. Jackman Was busy, McConaughey didn’t like the character, and Carrey decided it would be better for his career to star in Bruce Almighty. Maybe he was right.
3. Neo – “The Matrix”
Initially, the Wachowski brothers offered the role of Neo to Will Smith, who was on the rise after “Men in Black” and “Independence Day”. But Smith was busy filming “Wild, Wild West”. We all know how that train wreck went. Then the part was offered to Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Cruise, but they refused.
4. Frodo – “The Lord of the Rings”
Jake Gyllenhaal auditioned for the role, but the stars did not align. After he was unable to read his lines, the role of Frodo was given to Elijah Wood. The rest is history.
5. Rose – “Titanic”
James Cameron, initially wanted Gwyneth Paltrow to play Rosa. However, Paltrow decided to star in “Sliding Doors”, and the part went to Kate Winslet.
6. Jack – “Titanic”
It’s hard to imagine anyone else but Leonardo DiCaprio playing Jack Dawson, but things could have turned out differently. Cameron was eyeing Matt McConaughey for this role, but the actor did not like the script, and he refused.
7. Batman – “Batman”
Have you ever imagined Mel Gibson in the role of Batman? Too bad, he decided that the film would be a flop and refused. Michael Keaton was more than glad to enter the bat-cave!
8. Severus Snape – “Harry Potter”
Initially, Tim Roth auditioned for the role of professor Snape and was even approved by Joan Rowling herself. But he chose “The Planet of the Apes” instead, and Alan Rickman got the part.
BONUS: Robin Williams was going to play Hagrid!
9. Harry – “Harry Potter”
The lead role for the wizard boy could have gone to a 10-year-old American actor Liam Aiken. Despite his age, Liam already had a decent experience in film and television, but JK Rowling insisted that all the actors must be British. Cue in Daniel Radcliffe.
