There are many ways to get a starring role. Some actors are selected during castings, while others are invited due to their popularity, which is what happened to Kate Winslet after Titanic. But not all auditions end successfully, or actors may not agree to offers made by film directors or producers. For example, Russell Crowe refused to star in Lord of the Rings because his intuition told him so.
At Bright Side, we imagined what our favorite characters would look like if other people portrayed them.
Daenerys Targaryen — Elizabeth Olsen
The actress, who has become famous for her role of the Scarlet Witch, failed auditions for the role of Mother of Dragons at the beginning of her career. Elizabeth Olsen later described what happened: “It was the most awkward audition I’d ever had. I was doing the Khaleesi speech when she comes out of the fire. It was awful. I didn’t get a callback.” As a result, Daenerys was played by Emilia Clarke.
Aragorn — Russell Crowe
Russell Crowe was asked once whether he regretted refusing to play Aragorn in the iconic trilogy, Lord of the Rings. The actor honestly replied that he had never thought about it and explained why he didn’t join the project. According to Crowe, Peter Jackson never really wanted to cast him for the role of Aragorn. Russell’s instinct told him that the director already had a suitable person in mind, so he politely declined the offer.
Ellie Sattler — Gwyneth Paltrow
In 1992, Gwyneth Paltrow wanted to get the role of Dr. Ellie Sattler. This part would’ve really helped the career of the aspiring actress because Jurassic Park had become a popular franchise. However, the future star failed, and the role went to Laura Dern.
James Bond — Henry Cavill
Now it’s hard to imagine anyone but the brilliant Daniel Craig playing this role, but Henry Cavill had a chance to become the new Agent 007. The actor was turned down because he was “a little chubby.” Cavill accepted the criticism with dignity and began to do more physical training, which helped him in his future career.
Jane Smith — Gwen Stefani
Popular singer Gwen Stefani is a truly versatile person. She almost landed the lead role in Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Stefani went to quite a few auditions, but eventually, she made a choice in favor of a musical career. And Jane Smith was played by the amazing Angelina Jolie.
Indiana Jones — Tom Selleck
The actor almost played the cheerful adventurer. Tom Selleck got the role of Indiana Jones, but by that time, he had already signed on for the Magnum, P.I. TV series, and the producers didn’t allow him to combine the 2 projects.
Prince Caspian — Nicholas Hoult
According to the actor, auditions for the role of Prince Caspian were the worst in his career. Nicholas Hoult was asked to speak with a Hispanic accent, like Puss in Boots from Shrek. Holt was embarrassed by this request because he wasn’t prepared for it. Eventually, the role went to British actor Ben Barnes, who was the perfect fit.
Viola De Lesseps — Kate Winslet
After the resounding success of Titanic, Kate Winslet received many offers from different film directors. She was invited to take part in Shakespeare in Love, but the actress refused because she wanted to work on more independent projects. Eventually, Gwyneth Paltrow landed the role. And she made the right choice, as she was awarded an Oscar for her performance.
Alex Munday — Angelina Jolie
We know from Angelina Jolie’s filmography that she loves to take part in action flicks. But still, there was a similar project the actress rejected. Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz did their best to convince Jolie to play their partner but to no avail.
Jolie felt she wasn’t right for this role and later explained her refusal: “I’m not at that point in my career, so audiences won’t have as much fun watching me run around in high heels chasing bad guys and flipping my hair.”
Patrick Bateman — Johnny Depp
Initially, American Psycho was supposed to be directed by Stuart Gordon. The director saw only Johnny Depp in the main role and persuaded him to take it. But the author of the novel abruptly changed his mind. He pulled Stuart Gordon’s rights to the book and called Johnny Depp a lightweight actor who was too old to play the part. Depp was 28 at the time.
Christian Grey — Charlie Hunnam
In 2013, all the newspapers announced the news of the year: Charlie Hunnam would star in the screen adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey. But a few months later, the actor changed his mind and refused the role. As it turned out, Hunnam had a nervous breakdown due to his busy work schedule.
The actor realized that he wouldn’t be able to do his job properly, but this decision was very difficult for him. Hunnam hasn’t seen any of the films in the trilogy because he called that situation “the worst professional experience” of his life.
Do you think the actors from our article would have been more convincing in these roles? Share your opinion in the comments below.
Preview photo credit Game of Trones / HBO, Jordan Strauss / Invision / AP / East News
I Caught My Kids’ Babysitter Coming Out of the Shower While My Husband Was Home, So I Turned On the Nanny Cam the Next Day
A wife was left shocked when she came home one day and found her children’s nanny wet after stepping out of the shower. What was even more surprising was that her husband was there and he sided with the nanny when his wife showed concern!
A woman with wet hair and body smiling | Source: Pexels
I CAUGHT MY KIDS’ BABYSITTER DOING THIS WHILE I WASN’T HOME! Okay, here’s the backstory, my hubby and I hired a babysitter for our three children as we’re both slammed with work all the time. Everything had been fine until yesterday… I walked in at 6 p.m., and there she was with her hair all wet!
She said she had to shower because my kiddo spilled milk on her. The babysitter was hired and is paid by me to look after mine and my husband’s children, all under six. She tried reassuring me by saying the children were fine while she showered quickly because they were napping.
A woman drying her hair with a towel after showering | Source: Pexels
“I still don’t think it’s appropriate for you to shower in my home though,” I replied in frustration. The 23-year-old brushed my concerns aside and argued that it wasn’t a big deal. As we went back and forth on the matter, my husband suddenly appeared in the living room!
I was more confused that my husband was home and on top of that he sided with the babysitter, but I insisted that I was uncomfortable with what happened. My feelings were dismissed by both parties and the babysitter left to go home. But here’s where it gets totally weird – my husband, who’s supposed to be at work at that time doing the night shift, is right there at home!
Two women having a disagreement | Source: Pexels
My gut told me something totally wrong occurred and I just couldn’t stop thinking that they were having an affair. So, the next day, before leaving for work, I decided to dig out and turn on the dusty old nanny camera that I’d been using when my children were babies. I secretly set it up in the living room before I headed to work.
The day started like any other, with the usual morning rush of getting the children ready, making breakfast, and kissing my husband goodbye as I left first for work with the babysitter passing me at the entrance. Or so I thought. Little did I know, my world was about to turn upside down!
A woman drinking a beverage while looking at something on her laptop | Source: Pexels
Not even an hour later, I checked the camera and saw MY HUSBAND, who’d left for work, walking in the door. My heart just dropped when he approached our nanny. Tears blurred my vision as I watched, unable to comprehend the scene unfolding on the small screen of my phone.
In a daze, I told my boss I felt sick and needed to go home, though the sickness I felt was one of betrayal and heartache. Rushing home, driven by a mix of dread and a desperate need for answers, I expected the worst. Yet, what I found was my husband at the cooker, preparing food.
A man making a meal at a stove | Source: Pexels
The sight left me dumbfounded. Confusion clouded my mind as I tried to reconcile the images from the nanny camera with the man standing before me. Was I cheated on or WHAT?! My husband, sensing my distress, turned to me with a look of worry.
“Why are you home so early?” he asked. I told him they let me go home early because of a power outage that brought the systems down. He seemed to accept my story before saying, “Honey, I have to tell you something,” his voice heavy with guilt. The confession that followed was one I could never have anticipated.
An upset woman talking to a man holding a paper and water | Source: Pexels
He admitted to being afraid to tell me the truth that a week ago he was fired due to downsizing at work. My spouse said he hadn’t wanted to bother me with it and decided to pretend that he was going to work. Instead, he would return home, look for jobs online, and help with taking care of the children, adding:
“Yesterday indeed our daughter spilled milk on our nanny so I told her to go and wash everything while I was there to take care of the kids who were napping.”
A man holding a laundry basket with clothes | Source: Pexels
The incident with the babysitter? “A simple accident,” he explained, that he had handled so I wouldn’t have to worry. He intended to support me by keeping the household running smoothly in the face of his own crisis. As he shared his struggles, I felt a whirlwind of emotions.
Guilt for not noticing the signs of his distress, anger for being kept in the dark, but also compassion for the fear and love that drove his actions. It was a sobering reminder of the unseen battles we each face, hidden behind a facade of normalcy.
A couple having a serious conversation | Source: Pexels
“That’s why I was home yesterday. And why the nanny was… it was an accident, really,” he added, hoping to clarify the misunderstanding. “But why didn’t you just tell me?” I asked, struggling to keep my voice steady.
“I was afraid,” he admitted. “Afraid of how you’d react, and seeing disappointment in your eyes. I wanted to fix it before you had to worry about it too.” We sat down at the kitchen table, in a silent agreement to talk it out.
A couple having a serious conversation | Source: Pexels
“And the nanny?” I finally asked, needing to know more about that day. “She was just as surprised as you are about all this. She’s been really understanding, considering the awkward position we put her in,” he explained.
I nodded, taking in his words, the anger slowly dissipating. “I owe her an apology then. And… thank you, for trying to keep things running smoothly. I just wish you had told me.” He reached for my hand across the table. “I know. I’m sorry. From now on, no more secrets. We’ll get through this together.”
A couple holding hands across a table | Source: Pexels
That night, we had a long-overdue conversation. It was painful, yes, but also cathartic. We discussed the importance of openness and honesty, acknowledging the strain our silence had placed on our marriage. The realization that we had both been trying to shield each other from hardship, at the cost of our connection, was a poignant moment.
A couple arranging an agreement with a woman | Source: Pexels
The babysitter, unwittingly caught in our family drama, became an unexpected catalyst for change. We apologized for the misunderstanding, grateful for her understanding and the care she had shown our family during a confusing time.
Two women and a man having a conversation | Source: Pexels
My husband and I promised to keep her on, not just as a babysitter, but as someone who had demonstrated remarkable responsibility and compassion. In the end, this challenging ordeal brought to light the strength and resilience of our family.
A couple embracing on a couch | Source: Pexels
It reminded us that in times of hardship, the bonds of love and understanding can see us through the darkest times. It was a lesson in the importance of communication, a reminder that the weight of the world is easier to bear when shared with those we love.
A couple holding hands while bonding in the bedroom | Source: Pexels
Here is a quick synopsis of a similar tale that might interest readers:
Kate and her husband, Dan’s nearly a decade-long relationship is put to a brief but intense test. The couple, blessed with three children leads a busy yet fulfilling life, with Dan working as a university professor and Kate as a wedding photographer.
A happy couple playing with a child | Source: Pexels
Their life, filled with the demands of work and family, is supported by their nanny, Ella, whose dedication and affection for the children are unmatched. The story takes a turn one evening when Kate returns home unexpectedly early from a trip, only to find Ella, their trusted nanny, leaving their house at an unusual hour.
This encounter sparks a whirlwind of suspicion in Kate’s mind, especially when Ella’s explanation and Dan’s subsequent, uneasy excuse about borrowing a book feel insufficient and out of place. The seeds of doubt, once sown, grow rapidly, leading Kate to search her husband’s office.
A woman searching through desk drawers | Source: Pexels
She discovers a black box containing what appears to be wedding rings. This discovery further fuels her anxiety, prompting fears of betrayal and a hidden life. Confronting Dan with the box and her fears, Kate demands the truth.
A woman holding a small wrapped box | Source: Pexels
The tension peaks, only for Dan to reveal a heartwarming secret. His intentions, obscured by secrecy and misunderstandings, finally come to light, showcasing his true feelings for Kate. Ella’s involvement, too, is clarified, but you’ll have to click here to read the full and compelling story!
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