What would the original Star Wars trilogy have been with Al Pacino as Han Solo instead of Harrison Ford? It would have been another character, of that we can be sure, but somehow Pacino missed this opportunity, considering the science fiction plot and universe not very interesting and certainly not a box-office hit. Not that he did too bad for himself, but when it comes to Star Wars he was gravely mistaken.
Mel Gibson - Batman
The charismatic Australian actor could have played the main part in Tim Burton's Batman, back in 1989, as the director was sure that Gibson was the best choice available. But Mel Gibson thought that the script was "too dark" and violent, so he chose to pass on the offer, and the part was finally won by Michael Keaton. Critics and fans alike were impressed and thought that Keaton really gave his best and created an unforgettable and iconic Batman.
Will Smith - Neo
How could have Will Smith say no to this chance of starring in the Matrix? It wasn't something outwordly bizzare, he simply saw the script as akward and badly written, and such a story would never be a commercial hit. So Keanu Reeves became Neo and the rest is just history. And a lot of money. Guess who was wrong in the end?
Kevin Costner - Andy Dufresne
Before giving it all for the huge failure that was Waterworld, Kevin Costner had the opportunity of starring in Shawshank Redemption as Andy Dufresne. What was at the first glance just another Stephen King story or another prison story would prove to be a movie which many critics considered to be one of the best ever made, so Costner later must have understood he had made a huge mistake.
Tom Selleck - Indiana Jones
The first choice of Spielberg and Lucas for the world's most beloved adventurer wasn't Harrison Ford, but Tom Selleck, at that time enjoying a degree of popularity that few had ever hoped for. It was all set to go, but unfortunatelly for Selleck he still owed Universal Studios one more movie, so in the end they went ahead with ford. Maybe it wasn't a part that was turned down due to the will of the actor, but it still makes our list.
Sean Connery - Gandalf
We could have had a powerful wizard with a strong Scottish accent, bringing together the hobbits for an unique adventure and a trilogy which amazed and enraptured everybody. Next to the abandoned Beatles Lord of the Rings movie this could have been the next best thing, if Connery had accepted the part. Unfortunatelly he didn't and Ian McKellen saved the day.
Jack Nicholson - Michael Corleone
Michael Corleone could have been Robert Redford, he could have been Dustin Hoffman or Warren Beatty, and the closest was to being Jack Nicholson. Yes, Nicholson was one of the best candidates for the part that eventually went to Pacino, who made it unique and impossible to imitate. But one could not help but wonder how Jack Nicholson would have played Michael Corleone.
Photo: wikipedia.org
