The Ones That Got Away
Sometimes when a role of played so effectively it becomes impossible to differentiate the iconic movie characters from the actors who play them on the big screen and such examples are Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golighty or Judy Garland as Dorothy.
Some of these roles however were not offered to the actors first but actors before them who have gone on to turn down said roles they were originally offered and instead their predecessor went on to accomplish great heights.
Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson revealed recently that she was offered the lead role for Precious but turned it down and eventual Gabourey Sidibe went on to take on the role that propelled her to massive success.
Here’s a look at some film stars and the famous roles they turned down:
1. Jean Authur – It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
Character: Mary Bailey
Played By: Donna Reed
2. Cary Grant – James Bond (1962)
Character: Agent 007
Played By: Sean Connery
3. Sean Connery – Lord of The Rings (2001) and The Matrix (1999)
Character: Gandalf
Played By: Ian McKellen
Character: Morpheus
Played By: Laurence Fishburne
4. Tom Selleck – Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981)
Character: Indiana Jones
Played By: Harrison Ford
5. Burt Reynolds – Star Wars (1977)
Character: Han Solo
Played By: Harrison Ford
6. Annette Bening – Batman Returns (1992)
Character: Catwoman
Played By: Michelle Pfeiffer
7. Will Smith – The Matrix (1999)
Character: Neo
Played By: Keanu Reeves
8. Ralph Macchio – Back To The Future (1985)
Character: Marty McFly
Played By: Michael J. Fox
