15 Actors who were not the first choice for a role

Casting decisions are often worth their weight in gold, creating or minimizing a character's legacy on screen or television. While many actors become forever identified with their roles, it’s strange to realize that some of these roles were first offered to someone else. From the last-minute drama of scheduling problems to outright declined offers, many of today's leading lights were not first in line for the parts they've made famous. This article explores 15 instances where actors just slipped into roles meant for someone else, producing career-defining performances and thrilling audiences. Such behind-the-scenes casting twists show how everything in Hollywood can turn upside down and create superb serendipity in casting.

1) Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean

Without much doubt, Johnny Depp's portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean is iconic, but he wasn't even close to being Disney's first pick for the role. In fact, the studio envisioned Hugh Jackman as the swashbuckling pirate, but the reality was that Jackman wasn't known internationally at the time. It was Depp who won the part and changed Jack Sparrow into a weird, one-of-a-kind character with his unique styling. This, along with the award-winning performance, became the eye and test of the franchise for a redefinition of a successful film in terms of casting.

2) Bryan Cranston as Walter White in Breaking Bad

Matthew Broderick and John Cusack were initially considered to play the iconic role of Bryan Cranston as Walter White in Breaking Bad. Creator Vince Gilligan thought of these two actors for the part, but both reportedly refused. At that moment, Cranston was known mainly for his work in comedies, so his intense, transformative portrayal of a high school chemistry teacher who became a drug kingpin shocked most observers. Nuanced performance that earned great popularity via awards landed him on yet another medium-scale project that has become one of the greatest television series ever.

3) Courteney Cox as Monica Geller in Friends

Courteney Cox brought Monica Geller to life in Friends, but she wasn’t the first choice for the role. Initially, Kristin Davis auditioned to play Monica, but the part ultimately went to Cox. Interestingly, Cox had also been considered for the role of Rachel Green but felt a stronger connection to Monica’s character. Her portrayal as the lovable, neurotic chef became iconic, helping Friends achieve global success. Meanwhile, Davis went on to star as Charlotte in Sex and the City, carving her own path in television history.

4) Harrison Ford as Han Solo in Star Wars

Harrison Ford was not the first choice for Han Solo in Star Wars. George Lucas had offered the role to Al Pacino, who declined it because he couldn't understand the script. Burt Reynolds and James Caan were also considered for the role. Ford, who had previously worked with Lucas on American Graffiti, was brought in to read lines during auditions, and he impressed Lucas enough to win the part. His charismatic performance made Han Solo one of the most beloved characters in cinematic history.

5) Tom Hiddleston as Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Tom Hiddleston initially auditioned for the role of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While his audition showcased his talent, the filmmakers decided he wasn’t the right fit for the God of Thunder. Instead, they saw him as perfect for the mischievous and complex Loki. Hiddleston embraced the role, turning Loki into a fan-favorite character known for his charm, wit, and depth. His portrayal across multiple Marvel films has become one of the most celebrated performances in the franchise, proving that casting surprises can lead to iconic outcomes.

6) Sandra Oh as Eve Polastri in Killing Eve

Sandra Oh wasn’t the original choice to play Eve Polastri in the critically acclaimed series Killing Eve. The role was initially offered to Maya Rudolph, but she turned it down. Oh stepped in and delivered a gripping and deeply layered performance, earning her widespread acclaim and multiple award nominations. Her portrayal of the determined and obsessive MI5 agent not only defined the series but also broke barriers as one of the few Asian actresses leading a major television drama.

7) Patrick Dempsey as Dr. Derek Shepherd in Grey's Anatomy

Patrick Dempsey’s beloved portrayal of Dr. Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd almost didn’t happen. The role was initially offered to Rob Lowe, but Lowe turned it down, citing personal reasons. This opened the door for Dempsey, whose charisma and on-screen chemistry with Ellen Pompeo (Meredith Grey) helped elevate Grey’s Anatomy to one of the most successful medical dramas ever. Dempsey's portrayal of the charming neurosurgeon became an iconic TV character, solidifying him as a major television star.

8) Mark Addy as Robert Baratheon in Game of Thrones

Mark Addy was not the first actor in line to play Robert Baratheon in Game of Thrones. The role was offered to actor Brian Cox, who declined. Addy, a man with comedy and drama roles, was cast as the larger-than-life king. His portrayal of the boisterous yet vulnerable Robert added depth to the character whose downfall set much of the series' political intrigue in motion. It is the performance by Addy that leaves behind a long trail of the ruler's strengths and weaknesses.

9) Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy in Modern Family

Ty Burrell wasn't the only person considered for the role of Phil Dunphy, played in the hit TV show Modern Family. However, the person originally offered the part turned it down, and it was offered to Matt LeBlanc instead. Burrell took on the role perfectly and later became a multi-Emmy-nominated sweetheart with his goofy dad charm and impeccable comedic timing. Phil was the quirkiest of them all; he quickly melted the hearts of the viewers, which helped make Modern Family one of the most popular sitcoms during its run.

10) Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green in Friends

Jennifer Aniston's role in the popular series Friends as Rachel Green almost went to Téa Leoni. Initially, it was considered to give the part to Leoni, but the latter declined. Thus, the character of fashion-forward, though a bit spoiled, Rachel emerged from Aniston's portrayal as one of the most iconic on television, bringing out the difference in a young, naive woman developing into a more confident career individual. Her chemistry with the cast and ability to both provide comedic moments and those of deep, heartfelt emotion defined the role in Aniston's career and the success of the show with Rachel Green.

11) Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in The Godfather

The Godfather: Michael Corleone was almost played by Jack Nicholson, but he declined the role. Director Francis Ford Coppola wanted Nicholson to play the part, but Nicholson didn't feel the character was suitable for him. Al Pacino played Michael Corleone and became one of the most iconic characters in cinema history. This marked a performance of subtlety in intensity and emotional depth, making Pacino an actor legend. At the same time, Nicholson's choice paved the way for him to play other roles that were just unforgettable.

12) Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Emily Blunt was initially offered the role of Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe but had to decline due to scheduling conflicts with other projects. Scarlett Johansson was then cast, and her portrayal of Natasha Romanoff quickly became a fan favorite, solidifying Black Widow as a pivotal character in the MCU. Blunt later admitted she was disappointed to miss out on the role, but her career has flourished in other high-profile projects, proving that some missed opportunities can still lead to great success.

13) Keanu Reeves as Neo in The Matrix

Will Smith was initially offered the role of Neo in The Matrix, but he turned it down to star in Wild Wild West instead. The role ultimately went to Keanu Reeves, whose portrayal of the hacker-turned-savior became iconic. While Smith’s decision to pass on the role is often cited as one of Hollywood’s biggest "what-ifs," his career continued to thrive with major blockbuster films. Reeves' performance, however, became a defining moment in his career, and The Matrix remains a groundbreaking science fiction classic.

14) Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark

Tom Selleck was originally cast as Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark, but he had to drop out due to a contractual obligation with the TV series Magnum P.I. This opened the door for Harrison Ford, who was later cast in the role. Ford’s portrayal of the adventurous archaeologist became one of the most iconic characters in film history. Despite missing out on the role, Selleck’s career as Magnum remained highly successful, but Ford's Indiana Jones became a defining role that would shape his career for decades.

15) Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man in Spider-Man

Tobey Maguire wasn’t the first choice to play Peter Parker in Spider-Man. The role was initially offered to actors like Freddie Prinze Jr. and Heath Ledger, but both were not cast. Maguire was eventually selected for his unique ability to bring depth to the character, balancing the awkwardness of Peter Parker with the confidence of Spider-Man. His portrayal in Sam Raimi's 2002 film became iconic, setting the tone for superhero films in the early 2000s and making Maguire synonymous with the role, which he reprised in two sequels.