Top 10 Movie Characters Who Were Supposed To Die But Didn’t
films, movies, movie characters who were supposed to die but didn't, scream, jaws, lethal weapon 2, star wars episode 7, true romance, clerks, return of the jedi, jurassic park, first blood, lethal weapon 2, alien, top 10, watchmojo,
Script written by Oscar Pearson
They had one foot in the grave, and the other on a banana peel. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 movie characters who were supposed to die but didn’t.
For this list, we’ve selected characters who survived all the way through to the ends of their respective films, but weren’t so lucky in earlier drafts of the script or the novel upon which the story was based. Nope, there they got a one-way ticket to the afterlife. Since we’ll be revealing how our entries danced with death, a formal spoiler alert is required.
#10: DS Dwight ‘Dewey’ Riley
After gaining fame for his “A Nightmare on Elm Street” series, director Wes Craven turned the horror genre on its severed head with this self-aware slasher flick; a film that ironically mocked many classic horror conventions while following them anyway. Originally, Dewey was written as the character that fulfilled the “bumbling police officer” cliché, who was to meet his end during the plot’s climax. However, actor David Arquette made the character much more likeable than was originally planned. Test audiences loved the Deputy Sheriff, and responded negatively to his death. Luckily, as a precaution, Craven had shot a scene where the character survives. The lovable cop was saved and made it to the sequel… where he was stabbed again.
#9: Dante Hicks
He wasn’t even supposed to be there that day. The lead character of Kevin Smith’s directorial debut just can’t catch a break. Not only is he called into work on his day off, but he’s also blind-sided by life’s bigger issues like death and romance. The cashier’s relatability as an “everyman” is what won viewers over and helped the film garner a cult following. So, it’s easy to see how shocked initial audiences wereafter viewing the original ending, which showed Dante getting shot and killed by a common thief. The bleak conclusion was immediately panned, and several of Smith’s mentors persuaded the rookie filmmaker to change it. Luckily so, as the happy ending spawned the entireView Askewniverse.
#8: Clarence Worley
One thing that’s… er, true about this romantic crime flick is the parallel between its main character, Clarence Worley, and the film’s screenwriter, Quentin Tarantino. Despite calling it his “most autobiographical film,” Tarantino remained faithful to his trademark style of black comedy in his original version of the script, killing off his fictional counterpart in a botched money-for-drugs exchange. However, director Tony Scott became so attached to the explosive love between Clarence and Alabama that he couldn’t bear to separate them. The leading man was spared, and the star-crossed lovers lived happily ever after. Quentin late admitted that Scott’s decision was the right one for the tone the director brought to the film, as it transformed “True Romance” into a genuine, modern fairytale.
#7: Poe Dameron
Top 10 Movie Characters Who Were Supposed To Die But Didn’t
They had one foot in the grave, and the other on a banana peel. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 movie characters who were supposed to die but didn’t.
For this list, we’ve selected characters who survived all the way through to the ends of their respective films, but weren’t so lucky in earlier drafts of the script or the novel upon which the story was based. Nope, there they got a one-way ticket to the afterlife. Since we’ll be revealing how our entries danced with death, a formal spoiler alert is required.
#10: DS Dwight ‘Dewey’ Riley
“Scream” (1996)
After gaining fame for his “A Nightmare on Elm Street” series, director Wes Craven turned the horror genre on its severed head with this self-aware slasher flick; a film that ironically mocked many classic horror conventions while following them anyway. Originally, Dewey was written as the character that fulfilled the “bumbling police officer” cliché, who was to meet his end during the plot’s climax. However, actor David Arquette made the character much more likeable than was originally planned. Test audiences loved the Deputy Sheriff, and responded negatively to his death. Luckily, as a precaution, Craven had shot a scene where the character survives. The lovable cop was saved and made it to the sequel… where he was stabbed again. #9: Dante Hicks
“Clerks” (1994)
He wasn’t even supposed to be there that day. The lead character of Kevin Smith’s directorial debut just can’t catch a break. Not only is he called into work on his day off, but he’s also blind-sided by life’s bigger issues like death and romance. The cashier’s relatability as an “everyman” is what won viewers over and helped the film garner a cult following. So, it’s easy to see how shocked initial audiences wereafter viewing the original ending, which showed Dante getting shot and killed by a common thief. The bleak conclusion was immediately panned, and several of Smith’s mentors persuaded the rookie filmmaker to change it. Luckily so, as the happy ending spawned the entireView Askewniverse. #8: Clarence Worley
“True Romance” (1993)
One thing that’s… er, true about this romantic crime flick is the parallel between its main character, Clarence Worley, and the film’s screenwriter, Quentin Tarantino. Despite calling it his “most autobiographical film,” Tarantino remained faithful to his trademark style of black comedy in his original version of the script, killing off his fictional counterpart in a botched money-for-drugs exchange. However, director Tony Scott became so attached to the explosive love between Clarence and Alabama that he couldn’t bear to separate them. The leading man was spared, and the star-crossed lovers lived happily ever after. Quentin late admitted that Scott’s decision was the right one for the tone the director brought to the film, as it transformed “True Romance” into a genuine, modern fairytale. #7: Poe Dameron
“Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens” (2015)
Just imagine how the original trilogy would’ve turned out if Han Solo hadn’t made it past “A New Hope.” Well, that was almost going to be the fate of this generation’s scruffy-looking nerf herder. The ace pilot Poe Dameron was not supposed to survive the crash landing on Jakku after helping Finn escape the First Order. But actor Oscar Isaac had different plans. The Guatemalan thespian talked director J. J. Abrams into keeping Dameron around, as well as keeping himself employed. The change has already paid off, as Poe is now a fan favorite in a promising young “Star Wars” cast. Now hopefully he can avoid his predecessor’s mistake and steer clear of frozen carbonite.
#6: Matt Hooper
“Jaws” (1975)
Despite what many think, the book’s not always better. At least, that was the case for this marine biologist in Steven Spielberg’s oceanic thriller. The Hooper in Peter Benchley’s original novel is a stuck up know-it-all. He further fulfills the requirements of the resident jerk by having an affair with Brody’s wife. So, in a satisfying turn of events, the book has Matt getting devoured by the shark while in an underwater cage. However, the character’s original fate didn’t gel with the natural charm of actor Richard Dreyfuss. Spielberg, therefore, switched up the plot, letting Hooper live, but still allowing the shark-hating Quint to meet his maker on the high seas – although in a very different way than Benchley had written.
#5: Martin Riggs
“Lethal Weapon 2” (1989)
We all know the phrase: Diplomatic Immunity. This piece of legal armor, worn by the film’s main villain, added a layer of difficulty to the L.A.P.D. duo’s task of protecting Leo Getz, also known as the most annoying witness ever. However, Arjen Rudd’s immunity was alsosupposed to play a part in Officer Riggs’ untimely death. In writer Shane Black’s original script, the cop was shot to death by Rudd at themovie’s climax. However, Warner Bros. wanted more sequels, and forced a rewrite to keep Mel Gibson’s character alive. Black ultimately left the series without finishing the script, but he still considers his tense and emotional first draft to be the best thing he’s ever written.
#4: Dr. Ian Malcolm
“Jurassic Park” (1993)
After previously saving Richard Dreyfuss’s character in “Jaws” because of his charm, Steven Spielberg wasted no time doing the same for Jeff Goldblum. In Michael Crichton’s novel, Dr. Ian Malcolm spends the majority of his time doped up on morphine, slowly fading until he ultimately dies at the end. But Goldblum was so sarcastically endearing as Malcolm that his planned death at the hands of the T-Rex was scrapped to keep audiences happy. In fact, Malcolm’s massive popularity meant the scientist became an important character in the film’s sequel. Dr. Ian’s fame even crossed into the literary world, as Crichton was pressured into retracting the character’s death to keep him around – and to keep people buying.
#3: John Rambo
“First Blood” (1982)
Say what you will about his one-liners, but Sylvester Stallone knows how to orchestrate a successful franchise. While Rocky’s planned death in a street fight in “Rocky V” would’ve been a controversial end for the beloved character, “First Blood”’s misunderstood hero was setto get the axe before the series even got going. David Morrell’s 1972 novel had Rambo killed by Sam Trautman, and early versions of the screenplay went further by having the mentally war-torn veteran commit suicide after his climactic rampage. While sticking to the script would’ve been a profound conclusion, Sly threw it to the wayside in favor of sparking another profitable series. The final version had Rambo making it to the end credits, setting the stage for three sequels.
#2: Han Solo
“Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi” (1983)
We’ve already covered how killing off Solo’s millennial reincarnation in “The Force Awakens” would’ve been a bad move. Now, imagine if the original wisecracking smuggler hadn’t made it out of the original trilogy’s conclusion alive. Well, funny you should say that… Harrison Ford requested that his character martyr himself, not only to up the emotional stakes for the Rebel Forces, but also to show some real development in Han. But even before that, George Lucas had planned for to die somewhere in the middle of “RotJ.” So why didn’t he? Well, toy sales; Han Solo was just too darn popular. But you won’t hear us complaining, as the smuggler lived to once again steal the show in “The Force Awakens.”
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Dr. Will Rodman
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (2011)
- Katie
“Paranormal Activity” (2007)
- Happy Hogan
“Iron Man 3” (2013)
- Chief
“The Fox and the Hound” (1981)
#1: Ellen Ripley
“Alien” (1979)
Ridley Scott’s masterpiece was widely praised for reversing the gender roles that dominated the sci-fi genre. However, the film wouldn’t have become the subversive classic that it is today if things had gone as planned. Scott originally intended for Ripley to be decapitated by the Xenomorph, who would then replicate her voice to make a final note Ripley’s log and to give us a chilling closing sound bite. Producers didn’t like the idea of a morbid ending to an already dark film, and vetoed the curtain closer, allowing Ripley to return to fight another day. The icon of film feminism would live to see the sequel, where she delivered one of the most kickass lines in cinema history.
Do you agree with our list? Who do you think are the best characters that were supposed to die? For more death-dodging top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe WatchMojo.com.
“Jaws” (1975)
Despite what many think, the book’s not always better. At least, that was the case for this marine biologist in Steven Spielberg’s oceanic thriller. The Hooper in Peter Benchley’s original novel is a stuck up know-it-all. He further fulfills the requirements of the resident jerk by having an affair with Brody’s wife. So, in a satisfying turn of events, the book has Matt getting devoured by the shark while in an underwater cage. However, the character’s original fate didn’t gel with the natural charm of actor Richard Dreyfuss. Spielberg, therefore, switched up the plot, letting Hooper live, but still allowing the shark-hating Quint to meet his maker on the high seas – although in a very different way than Benchley had written.
#5: Martin Riggs
“Lethal Weapon 2” (1989)
We all know the phrase: Diplomatic Immunity. This piece of legal armor, worn by the film’s main villain, added a layer of difficulty to the L.A.P.D. duo’s task of protecting Leo Getz, also known as the most annoying witness ever. However, Arjen Rudd’s immunity was alsosupposed to play a part in Officer Riggs’ untimely death. In writer Shane Black’s original script, the cop was shot to death by Rudd at themovie’s climax. However, Warner Bros. wanted more sequels, and forced a rewrite to keep Mel Gibson’s character alive. Black ultimately left the series without finishing the script, but he still considers his tense and emotional first draft to be the best thing he’s ever written.
#4: Dr. Ian Malcolm
“Jurassic Park” (1993)
After previously saving Richard Dreyfuss’s character in “Jaws” because of his charm, Steven Spielberg wasted no time doing the same for Jeff Goldblum. In Michael Crichton’s novel, Dr. Ian Malcolm spends the majority of his time doped up on morphine, slowly fading until he ultimately dies at the end. But Goldblum was so sarcastically endearing as Malcolm that his planned death at the hands of the T-Rex was scrapped to keep audiences happy. In fact, Malcolm’s massive popularity meant the scientist became an important character in the film’s sequel. Dr. Ian’s fame even crossed into the literary world, as Crichton was pressured into retracting the character’s death to keep him around – and to keep people buying.
#3: John Rambo
“First Blood” (1982)
Say what you will about his one-liners, but Sylvester Stallone knows how to orchestrate a successful franchise. While Rocky’s planned death in a street fight in “Rocky V” would’ve been a controversial end for the beloved character, “First Blood”’s misunderstood hero was setto get the axe before the series even got going. David Morrell’s 1972 novel had Rambo killed by Sam Trautman, and early versions of the screenplay went further by having the mentally war-torn veteran commit suicide after his climactic rampage. While sticking to the script would’ve been a profound conclusion, Sly threw it to the wayside in favor of sparking another profitable series. The final version had Rambo making it to the end credits, setting the stage for three sequels.
#2: Han Solo
“Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi” (1983)
We’ve already covered how killing off Solo’s millennial reincarnation in “The Force Awakens” would’ve been a bad move. Now, imagine if the original wisecracking smuggler hadn’t made it out of the original trilogy’s conclusion alive. Well, funny you should say that… Harrison Ford requested that his character martyr himself, not only to up the emotional stakes for the Rebel Forces, but also to show some real development in Han. But even before that, George Lucas had planned for to die somewhere in the middle of “RotJ.” So why didn’t he? Well, toy sales; Han Solo was just too darn popular. But you won’t hear us complaining, as the smuggler lived to once again steal the show in “The Force Awakens.”
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Dr. Will Rodman
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (2011)
- Katie
“Paranormal Activity” (2007)
- Happy Hogan
“Iron Man 3” (2013)
- Chief
“The Fox and the Hound” (1981)
#1: Ellen Ripley
“Alien” (1979)
Ridley Scott’s masterpiece was widely praised for reversing the gender roles that dominated the sci-fi genre. However, the film wouldn’t have become the subversive classic that it is today if things had gone as planned. Scott originally intended for Ripley to be decapitated by the Xenomorph, who would then replicate her voice to make a final note Ripley’s log and to give us a chilling closing sound bite. Producers didn’t like the idea of a morbid ending to an already dark film, and vetoed the curtain closer, allowing Ripley to return to fight another day. The icon of film feminism would live to see the sequel, where she delivered one of the most kickass lines in cinema history.
Do you agree with our list? Who do you think are the best characters that were supposed to die? For more death-dodging top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe WatchMojo.com.
“Jurassic Park” (1993)
After previously saving Richard Dreyfuss’s character in “Jaws” because of his charm, Steven Spielberg wasted no time doing the same for Jeff Goldblum. In Michael Crichton’s novel, Dr. Ian Malcolm spends the majority of his time doped up on morphine, slowly fading until he ultimately dies at the end. But Goldblum was so sarcastically endearing as Malcolm that his planned death at the hands of the T-Rex was scrapped to keep audiences happy. In fact, Malcolm’s massive popularity meant the scientist became an important character in the film’s sequel. Dr. Ian’s fame even crossed into the literary world, as Crichton was pressured into retracting the character’s death to keep him around – and to keep people buying.
#3: John Rambo
“First Blood” (1982)
Say what you will about his one-liners, but Sylvester Stallone knows how to orchestrate a successful franchise. While Rocky’s planned death in a street fight in “Rocky V” would’ve been a controversial end for the beloved character, “First Blood”’s misunderstood hero was setto get the axe before the series even got going. David Morrell’s 1972 novel had Rambo killed by Sam Trautman, and early versions of the screenplay went further by having the mentally war-torn veteran commit suicide after his climactic rampage. While sticking to the script would’ve been a profound conclusion, Sly threw it to the wayside in favor of sparking another profitable series. The final version had Rambo making it to the end credits, setting the stage for three sequels.
#2: Han Solo
“Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi” (1983)
We’ve already covered how killing off Solo’s millennial reincarnation in “The Force Awakens” would’ve been a bad move. Now, imagine if the original wisecracking smuggler hadn’t made it out of the original trilogy’s conclusion alive. Well, funny you should say that… Harrison Ford requested that his character martyr himself, not only to up the emotional stakes for the Rebel Forces, but also to show some real development in Han. But even before that, George Lucas had planned for to die somewhere in the middle of “RotJ.” So why didn’t he? Well, toy sales; Han Solo was just too darn popular. But you won’t hear us complaining, as the smuggler lived to once again steal the show in “The Force Awakens.”
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Dr. Will Rodman
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (2011)
- Katie
“Paranormal Activity” (2007)
- Happy Hogan
“Iron Man 3” (2013)
- Chief
“The Fox and the Hound” (1981)
#1: Ellen Ripley
“Alien” (1979)
Ridley Scott’s masterpiece was widely praised for reversing the gender roles that dominated the sci-fi genre. However, the film wouldn’t have become the subversive classic that it is today if things had gone as planned. Scott originally intended for Ripley to be decapitated by the Xenomorph, who would then replicate her voice to make a final note Ripley’s log and to give us a chilling closing sound bite. Producers didn’t like the idea of a morbid ending to an already dark film, and vetoed the curtain closer, allowing Ripley to return to fight another day. The icon of film feminism would live to see the sequel, where she delivered one of the most kickass lines in cinema history.
Do you agree with our list? Who do you think are the best characters that were supposed to die? For more death-dodging top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe WatchMojo.com.
“Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi” (1983)
We’ve already covered how killing off Solo’s millennial reincarnation in “The Force Awakens” would’ve been a bad move. Now, imagine if the original wisecracking smuggler hadn’t made it out of the original trilogy’s conclusion alive. Well, funny you should say that… Harrison Ford requested that his character martyr himself, not only to up the emotional stakes for the Rebel Forces, but also to show some real development in Han. But even before that, George Lucas had planned for to die somewhere in the middle of “RotJ.” So why didn’t he? Well, toy sales; Han Solo was just too darn popular. But you won’t hear us complaining, as the smuggler lived to once again steal the show in “The Force Awakens.”
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Dr. Will Rodman
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (2011)
- Katie
“Paranormal Activity” (2007)
- Happy Hogan
“Iron Man 3” (2013)
- Chief
“The Fox and the Hound” (1981)
#1: Ellen Ripley
“Alien” (1979)
Ridley Scott’s masterpiece was widely praised for reversing the gender roles that dominated the sci-fi genre. However, the film wouldn’t have become the subversive classic that it is today if things had gone as planned. Scott originally intended for Ripley to be decapitated by the Xenomorph, who would then replicate her voice to make a final note Ripley’s log and to give us a chilling closing sound bite. Producers didn’t like the idea of a morbid ending to an already dark film, and vetoed the curtain closer, allowing Ripley to return to fight another day. The icon of film feminism would live to see the sequel, where she delivered one of the most kickass lines in cinema history.
Do you agree with our list? Who do you think are the best characters that were supposed to die? For more death-dodging top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe WatchMojo.com.
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