10 actors who almost missed out on their best roles (11 photos)

Is it possible to imagine The Terminator without old Arnie? What about “Alien” without the beautiful Sigourney Weaver? It's hard to believe now, but these and many other legendary actors narrowly missed out on the roles that made them iconic and inducted into the Hollywood Hall of Fame. And not because of some kind of evil fate or insidious producers, but because of my own short-sightedness!





1. Sigourney Weaver, Alien (1979)



Sigourney Weaver, who was taking her first steps in cinema in those years, almost turned down the role, which instantly elevated her to the very top of Hollywood. When director Ridley Scott approached her to play the tough-as-nails Ellen Ripley in the sci-fi thriller Alien, the actress was unimpressed by the offer—both the genre and how demanding the role was. As Weaver learned more about the script, her doubts only grew. However, she still decided to take a risk, which dramatically changed the course of her career, as well as the science fiction genre in big cinema.

2. Jack Nicholson, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)





It's heartbreaking to think that the world almost lost Jack Nicholson's top-notch performance in the cult classic One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Despite the fact that the actor was immediately interested in the script and the complex character, Nicholson did not immediately agree to the role - he was afraid that he would not be able to do justice to the source novel, which set an incredibly high bar. However, thanks to the persuasion of director Milos Forman and his own curiosity, it’s not very often that you get the chance to play such an interesting and multi-layered character! - Nicholson nevertheless decided, and the reward for his determination was one of the most outstanding roles in his career - and, of course, an Oscar for Best Actor.

3. Meryl Streep, The Devil Wears Prada (2006)



Even the incomparable Meryl Streep, the embodiment of talent and versatility, doubted whether she could lead the world of high fashion in The Devil Wears Prada. When she was offered to play the formidable Miranda Priestly, Streep hesitated for a long time and could not decide whether she really wanted to play another “snow queen.” However, a deep script and the opportunity to prove herself as an actress ultimately convinced her to accept the role, which eventually earned her an Oscar nomination and the adoration of film fans around the world.

4. Jodie Foster, The Silence of the Lambs (1991)



Jodie Foster may rightfully be considered the queen of chilling psychological thrillers, but she almost missed out on this title. Foster hesitated for a long time to accept the role of Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs. Concerns about the dark and tense atmosphere of the film, as well as its potential impact on her personal life, almost caused the actress to turn down this unique opportunity. However, a fascinating script and the opportunity to work with director Jonathan Demme and the magnificent Anthony Hopkins ultimately convinced Foster to take a risk, and she made the right decision - the actress left the next Oscars ceremony with the coveted gold statuette.

5. Alan Rickman, Die Hard (1988)



It’s scary to think what fate would have awaited everyone’s favorite “Die Hard” if the great Alan Rickman had refused to play the cunning and sinister Hans Gruber. But initially, when Rickman was first offered this role, he had doubts - he was afraid that his character would be reduced to a caricatured villain. However, a compelling script and the opportunity to work with an exceptional cast and crew convinced the British actor to take the role. And this decision turned out to be a brilliant move, as Gruber became one of the most memorable antagonists in cinematic history.

6. Arnold Schwarzenegger, "Terminator" (1984)



The world of futuristic action films was almost left without its most iconic representative - Arnold Schwarzenegger in the role of the ruthless cyborg Terminator. It turns out that the actor was worried about how such a villainous role as a cold-blooded killer would affect his reputation as an impeccable action hero. Fortunately, after talking with James Cameron and thoughtfully studying the script, Schwarzenegger realized that he had a unique opportunity to challenge himself and give the cybervillain his signature charm.

7. Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables (2012)



The truly angelic voice of Anne Hathaway could have remained unheard by anyone - when the actress was offered the role of Fantine in the film adaptation of Les Miserables, she had every intention of refusing. The emotional weight of being an iconic character and having to sing live on set without being recorded in a studio made her doubt her abilities. However, after much thought and persuasion from the director, Hathaway plucked up the courage to accept the challenge and give her all to the role, which in turn earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award.

8. Julie Andrews, The Sound of Music (1965)



Julie Andrews narrowly missed out on the role that would define her career and ultimately make her a favorite of musical fans around the world. Surprisingly, when Andrews was initially offered the role of Maria in The Sound of Music, she didn't immediately jump on the role of the century. The actress worried that audiences might find her too similar to her other iconic character, Mary Poppins, and that another role as a singing governess might limit her range as an actress. However, the compelling charm of the script and the opportunity to work with renowned director Robert Wise convinced Andrews to take a chance, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of her career.

9. Chris Pratt, Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)



The role of Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord, made Chris Pratt a global star overnight, but he seriously considered turning it down. Pratt was unsure that he would even pull off the role of the main character of such a major blockbuster and doubted his ability to embody the charismatic and cocky character of the character. However, director James Gunn saw potential in the young actor and thought he was perfect for the role. After some heartfelt conversation and encouragement, Pratt was brave enough to take on the challenge, a decision that catapulted him straight to the top of Hollywood like a rocket.

10. Richard Dreyfuss, Jaws (1975)



A place of honor in cinematic history almost passed by for actor Richard Dreyfuss when he almost turned down the role of Matt Hooper in Steven Spielberg's Jaws. Dreyfuss was worried that he would be stuck in one genre as an actor, and fundamentally doubted that a movie about a giant shark would resonate with audiences. However, Spielberg's passion for the project and the appeal of working with a renowned director ultimately convinced Dreyfuss to dive headfirst into the role - and he was right.