10 Actors Who Almost Played Iconic Movie Roles

Hollywood is full of 'what ifs,' and nowhere is this more apparent than in casting decisions.

For every actor who shines in an iconic role, there's a trail of talented individuals who almost donned the mantle.

From scheduling conflicts to creative differences, the reasons behind these casting near-misses are as varied as the actors themselves. Get ready to rethink some of your favorite movie moments!

Imagine Indiana Jones with a mustache even more iconic than the fedora! Steven Spielberg's first choice for the adventurous archaeologist was Tom Selleck.

However, contractual obligations with CBS and the show Magnum, P.I. forced him to decline the role.

Harrison Ford stepped in and the rest is history. To read about other legendary entertainment milestones, check out the history of sports video games.

Before Harrison Ford blasted his way into our hearts as the roguish Han Solo, director George Lucas considered a vastly different actor: Al Pacino.

Pacino famously admitted he didn't understand the script and turned down the role, saying, "They offered me Star Wars, but I didn't get it."

Winslet's Rose or Solo are great examples of how casting shapes film history, and you can see other movie twists in our classic movie plot twists guide. Read about Pacino on Wikipedia.

Before Kate Winslet became synonymous with Rose in Titanic, director James Cameron considered Gwyneth Paltrow for her poise and beauty.

Paltrow ultimately passed on the role, leaving the slot open for Winslet's fiery, Oscar-nominated performance.

Learn more about this film on the official Titanic Wikipedia page.

Imagine The Matrix with a healthy dose of Will Smith charisma!

The Wachowskis initially approached Will Smith to play Neo, but he turned down the role to star in Wild Wild West instead.

Keanu Reeves took on the mantle, creating a stoic sci-fi icon. Read about The Matrix details on Wikipedia.

Before Tom Hanks charmed the world as Forrest Gump, the role was offered to John Travolta.

Travolta passed on the role to star in Pulp Fiction, a decision he later admitted regretting.

Hanks went on to win an Oscar for his heartwarming portrayal. Check out Pulp Fiction on Wikipedia.

Before Jodie Foster's Oscar-winning turn as Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs, director Jonathan Demme wanted Michelle Pfeiffer.

Pfeiffer turned it down because she found the dark, intense script too disturbing.

Foster stepped in, delivering a legendary performance. Read more about the film on Wikipedia.

Peter Jackson offered the role of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings trilogy to the legendary Sean Connery.

Connery turned it down, admitting he did not understand the script or the world of Middle-earth.

Ian McKellen took the role and made it his own. Read about the film trilogy on Wikipedia.

Before Viggo Mortensen became the brooding ranger Strider, Peter Jackson considered Nicolas Cage for Aragorn.

Scheduling conflicts and family obligations led Cage to decline the role, allowing Mortensen to step in.

Learn about Aragorn's casting on Wikipedia.

In the early stages of Bond's cinematic journey, producers considered casting Burt Reynolds for a more Americanized 007.

Reynolds declined, believing that James Bond should always be played by a British actor.

Sean Connery went on to solidify the iconic character. Read about Burt Reynolds on Wikipedia.

Before Daniel Craig brought his gritty realism to James Bond, Hugh Jackman was approached to succeed Pierce Brosnan.

Jackman declined, feeling the scripts were becoming too outlandish at the time.

Craig's darker Bond era followed, but Jackman's Bond remains a fascinating 'what if'. Read about Wolverine on Wikipedia.