Our mind is doing backflips right now. Have you ever wondered how different the world would be if Cher hadn't been played by Alicia Silverstone? Would you have been able to deal with Molly Ringwald in Pretty Woman instead of Julia Roberts? Does Will Smith playing Neo from The Matrix freak you out a little? We're with you. The folks over at Entertainment Weekly put together a piece called, "What if Al Pacino Played Han Solo? & 19 Other Far-Fetched, Totally Ridiculous but Almost-Really-Happened Tales From Hollywood's Casting Archives." The article details what it would have been like if other celebs had taken the place of the actors who played the iconic roles we all know and love. From The X-Files to Forest Gump, you will not believe which actors almost got cast as your favorite characters. Take a gander at what could have been!
1. Molly Ringwald as Vivian in Pretty Woman. Fun fact, according to the article, a handful of Hollywood was offered and subsequently turned down the role, including Molly. The '80s icon later stated in a Reddit interview that Julia Roberts is what made the movie. Agree! We're glad Molly stuck to staying Pretty in Pink instead.
2. Tom Selleck as Indiana Jones. Although the actor wanted to play the role in Raiders of the Lost Ark, the article notes he had to pass due to obligations with Magnum P.I. The iconic role went to Harrison Ford.
3. John Travolta as Forrest Gump. No. Just no. Nobody can beat the sensitive soul that was Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump. Travolta passed on the role, according to the article, and later said he regretted that decision. Duh!
4. Pamela Anderson as Scully from The X-Files. Holy whoa. It's hard to imagine the Baywatch star running around in a pantsuit instead of her signature red one-piece. We totally would have loved to see Pam in a more serious role, however. The role went to Gillian Anderson, and the rest is history.
5. Matthew Broderick as Walter White on Breaking Bad. This actually sounds like a pretty cool choice. We could have totally seen the Ferris Bueller star tap into his crazy to play Walter. The article notes Broderick wasn't the only actor who passed on the epic role. John Cusack said no as well. Say what!?
6. Al Pacino as Han Solo in Star Wars. LOL. Make it stop. According to the piece, Pacino didn't understand the script prompting the role to go to its rightful owner, Harrison Ford. Props to Ford for making the list twice!
7. Will Smith as Neo in The Matrix. Okay, we know this is a little weird, but we can totally see this working out. Smith is known for his kick-butt roles in films like Men in Black so it kind of works, right? The piece notes Smith passed on the role later admitting he would have "absolutely messed up The Matrix." Aw, don't be so hard on yourself!
Which casting choice shocked you the most? Tell us in the comments!
Speaking of iconic roles, check out this vintage interview with the cast of Clueless!