12 Actors Who Almost Had The Part

Casting a Hollywood film takes a great deal of patience, especially when a studio's first choice turns down a role.

From "Iron Man" to "Pretty Woman," some of the biggest hits may have had a totally different look if the lead roles hadn't been passed on by other actors. We've gathered 12 major roles that were recast ? and the actors who missed out on and scored the part.

Take a look through the slideshow below to see who almost headlined these iconic films.

• Catherine Tramell in "Basic Instinct"

  One of Sharon Stone's most iconic roles was in the super sexy thriller "Basic Instinct." But she wasn't the first choice to play the mysterious Catherine Tramell.

• The Part Almost Went To ...

  "Top Gun" beauty Kelly McGillis was initially considered for the role but it ultimately went to Stone, launching her film career.

• Johnny Castle in "Dirty Dancing"

  In the classic film about a sultry romance between dance instructor Johnny Castle and Baby Houseman, Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey were the perfect pair. But another leading man almost snagged the lead male role.

• The Part Almost Went To ...

  "Top Gun" heartthrob Val Kilmer was also considered for the role of Johnny in the 1987 hit movie.

• Jack Torrance in "The Shining"

  Jack Nicholson struck fear into his own family as Jack Torrance, the psychotic father who tries to kill his wife and son. But this part almost went to another Hollywood star.

• The Part Almost Went To ...

  Robin Williams was considered for the part, which would have definitely been an interesting role for the funny man.

• Vivian Ward in "Pretty Woman"

  Julia Roberts captured hearts across the nation with her role as Richard Gere's escort turned romantic interest Vivian Ward. But this love story may have had a different look had the film's first choice accepted the role.

• The Part Almost Went To ...

  Molly Ringwald was first offered the part but turned it down, making way for Roberts to perform one of her most memorable roles.

• Clarice Starling in "Silence of the Lambs"

  Jodie Foster won a Golden Globe and Oscar for her portrayal as Clarice Starling, an FBI agent responsible for getting assistance from Hannibal Lecter, a demented psychopath played by Anthony Hopkins. But Foster wasn't the first pick for the role.

• The Part Almost Went To ...

  Michelle Pfeiffer was first offered the role, but she turned it down due to its violent storyline.

• Indiana Jones in "Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark"

  Harrison Ford is best known for his role as the fearless archaeologist Indiana Jones. But that runaway boulder was almost chasing another leading man.

• The Part Almost Went To ...

  The film's writer and producer George Lucas was set on Tom Selleck as Jones, but Steven Spielberg pushed for Ford.

• Neo in "The Matrix"

  Keanu Reeves scored a huge win after being cast as Neo in the science fiction hit film "The Matrix." But Reeves initially had a little competition for the part.

• The Part Almost Went To ...

  Ewan McGregor was first cast at Neo but decided to turn down the film to play Obi-Wan Kenobe in "Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menance."

• Maximus in "Gladiator"

  Russell Crowe won an Oscar for his performance as Maximus in the hit film "Gladiator." But there was another Aussie actor who was initially considered for the part.

• The Part Almost Went To ...

  Mel Gibson was offered the role but turned it down.

• Cher Horowitz in "Clueless"

  Alicia Silverstone seemed to perfectly embody the Beverly Hills High student, matchmaker and popular girl Cher Horowitz in the 90s classic "Clueless." A 90s television favorite was first considered for the part, though.

• The Part Almost Went To ...

  Sarah Michelle Geller was initially offered the role but passed on the film. The movie went on to launch Silverstone's career.

• Jack Dawson in "Titanic"

  Leonardo DiCaprio struck gold when he was cast as the love interest of Kate Winslet in the mega hit "Titanic." But had the studio had its choice, another Hollywood hottie would have played the role of Jack Dawson.

• The Part Almost Went To ...

  Matthew McConaughey was the first choice for the role of Jack. But in the end, Leo was cast and Jack and Rose were etched into the memories of hopeless romantics around the world.

• Forrest Gump in "Forrest Gump"

  Tom Hanks may have been down one Oscar and Golden Globe win if the studio's first choice for Forrest Gump had accepted the role.

• The Part Almost Went To ...

  John Travolta turned down the part, making way for a memorable performance and even more memorable quotes from Hanks.

• Tony Stark in "Iron Man"

  Robert Downey Jr. played billionaire Tony Stark in both "Iron Man" and "Iron Man 2." But he wasn't the first choice for the role.

• The Part Almost Went To ...

  Tom Cruise was offered the role first but ultimately turned it down due to issues with the script.

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/24/actors-recast-in-movies_n_2543452.html

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