It’s pretty incredible to realize that a single casting decision or one scheduling conflict can change the shows we love the most. There are TV series so unique and spectacular that it seems impossible that anyone else could have been involved with them. We could look at film where Tom Hanks almost played the titular character in Jerry Maguire, a role that took Tom Cruise’s career to even greater heights. On the TV side – there’s Kaley Cuoco who replaced Amanda Walsh to become one of primetime’s most recognizable actors on The Big Bang Theory. TV has a unique position as each week viewer’s invite these characters into their homes. These faces become recognizable and part of family’s weekly routines. It also has the opportunity to take newcomers and make them into stars.
Hopefuls come far and wide to Hollywood to try and make it big. 80% of all Hollywood projects are cast in Los Angeles. Walking down Hollywood Boulevard, you’ll meet a slew of people auditioning and training to become a star. Look beneath your feet and you’ll find the Walk of Fame with the names of those who made it. And yet, despite the plethora of talent and ambition in L.A., only a few end up becoming successful.
Once in awhile, someone will score big. Before Jennifer Aniston was cast in the star making performance of Rachel Green in the hit sitcom Friends, hundreds of women were called in to read for the role. In fact, for each of the of the six lead roles, NBC received a list of more than 1,000 actors who were considered for a part on the series. Anything could have happened to change the cast we see today.
Casting in Hollywood is mostly kept under wraps. Production can change even after shooting begins, so studios try to remain discrete about any creative decisions before the product hits the screens. Sometimes we get a glimpse into the casting process when an actor shares an anecdote after the project is released. Sometimes we get an interview that offers insight into an actor’s career and the direction they’ve taken. It’s also impossible to detect what show will become a hit and what will end up a miss. Ray Liotta, for example, passed on The Sopranos because he didn’t want to do a TV show. The role went to James Gandolfini who breathed so much life into Tony Soprano it’s now difficult to even imagine Liotta – or anyone else – in the role.
We’ve gathered some of the most interesting and at times shocking casting decisions that could have changed the way we experienced some of the most iconic TV shows ever. Check out who could have starred in your favorite series and who missed out on the role that created star performances for the actors who landed the job.
[post_page_title]Seth Rogen/Rainn Wilson[/post_page_title]
Movie star Seth Rogen auditioned with a long line of Hollywood royalty for a role in The Office. His audition came years before his breakout roles in the Judd Apatow-produced comedies Knocked Up, Superbad, and Pineapple Express. Rainn Wilson landed the role of Dwight Schrute after appearing as minor characters in hit shows including Charmed and Entourage. There are likely no hard feelings between the two, as Rogen has starred in a number of hit films since The Office premiered back in 2005.
