40+ Actors Who Were Supposed to Play Famous Roles but Missed the Opportunity of a Lifetime

Nowadays, we simply can't imagine Tony Stark being played by anyone other than Robert Downey Jr. The strongest, most memorable characters end up being virtually indistinguishable from the individuals that played them. For example —  thanks to Twilight, Robert Pattinson will always be remembered as the pale, sparkling vampire. But, before these actors were chosen for these iconic roles, there were other people who were being considered. To answer the "what if" of other actors being chosen, we've assembled a list of actors who were supposed to play famous roles, but lost the opportunity to someone else.

The Matrix altered how viewers perceived fast-paced action scenes supported by incredible special effects. Keanu Reeves became an overnight sensation and a popular brand because of the Hollywood sci-fi action movie. But, did you know that the casting team didn't start with Keanu Reeves for the part of Neo? Neo was first offered to none other than Men in Black star, Will Smith.

Tim Roth is known for his roles in Planet of the Apes and The Reservoir Dogs. The actor declined the role of Severus Snape because he knew it would mean a long-term commitment, which he thought he couldn't make at the time. In his self-explanatory remarks on There's Something About Movies, he explained, "I thought, 'OK, that's interesting. I'll be on every backpack or whatever it is,' and then I said. I'll be recognized for that part.''

Gwyneth Paltrow was almost cast as Rose. But, in the end, it was Kate Winslet that was made a sensation, thanks to the affluent traveler who fell in love with Leonardo DiCaprio's suave Jack on the tragic voyage.

John Travolta saw a string of critical and box office flops in the 1980s; it wasn't until 1989's Look Who's Talking that he appeared in a movie as popular as Grease. When the part of Forrest Gump was offered to Travolta, he chose to decline it in favor of another endeavor.