Movie Rolls That Could Have Been

When you think of certain roles in classic films, there are actors that take the role and truly make it their own for all time. You watch the film and you can't imagine any other actor in that role because they just seemed to have nailed the character in every way and have in many cases made the character an icon who no other can portray.

Here are a few examples of casting attempts that almost changed some iconic characters in American cinema.

Al Pacino - His body of work is impressive and second to none. He's brought to life some classic characters in his career such as Michael Corleone in the Godfather, Tony Montana from Scarface and Colonel Frank Slade in Scent of a Woman to name a few. He was also offered, and turned down the lead roles in Pretty Woman, Crimson Tide and the part of Han Solo in a little movie that came to be known as Star Wars. "Here they come Chewie - Hoo Haaa!"

Gene Hackman - One of the most versatile character actors working in film today, Gene can do it all from drama, thrillers, comedy and has brought many memorable characters to life on the big screen. In the 70s, Gene was offered a role on the small screen for a new sitcom that was in development. Although he considered it, he eventually turned down the role of Mike Brady on the Brady Bunch.

Marie Osmond - One half of the most successful brother and sister duo acts, Marie Osmond had quite the fan base in the late 70s and early 80s prompting producers to offer her the lead role of Sandy in the original Grease movie. Marie turned the role down on moral grounds. She of course went on to be a regular performer in Las Vegas - a city known for it's high morality. Go figure.

Clint Eastwood - Clint brought the role of Dirty Harry Calahan to life on the big screen and gave the character the grit and attitude the role demanded. Before he was cast for the role, it was offered and turned down by John Wayne, Frank Sinatra and Paul Newman. It was Paul's idea to suggest Clint to the producers after he turned the role down. I guess he made Clint's day. (Sorry I couldn't resist that one)

Jodie Foster - No doubt Jodie Foster is not only a beautiful woman but an accomplished actress with many credits to her name. One of her most famous roles was Clarisse in Silence of the Lambs though she only got it after it was turned down by Michelle Pfeiffer. She was also offered the role made famous by Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct but turned it down obviously.

Chris O'Donnell - Chris had no problem accepting the role of Robin for one of the Batman movies that basically sucked and hurt his career to this day. He did give up a role in another movie that he thought would hurt his career although the man it went to had no regrets. Will Smith had no problem putting on the dark suit and sunglasses in Men In Black that Chris had turned down.

Kevin Spacey - American Beauty was a role that earned Kevin Spacey an Academy Award for leading man. It's interesting to wonder if the award would have been given to one of the other actors the role was offered to first. They were Chevy Chase and Tom Hanks.

Tom could probably have pulled it off though Chevy would have likely ruined the film and it would have taken on a more "Vacation"ish vibe. What a difference good casting makes!

Comments

R.I.P. Sir Roger Moore (1927-2017)

It's a sad day for Bond fans with the news of the passing of Sir Roger Moore at age 89 after a short battle with cancer. The charismatic actor wore the 007 mantle for seven films playing the super suave British secret agent, James Bond from 1973 to 1985, replacing Sean Connery and went on to be the longest serving Bond to date. Roger had early success on television portraying Simon Templar in the "The Saint" and that role groomed him well for taking over the 007 franchise. He did have quite the television resume before taking on films including roles in "Ivanhoe", "The Alaskans" and "Maverick" and with Tony Curtis in "The Persuaders". His big break came in 1973's "Live and Left Die" that launched Moore's Bond. Roger brought a smoother more gentlemanly vibe to the role compared to Sean's rough and tumble Bond. The mix worked well and it brought a new standard to how Bond would be played in future films.

Earth, Wind and Ozzy !!

There is no doubt that the advent of technology has produced many amazing things that most of us never saw coming or would ever think was possible. Furthest from anyone's mind would be the mashing of two polar opposite musical styles of heavy metal and funk. Not possible you say? Check out the fine work by DJ Cummerbund as he seamlessly combines the heavy metal madness of Ozzy Osbourne with the super slick, funky rhythms of Earth, Wind and Fire to produce a mashup of Crazy Train and September. Ain't technology grand??

Candies You Grew Up With That May Gross You Out Now (Part 1)

Being a kid in the 70s and 80s allowed you to experience certain candies that may no longer be produced but some of the stuff you grew up with is still around and there are even some specialty stores and websites that cater to making available the treats of your youth. However, just because you can still get them, doesn't mean you should. Your adult palette is vastly different than your youthful taste of what was gross and what was really cool. While eating some of the stuff on this list today may remind you of your youth, it may also provide startling and sobering realizations that you may not have been firing on all cylinders when making choices while spending your hard earned allowance at the candy counter as a kid. Bazooka - Not only was this gum cheap, 2 for a penny back in the day although I may be seriously dating myself, but it also came with a small comic featuring Bazooka Joe, who wore an eye patch and a bunch of his freaky friends including Mort who wore his turtleneck

Before They Were Famous Part 2

Here's the second installment of a glimpse into famous celebrities early start in show business thanks to the retro miracle of VCRs. When you're first starting out, any role you land to try and pay the bills is a good one. In our first installment we featured the McDLT commercial with Jason Alexander. Here he is again in another commercial with Bruce Willis for Levis's Jeans. Before suffering Growing Pains or sinking on the Titanic, Leonardo DiCaprio was just a cute kid who liked to chew gum and listen to really big boom boxes. The late Farrah Fawcett was one of the most beautiful women on television. Before her big break on Charlie's Angels, Farrah took really good care of her most second famous attribute besides her hair, her teeth.

TV Cops Before They Were Sexy

It seems most TV dramas these days are either legal or medical dramas. Regardless of whether it's a gritty, hard hitting drama or a cerebral enigma that unravels itself over an hour, one thing is consistent. Sexy people. Now I'm not saying that there weren't beautiful people on TV back in the day - after all it was called the boob tube for a reason however it seems that casting directors didn't have to worry about eye appeal when choosing actors for their TV dramas. Here's a few examples: Barnaby Jones (1973) - First of all, who the heck names their kid Barnaby? Your just begging for a school yard beating with a label like that. Uncle Jed Clampett, a.k.a Buddy Epsen (who the heck names their kid buddy either !?!?) was the title character in this show about a retired detective and his daughter-in-law solving crimes while searching for his son's murderer. Just look at those bedroom eyes. Damn son...... turn it down a notch, it's gettin' hot in here.

Retroguy's Wonderland

Search This Blog