Would a Han Solo who's not Harrison Ford be the same sarcastic hero every "Star Wars" fan cherishes? What would "Lord of the Rings" look like with Nicolas Cage in one of the main roles?
Characters become iconic thanks in large part to the actors who bring them to life, and it's often difficult to imagine anyone else in the role afterwards.
But some actors are fired from a role, some leave because of other commitments, and some just don't accept the offer. Some actors regret turning down a project, but others, like Jack Nicholson, know that it can be the right choice, no matter how popular or critically adored the film might become.
Keep reading to see the roles that could have been played by different actors.
Matt Damon turned down the role of Harvey Dent in "The Dark Knight."
Role was played by: Aaron Eckhart
Damon told MTV in an interview about "Invictus" that he had to turn down the iconic role of Harvey "Two-Face" Dent due to filming conflicts.
"I couldn't [appear in The Dark Knight]. It was a scheduling thing. But, I never spoke to Chris Nolan," Damon said.
He had no qualms regarding Nolan's final choice for the villain.
"Look, Aaron is a great actor, so the movie didn't suffer for it. Every once in a while you get [an acting opportunity] and you can't do it."
Leonardo DiCaprio turned down the role of Dirk Diggler in "Boogie Nights."
Role was played by: Mark Wahlberg
After watching him in "The Basketball Diaries," Paul Thomas Anderson wanted DiCaprio to star in "Boogie Nights." DiCaprio turned it down to appear in "Titanic," but recommended his friend and "Basketball Diaries" costar Mark Wahlberg.
DiCaprio told GQ in 2008 that he regretted turning down the role. "'Boogie Nights' is a movie I loved and I wish I would've done."
When asked if he would reverse his decision if he could, DiCaprio said, "I'm not saying I would have. But it would have been a different direction, career-wise. I think they're both great and wish I could have done them both."
DiCaprio was also reportedly offered $20 million by Lionsgate to portray crazed serial killer Patrick Bateman in "American Psycho," even though director Mary Harron wanted Christian Bale in the role. She was replaced by director Oliver Stone, but DiCaprio and Stone couldn't agree on a creative direction, so DiCaprio left to film "The Beach." Harron returned to the project and Bale was cast.
Angelina Jolie passed on the lead in Oscar-winner “Gravity.”
Role was played by: Sandra Bullock
According to Variety, Angelina Jolie was originally set to play the lead in Alfonso Cuaron's Oscar winner; however, she passed on the role in summer 2010.
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