The folks at notstarring.com have put together a list of the year’s Oscar contenders and the stars who turned down opportunities to star in them. There is, of course, Nicolas Cage in “The Wrestler” and Russell Crowe in “Australia.” Heath Ledger is also mentioned for the latter (somehow I didn’t know that).
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” given its lengthy gestation period in Hollywood, had a slew of names attached: Steven Spielberg, Spike Jonze and Ron Howard in the director’s chair, Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Rachel Weisz in front of the camera.
Those of us who follow Batman casting decisions closely know all the names that pop up in the “Dark Knight” section, though somehow I never realized Linus Roache was going to reprise his role of Thomas Wayne in flashbacks. I feel like that would have worked and been a nice element to tie the film more closely to “Batman Begins.”
There are plenty others to read through, including Matt Damon and Chris Evans being considered for the roles that eventually went to Josh Brolin and James Franco respectively in “Milk.” There’s even a beefy section on “Wanted.” Go have a look.
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10 responses to “Who almost starred in the season’s Oscar nominated films?”
Don’t forget Tom Cruise was very nearly Dan White as well.
I seriously can’t believe that Oprah Winfrey wanted to play Mrs. Miller in “Doubt”. But if that’s true, kudos to Shanley for turning her down. Can you imagine Oprah Winfrey suddenly popping up mid-film? Not that I don’t think she couldn’t do a good job, but such a popular presence as Oprah would totally have been a distraction.
Oprah as Mrs. Miller in Doubt?! LOL!
I can totally picture it. After seeing her performance in The Colour Purple, shes got some acting chops in there.
Matt Damon was supposed to be in Milk, DArk Knight and Rev. Road, but had to drop out because of conflicts with other movies. I hope it was worth it to him.
Eminem as Wesley Gibson actually might’ve worked.
And Damon would’ve worked as Harvey Dent, as well.
The ultimate casting for Dent was his if he wanted it: Liev Schreiber. Sadly, I guess, he didn’t want it.
I dig this little thing put together. Have to say though, I feel Owen Wilson as the slimy agent wouldn’t have worked as nicely as McConaghey did.
Nicole Kidman was supposed to play Hanna Schmitz in the Reader
Sean Penn was the first rumored to play Joker in The Dark Knight
Tom Cruise also wanted to play Tony Stark in Iron Man
Hilary Swank and Reese Witherspoon were former choices for Changeling
Pauley please Netfilx Beloved