10 Movie Actors Who Were Replaced at the Last Minute
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VOICE OVER: Patrick Mealey
WRITTEN BY: Cristina Otero
Oh, what might have been! Welcome to WatchMojo, and today, we're looking at instances where an actor unexpectedly exited a film project, leading to a last-minute replacement. Minor spoilers will ensue! Our countdown includes actors Colin Firth, James McAvoy, Winona Ryder and more!
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today, we’re looking at instances where an actor unexpectedly exited a film project, leading to a last-minute replacement. Minor spoilers will ensue! Which other case of an actor quitting at the last minute lives in your head rent-free, wondering what might have been? Let us know in the comments down below!
Ed Harris’ Christof is a master manipulator who curates every aspect of lead man Truman’s life. As the producer of the in-universe “Truman Show,” Harris can and does fire actors at will, especially those who develop sympathies for the clueless Truman. Before Harris came to play the cruel producer, it was first given to Dennis Hopper. Hopper’s performance proved unsatisfactory to producers and he was let go. Ed Harris finally agreed to accept the role, though not until many other actors had turned it down. Life imitates art imitates life.
In this unlikely comedy, public radio journalist Adam’s life is upended when a cancerous tumor is discovered in his spine. Facing infidelity, befriending fellow patients, and a slow-burn relationship with his therapist, Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s role is a difficult one, juggling comedy and pathos. The role of Adam was initially given to James McAvoy. Fearing he’d miss his first child’s birth, though, McAvoy dropped out. It would have been interesting to see how McAvoy would have fared in a tragicomedy. As it is, Gordon-Levitt delivers a straight-man performance that plays well against the comic absurdities of his supporting cast.
Beware the consequences of hating Madonna too much. “A League of Their Own” is a classic film by Penny Marshall following the triumphs and struggles of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Debra Winger was initially among the star-studded cast, getting ready to play Dottie after Demi Moore dropped out due to her pregnancy. But Madonna’s casting as Mae proved to be a deal-breaker for Winger. Per Winger, the film was becoming more like “an Elvis film.” The filmmakers finally cast Geena Davis, fresh off her lead role in “Thelma & Louise,” as Dottie. Lesson learned: Don’t let Madonna’s presence foil your ball-playing dreams.
A critical and commercial success, followed by a well-received sequel, “Paddington’s” titular cuddly sentient bear could have had a different voice altogether. Colin Firth was cast as the voice for Paddington, a very British choice. However, during production, Firth had difficulty settling on the right voice for the character. When he dropped out, he was replaced by Ben Whishaw, who imbues a gentle warmth to the character. It would have been something to have seen – or rather heard – Firth’s crisp propriety. But as it is, Whishaw delivers a charming performance suitable for this sweet, family-friendly film.
In this buddy cop action comedy, Eddie Murphy plays rough Detective Axel Foley on probation for a failed sting operation. Murphy’s independent, street-smart, but warm interpretation of Axel makes him an endearing protagonist to follow. Before Murphy was called in for the role, the part was given to Sylvester Stallone. Stallone had a different vision for the film, rewriting the action comedy into a standard action flick. No doubt that would have been more in line with Stallone’s talents, but the producers were loath to get rid of the comedy. Stallone eventually used these same ideas for his film “Cobra,” and Murphy got a chance to flex his action comedy chops. All’s well that ends well.
This major franchise could have been very different with another Predator. In the original sci-fi film, Vietnam veteran Dutch leads an expedition that discovers and hunts for the titular alien creature. The creature was initially going to be played by Jean-Claude Van Damme. Van Damme had the advantage of martial arts training, with his Predator being more of a stealthy, evasive hunter. However, Damme complained about the stuffy body suit, claiming it was too hot to breathe. Damme’s slight physique, especially compared to Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role, was also a factor, with the filmmakers deciding that a more physically intimidating creature was necessary. They settled on Kevin Peter Hall instead with Peter Cullen providing the voice.
For fans, it’d be hard to imagine an actor other than Jamie Dornan to play Christian Grey, the billionaire with particular bedroom tastes. Charlie Hunnam was originally cast opposite Dakota Johnson, however. Interestingly enough, Hunnam initially turned out the part before he reconsidered. Once he read the book, he even grew excited to play the part, doing successful readings with Johnson. Unfortunately, Hunnam still had the final season of “Sons of Anarchy” left to film. On top of that, he had promised his friend Guillermo del Toro that he would star in his film “Crimson Peak.” Many actors were considered for Hunnam’s replacement before Jamie Dornan was picked for Grey.
Inspector Callahan’s hunt for sadistic killer Scorpio in this neo-noir could have had an entirely different Dirty Harry. Legendary singer Frank Sinatra had some acting chops and a real-life rough-and-tough personality. The script was even picked up with him in mind, but a wrist injury that Sinatra got while filming “The Manchurian Candidate” proved a grave deterrent to any heavy action shenanigans. Other contenders for Callahan ranged from John Wayne, to Marlon Brando, to Burt Lancaster, to Steve McQueen. In the end, Clint Eastwood took on the role. Perhaps casting Sinatra would have avoided some of the film’s controversy, but Eastwood undoubtedly was suited for a cop who takes matters into his own hands.
Director Francis Ford Coppola’s delayed return to his legendary “Godfather” series disappointed many fans and critics alike. A chief complaint concerned the performance of Coppola’s daughter Sofia, cast for the role of Michael Corleone’s daughter, Mary. Winona Ryder, who was all set to play the role, suffered exhaustion from working movies back-to-back and had to drop out at the last minute. Desperate for a replacement, Coppola turned to his daughter for the role. The results were catastrophic. Critics went to town on Coppola’s stilted performance, a lambast verging on cruel. Whether critics would have been more favorable to the film had Ryder played Mary has been the subject of much speculation. Either way, this last-minute casting decision would be the stuff of Hollywood infamy.
There is and never should be a version of this classic film without Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. But this film was almost made entirely without Ford in the picture. George Lucas initially wanted an unknown actor to play the lead role. Having cast Ford in “Star Wars,” Lucas had no desire to repeat actors. Tom Selleck was the favorite, but he was contractually obligated to star in CBS’s “Magnum, P.I.” When Lucas and Steven Spielberg requested CBS to release Selleck early, it greenlit the show instead, forcing Selleck to drop out. Ouch. With no lead man, they turned to Harrison Ford, who was happy to oblige. The rest is Hollywood history, with the part fitting Ford like a glove… or a fedora.
Dennis Hopper
“The Truman Show” (1998)Ed Harris’ Christof is a master manipulator who curates every aspect of lead man Truman’s life. As the producer of the in-universe “Truman Show,” Harris can and does fire actors at will, especially those who develop sympathies for the clueless Truman. Before Harris came to play the cruel producer, it was first given to Dennis Hopper. Hopper’s performance proved unsatisfactory to producers and he was let go. Ed Harris finally agreed to accept the role, though not until many other actors had turned it down. Life imitates art imitates life.
James McAvoy
“50/50” (2011)In this unlikely comedy, public radio journalist Adam’s life is upended when a cancerous tumor is discovered in his spine. Facing infidelity, befriending fellow patients, and a slow-burn relationship with his therapist, Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s role is a difficult one, juggling comedy and pathos. The role of Adam was initially given to James McAvoy. Fearing he’d miss his first child’s birth, though, McAvoy dropped out. It would have been interesting to see how McAvoy would have fared in a tragicomedy. As it is, Gordon-Levitt delivers a straight-man performance that plays well against the comic absurdities of his supporting cast.
Debra Winger
“A League of Their Own” (1992)Beware the consequences of hating Madonna too much. “A League of Their Own” is a classic film by Penny Marshall following the triumphs and struggles of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Debra Winger was initially among the star-studded cast, getting ready to play Dottie after Demi Moore dropped out due to her pregnancy. But Madonna’s casting as Mae proved to be a deal-breaker for Winger. Per Winger, the film was becoming more like “an Elvis film.” The filmmakers finally cast Geena Davis, fresh off her lead role in “Thelma & Louise,” as Dottie. Lesson learned: Don’t let Madonna’s presence foil your ball-playing dreams.
Colin Firth
“Paddington” (2014)A critical and commercial success, followed by a well-received sequel, “Paddington’s” titular cuddly sentient bear could have had a different voice altogether. Colin Firth was cast as the voice for Paddington, a very British choice. However, during production, Firth had difficulty settling on the right voice for the character. When he dropped out, he was replaced by Ben Whishaw, who imbues a gentle warmth to the character. It would have been something to have seen – or rather heard – Firth’s crisp propriety. But as it is, Whishaw delivers a charming performance suitable for this sweet, family-friendly film.
Sylvester Stallone
“Beverly Hills Cop” (1984)In this buddy cop action comedy, Eddie Murphy plays rough Detective Axel Foley on probation for a failed sting operation. Murphy’s independent, street-smart, but warm interpretation of Axel makes him an endearing protagonist to follow. Before Murphy was called in for the role, the part was given to Sylvester Stallone. Stallone had a different vision for the film, rewriting the action comedy into a standard action flick. No doubt that would have been more in line with Stallone’s talents, but the producers were loath to get rid of the comedy. Stallone eventually used these same ideas for his film “Cobra,” and Murphy got a chance to flex his action comedy chops. All’s well that ends well.
Jean-Claude Van Damme
“Predator” (1987)This major franchise could have been very different with another Predator. In the original sci-fi film, Vietnam veteran Dutch leads an expedition that discovers and hunts for the titular alien creature. The creature was initially going to be played by Jean-Claude Van Damme. Van Damme had the advantage of martial arts training, with his Predator being more of a stealthy, evasive hunter. However, Damme complained about the stuffy body suit, claiming it was too hot to breathe. Damme’s slight physique, especially compared to Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role, was also a factor, with the filmmakers deciding that a more physically intimidating creature was necessary. They settled on Kevin Peter Hall instead with Peter Cullen providing the voice.
Charlie Hunnam
“Fifty Shades of Grey” (2015)For fans, it’d be hard to imagine an actor other than Jamie Dornan to play Christian Grey, the billionaire with particular bedroom tastes. Charlie Hunnam was originally cast opposite Dakota Johnson, however. Interestingly enough, Hunnam initially turned out the part before he reconsidered. Once he read the book, he even grew excited to play the part, doing successful readings with Johnson. Unfortunately, Hunnam still had the final season of “Sons of Anarchy” left to film. On top of that, he had promised his friend Guillermo del Toro that he would star in his film “Crimson Peak.” Many actors were considered for Hunnam’s replacement before Jamie Dornan was picked for Grey.
Frank Sinatra
“Dirty Harry” (1971)Inspector Callahan’s hunt for sadistic killer Scorpio in this neo-noir could have had an entirely different Dirty Harry. Legendary singer Frank Sinatra had some acting chops and a real-life rough-and-tough personality. The script was even picked up with him in mind, but a wrist injury that Sinatra got while filming “The Manchurian Candidate” proved a grave deterrent to any heavy action shenanigans. Other contenders for Callahan ranged from John Wayne, to Marlon Brando, to Burt Lancaster, to Steve McQueen. In the end, Clint Eastwood took on the role. Perhaps casting Sinatra would have avoided some of the film’s controversy, but Eastwood undoubtedly was suited for a cop who takes matters into his own hands.
Winona Ryder
“The Godfather: Part III” (1990)Director Francis Ford Coppola’s delayed return to his legendary “Godfather” series disappointed many fans and critics alike. A chief complaint concerned the performance of Coppola’s daughter Sofia, cast for the role of Michael Corleone’s daughter, Mary. Winona Ryder, who was all set to play the role, suffered exhaustion from working movies back-to-back and had to drop out at the last minute. Desperate for a replacement, Coppola turned to his daughter for the role. The results were catastrophic. Critics went to town on Coppola’s stilted performance, a lambast verging on cruel. Whether critics would have been more favorable to the film had Ryder played Mary has been the subject of much speculation. Either way, this last-minute casting decision would be the stuff of Hollywood infamy.
Tom Selleck
“Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981)There is and never should be a version of this classic film without Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. But this film was almost made entirely without Ford in the picture. George Lucas initially wanted an unknown actor to play the lead role. Having cast Ford in “Star Wars,” Lucas had no desire to repeat actors. Tom Selleck was the favorite, but he was contractually obligated to star in CBS’s “Magnum, P.I.” When Lucas and Steven Spielberg requested CBS to release Selleck early, it greenlit the show instead, forcing Selleck to drop out. Ouch. With no lead man, they turned to Harrison Ford, who was happy to oblige. The rest is Hollywood history, with the part fitting Ford like a glove… or a fedora.
