Casting Calls

Season 3

Almost every classic Hollywood role was hotly pursued behind the scenes. This series looks at the most famous roles of all-time and reveals the stories behind how they were cast, which other actors were considered, and how your favorite stars landed the part.

Where to Watch Casting Calls • Season 3

20 Episodes

  • 'Forrest Gump'
    E1
    'Forrest Gump'It's hard to imagine Forrest Gump as anyone other than Tom Hanks. See which other A-listers were up for the legendary role.
  • 'Iron Man'
    E2
    'Iron Man'He single-handedly launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but Robert Downey Jr. almost didn't play Iron Man. See which actors almost landed the role.
  • 'Black Widow'
    E3
    'Black Widow'Between 'Avengers: Endgame' and Black Widow's solo movie, Scarlett Johansson is clocking in overtime at the MCU. It's easy to forget how many other actresses were considered for the role.
  • Charlize Theron
    E4
    Charlize TheronCharlize Theron is an Oscar-winning dramatic actress, action hero, and comedic star. She may have her pick of any number of roles, but that wasn't always the case.
  • Emilia Clarke
    E5
    Emilia ClarkeJust as Daenerys Targaryen has earned every one of the 32 words in her title, Emilia Clarke has paid her dues in Hollywood, auditioning and competing for roles on her way to stardom. She wasn't even the original Mother of Dragons. Let's look at the parts she nearly landed.
  • Keanu Reeves
    E6
    Keanu ReevesKeanu Reeves has been one of Hollywood's most prolific actors for three decades, starring in a long list of hits from 'Bill & Ted' and 'Point Break' to 'The Matrix' and 'John Wick.' And just as long as that list are the movies he almost starred in.
  • Brad Pitt
    E7
    Brad PittBrad Pitt has been one of Hollywood's most successful actors since his breakout role in 1991's 'Thelma & Louise.' But what roles did he miss out on through the years?
  • 'X-Men'
    E8
    'X-Men''X-Men' first hit theaters almost two decades ago, launching a massive franchise and making a superstar out of Hugh Jackman. But he, and many other cast members, were not the first choice for their roles.
  • Shailene Woodley
    E9
    Shailene WoodleyShailene Woodley has starred in a trilogy, been in multiple young adult hits, and earned award nominations - but to say it's been easy would be a big little lie. What other roles did she miss out on along the way?
  • Chris Hemsworth
    E10
    Chris HemsworthWe know Chris Hemsworth is killer with a hammer, but turns out he can also nail auditions. Let's see which roles has he been up for over the years.
  • Tom Hanks
    E11
    Tom HanksHe's one of the greatest actors of all-time, with 5 Oscar nominations and two wins, plus countless box office blockbusters. But even Tom Hanks has missed out on some classic roles.
  • Winona Ryder
    E12
    Winona RyderWinona Ryder's career rocketed to fame in the late 80's and early 90's, and currently has her back at A-list status with "Stranger Things." But what are the roles that she turned down in-between?
  • Emma Stone
    E13
    Emma StoneEmma Stone is a Hollywood "favourite" now, but her rise to stardom hasn't always been "easy A's." What roles did she miss out on along the way?
  • Spider-Man
    E14
    Spider-ManSpider-Man has been one of the biggest superhero franchises to hit the big screen in the past two decades. Between all 3 iterations, its history is a web of tangled could've-beens. Who was almost cast along the way?
  • Evan Rachel Wood
    E15
    Evan Rachel WoodAs a star on "Westworld", Evan Rachel Wood knows all about alternate realities. And in a different version of her Hollywood story, she could've been both a 'Mean Girl' and a 'Runaway'. What other roles did she turn down?
  • Arnold Schwarzenegger
    E16
    Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Schwarzenegger is one of the biggest movie stars of all time - literally. But he's also missed out on some blockbusters along the way. What roles did he pass on?
  • Leonardo DiCaprio
    E17
    Leonardo DiCaprioWith his 30 year resume of award-winning performances and box office smashes, it's easy to believe Leonardo DiCaprio really is the "king of the world." But Leo struggled at the beginning, just like everyone else. What roles did he almost play along the way?
  • Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
    E18
    Dwayne 'The Rock' JohnsonDwayne Johnson's rock climb to stardom is full of eyebrow-raising turns, from being considered for 'Jack Reacher' and 'Willy Wonka' to landing a huge role from a Facebook suggestion.
  • Margot Robbie
    E19
    Margot RobbieMargot Robbie almost played Emma Stone's role in 'Birdman', and Emma Roberts could have been Harley Quinn! Take a look at all the twists and turns in Margot Robbie's career in this episode of "Casting Calls".
  • "The Office"
    E20
    "The Office""The Office" turned its cast into comedy icons, but the list of stars who were almost cast is just as long and impressive (that's what she said). Just how different could the cast have looked?

 

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