Alternative Actors Who Nearly Starred in Top Movies

When you think of your favorite Hollywood films, it can be hard to imagine anyone else in the lead role.  After all, it is those iconic performances that make our favorite films what they are and that turn unknown actors and actresses into major celebrities. 

Let’s look at some last minute casting changes that have made Hollywood history.  What celebrities were almost cast in your favorite movies?

When it comes to the iconic film The Godfather, studio executives had a number of people in mind for Michael Corleone, and none of them were Al Pacino.  In fact, the director of the film had to make all sorts of promises in order to land Pacino the role.  So, who did the studios want?  They wanted big celebrities and considered the likes of Robert Redford, Jack Nicholson, and Warren Beatty.

The film The Silence of the Lambs is another movie that almost starred entirely different celebrities.  Not only was Gene Hackman considered for the now iconic role of Hannibal Lecter, but studio execs were also looking to Michelle Pfeiffer to play the role of Clarice Starling.  Strange to envision these celebrities in the role now that you have seen the film, isn’t it?

There have been many major casting changes throughout the years, and at one time, Goldie Hawn and Cher were being considered for the roles of Thelma and Louise.  Whether these films would have been made better or worse had the celebrities who starred in them been different, the world will never know, but having seen these films as they were made, it is hard to imagine them otherwise.