12 Actors Who Were Perfect for the Role—But Didn’t Get It

In Hollywood, casting decisions can make or break a film. Often, there are actors who seem to be the perfect fit for a role but end up losing it for reasons beyond their control.

These near-misses often leave fans wondering “what if?” Here are 18 actors who were perfect for iconic roles—yet didn't get them.

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1. Will Smith as Neo in The Matrix

Will Smith was famously offered the role of Neo in The Matrix but turned it down in favor of Wild Wild West. While Keanu Reeves eventually brought the character to life, many believe Smith could have brought a different energy to the role.

His decision to walk away from one of sci-fi’s most influential roles is still remembered as one of Hollywood’s great “what if” moments.

2. Tom Hanks as Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park

Tom Hanks was initially considered for the role of Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park. However, due to scheduling conflicts, he had to pass on the iconic character, which ultimately went to Sam Neill.

Imagine Hanks’ trademark charm combined with the role's adventurous spirit—it’s easy to picture him in the action-packed dinosaur saga.

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3. Matt Damon as Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight

Matt Damon was reportedly in talks to play the role of Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight, but ultimately, Aaron Eckhart was cast. With his versatile range, Damon would have been an excellent fit for the role, and many fans still wonder what a “Matt Damon as Two-Face” performance would have looked like in Christopher Nolan's gritty Batman universe.

4. Leonardo DiCaprio as Peter Parker in Spider-Man

Before Tobey Maguire became Spider-Man, Leonardo DiCaprio was reportedly one of the top choices for the role. In the early 2000s, DiCaprio was at the height of his career, and many believed he could bring a depth to Peter Parker that made the character resonate even more.

However, the role went to Maguire, who eventually made it his own.

5. Hugh Jackman as James Bond

Hugh Jackman has often been linked with the role of James Bond, especially after his long run as Wolverine in the X-Men series. Though he would’ve been an intriguing choice to take on the iconic British spy, Daniel Craig was chosen instead.

Jackman’s rugged charm and action hero background made him a fitting contender for 007, leaving fans wondering how his take on Bond would have differed.

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6. Nicole Kidman as Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby

Nicole Kidman was originally set to play Daisy Buchanan in Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby. However, the role went to Carey Mulligan after Kidman had to drop out.

With Kidman’s poised and ethereal presence, she certainly could have embodied the glamorous yet tragic character in a way that would’ve complemented Leonardo DiCaprio’s Gatsby.

7. Emily Blunt as Black Widow in The Avengers

Before Scarlett Johansson was cast as Natasha Romanoff, Emily Blunt was in the running for the role of Black Widow. Unfortunately, Blunt had to back out due to scheduling conflicts with another film, leading to Johansson becoming the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s iconic spy.

Blunt’s sharpness and tough persona could have made for an equally memorable Black Widow.

8. John Travolta as Forrest Gump

Before Tom Hanks made Forrest Gump one of his most beloved roles, John Travolta was reportedly considered for the part. Given Travolta’s success in the ‘70s and ‘80s, he might have brought a different energy to the character.

But Hanks’ portrayal of the simple yet profound Gump is now a defining part of his career.

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9. Joaquin Phoenix as Dr. Strange in Doctor Strange

Before Benedict Cumberbatch was cast as Dr. Stephen Strange, Joaquin Phoenix was offered the role. Phoenix’s intensity and dedication to characters could have added a different flavor to the role, though Cumberbatch’s portrayal brought a perfect balance of wit and wisdom to the character.

10. Matthew McConaughey as Jack in Titanic

Before Leonardo DiCaprio took on the role of Jack Dawson, Matthew McConaughey was rumored to have been a strong contender. McConaughey, with his laid-back charm, might have brought a different vibe to the doomed love story, and it's interesting to imagine what he would have contributed to the legendary film.

11. Matt Bomer as Superman in Man of Steel

Matt Bomer was a fan-favorite choice to play Superman in Man of Steel. With his classic good looks and strong presence, Bomer seemed perfect for the role.

However, Henry Cavill was chosen, and his portrayal of the Man of Steel has since defined the character in the modern DC universe.

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12. Tom Cruise as Tony Stark in Iron Man

Before Robert Downey Jr. became Tony Stark in the MCU, Tom Cruise was rumored to be in talks for the role. His action star reputation would have made him a strong contender, but Robert Downey Jr.’s transformative portrayal became the foundation for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.