Vin Diesel, xXx: State of the Union
After the success of 2002’s xXx, Vin Diesel declined to return for the sequel. The studio moved on without him, casting Ice Cube in 2005’s xXx: State of the Union, which failed to capture the original’s magic.
Jack Nicholson, The Bonfire of the Vanities
Director Brian De Palma wanted Jack Nicholson for a key role, but he passed. The studio then pushed for Bruce Willis in the part, leading to a notoriously miscast film that became a huge critical and financial failure.
Robin Williams, Howard the Duck
The legendary Robin Williams was the first voice of Howard, but he quit after just a few days. He found it impossible to match his fast-paced improv style to the movements of the animatronic duck’s bill in the 1986 film.
Harrison Ford, Basic Instinct 2
It took over a decade to get Basic Instinct 2 made, and Harrison Ford was one of many big names considered for the male lead along the way. He wisely passed, avoiding the critically slammed and unsuccessful sequel.
Bradley Cooper, Green Lantern
It came down to Bradley Cooper and Ryan Reynolds for the lead in 2011’s Green Lantern. The director reportedly preferred Cooper, but the studio cast Reynolds and the film ultimately flopped, failing to launch a new franchise.
Russell Crowe, Alexander
Russell Crowe was reportedly considered for Oliver Stone’s historical epic. The $150 million film was a disaster in the US, with Stone blaming American “fundamentalism” for its rejection at the box office. Crowe dodged a big one.
