ACTORS WHO’VE SUCCESSFULLY PLAYED ROLES WRITTEN FOR SOMEONE ELSE

CAN YOU IMAGINE THESE ICONIC FILMS WITHOUT THEIR RESPECTIVE STARS? I KNOW I SURE CAN’T!

By Riesa Pascal

One of the most difficult jobs in Hollywood is undoubtedly that of a casting director. Oftentimes, script writers will have a specific actor in mind from the very start of a project. Sometimes everything works out as intended, but there are also plenty of times where filmmakers and casting directors do not get their first choice and go on to see their movie become a massive flop. However, let’s not forget the memorable times where an actor has absolutely slayed a role that wasn’t written for them! Take a look at the following celebs who were cast to replace an entirely different actor, but completely nailed their role.

Audrey Hepburn In Breakfast at Tiffany's

Of course I had to kick off this list with the absolute classic that is Breakfast at Tiffany’s. With all the glitz and glam of the film, it may not surprise you to learn that Truman Capote was actually picturing his friend and famed actress Marilyn Monroe when he wrote the book on which the film is based. He borrowed many qualities from Monroe in conceiving the character while Audrey Hepburn’s background was entirely different. In spite of the book's intentions, Director Blake Edwards chose Hepburn to play Holly Golightly which resulted in her giving the incredibly iconic performance that earned her a 1962 Academy Award nomination for Best Lead Actress.

Wesley Snipes In Blade

The comic book character Blade is a half-human, half-vampire hunter whose life mission is to slay vampires. When writing the 1998 screenplay and envisioning the comic book’s move to the big screen, David S. Goyer originally had LL Cool J in mind as he knew he wanted a rugged actor who always looked ready for a fight. As the movie's projected production budget grew, the studio realized that a bigger celebrity name was needed to justify the cost which opened the door for Wesley Snipes to step into the role. Needless to say, the decision proved to be a wise one as Blade became an international hit, spawning two sequels and bringing Marvel to theater screens a full decade before the formal start of the MCU (take that Iron Man!)

Chris Tucker In The Fifth Element

If you have never seen The Fifth Element, I need you to drop everything you’re doing and go watch this cult-classic film at once!

The 1997 comedic sci-fi epic not only stars Bruce Willis, but also features a supporting character named Ruby Rhod. The character is a hyper-sexual, intergalactic DJ with an androgynous fashion sense that is not unlike that of Prince. In fact, Writer/director Luc Besson actually conceived of Ruby Rhod with the famed pop icon in mind and even got him to sign on for the role. However, a conflicting tour schedule forced him to drop out and saw comedian Chris Tucker brought in as Prince’s replacement. To say it worked out well is quite the understatement. Tucker was an excellent fit for the role and stole every scene he was in which has helped the film’s continued popularity nearly 30 years later.

Whoopi Goldberg In Sister Act

There’s only one celeb who comes to mind when you think of the 1992 crime comedy Sister Act! Of course I’m talking about the one and only Whoopi Goldberg who was cast to play Deloris Wilson, a lounge singer forced to join a convent after being placed in a witness protection program. The film was an instant hit and remains one of Goldberg’s most iconic comedy roles today, but did you know it was originally offered to Bette Midler? The actress once discussed turning down the role in an interview about her career mistakes saying, “There was Sister Act, which was written for me, but I said: ‘My fans don’t want to see me in a wimple.’ I don’t know where I got that from. Why would I say such a thing? So Whoopi did it instead and, of course, she made a fortune.”

Eddie Murphy In Beverly Hills Cop

Although we see it all the time now, back in the 80s it was almost unheard of to cast comedians in action movies. One of the first films to break this unspoken rule was Beverly Hills Cop which saw Eddie Murphy come in as freewheeling Detroit cop Axel Foley. Believe it or not, the original script was actually written for Sylvester Stallone with the intention of lightly spoofing his toughguy image. Two weeks before production began, Stallone got cold feet and took it upon himself to rewrite the script as a more typical action flick as opposed to the action-comedy we know it to be today. The executives at Paramount Pictures didn't take too kindly to their script being changed so Stallone got the boot and Eddie Murphy was brought on into the signature role that defined his career and arguably turned him into a full-blown movie star.

Sam Neill In Jurassic Park

If you need any proof that the original Jurassic Park was an absolute masterpiece, just think about the fact that we are still making spin-offs today and building entire theme park areas about the films (I’m looking at you Universal Studios). The beloved Steven Spielberg adaptation of Michael Crichton's best-selling dinosaur novel was supposed to see Harrison Ford cast as Alan Grant. The part was even written to fit Ford's personal and onscreen strengths, but for reasons he has never publicly stated, Ford turned the role down and Sam Neill stepped in instead. Fortunately for Spielberg, Jurassic Park was a massive box-office hit and what Neill brought to his role was vital to its success.

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