Even Hollywood's most legendary actresses have watched career-defining roles go to someone else. From fiercely contested auditions to casting decisions that changed movie history, these famous near-misses offer a fascinating glimpse at what might have been. Here are 13 acclaimed stars who came surprisingly close to playing some of film and television's most iconic characters.
O'Connor / AFF-USA.com / MEGA
Rene Russo, recognized for her powerful presence in thriller and action films, has brushed with near-misses in both blockbusters and indie projects. Some of the roles she was considered for later became iconic with other actresses in the spotlight. Her story is a testament to how even established stars encounter moments of doubt and challenge, shaping their evolving careers. In fact, Russo wouldn't have landed her breakout part of Lorna Cole in the Lethal Weapon franchise if judged solely on her first tryout, later admitting she was so bad she could feel herself dying, with the director feeling she initially lacked the necessary edge, according to Mental Floss.
MEGA
Sharon Stone is remembered for her intense on-screen charisma, but the road to fame was not without memorable rejections. Directors often recall her fearless auditions, even for roles she didn't get. These setbacks did not deter her, on the contrary, they fueled her future success, making her name synonymous with femme fatales and complex characters alike. Long before she became a household name, co-star Michael Douglas actually wanted a bigger name for the part of Catherine Tramell and refused to do a screen test with Stone at first, per IndieWire.
#mega
O'Connor / AFF-USA.com / MEGA
Rene Russo, recognized for her powerful presence in thriller and action films, has brushed with near-misses in both blockbusters and indie projects. Some of the roles she was considered for later became iconic with other actresses in the spotlight. Her story is a testament to how even established stars encounter moments of doubt and challenge, shaping their evolving careers. In fact, Russo wouldn't have landed her breakout part of Lorna Cole in the Lethal Weapon franchise if judged solely on her first tryout, later admitting she was so bad she could feel herself dying, with the director feeling she initially lacked the necessary edge, according to Mental Floss.
MEGA
Sharon Stone is remembered for her intense on-screen charisma, but the road to fame was not without memorable rejections. Directors often recall her fearless auditions, even for roles she didn't get. These setbacks did not deter her, on the contrary, they fueled her future success, making her name synonymous with femme fatales and complex characters alike. Long before she became a household name, co-star Michael Douglas actually wanted a bigger name for the part of Catherine Tramell and refused to do a screen test with Stone at first, per IndieWire.
#mega
14 days ago
