Ah, theromance genre. One that can be broken down into so many enjoyable sub-genres, from comedy to drama to musical. Romance movies have been captivating audiences for over a century and will undoubtedly live on forever. Turn the lights down low, set the mood, and let’s explore ten romance movie roles that almost went to different actors.
10Julia Roberts - Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Sleepless in Seattleis not only one of the greatest romantic films of the ’90s, but perhaps of all time. One of directorNora Ephron’s best films, it holds a unique place in the hearts of many moviegoers. Flashing their chemistry on screen once again, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan helped to make this Oscar nominated classic the hit movie that it is. It was also a movie that was almost headlined byJulia Robertsin the role of Annie Reed. Roberts had to pass on the role, however, as she was in the middle of filming her own iconic romantic movie,Pretty Woman.
9Tom Hanks - When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
Keeping with theTom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Nora Ephron theme, it was Hanks who almost played the role of Harry Burns in the 1989 romantic comedyWhen Harry Met Sally…Hanks would ultimately turn down the role, and Billy Crystal would join the project opposite Meg Ryan.
8Jessica Simpson - A Walk to Remember (2002)
Mandy Moore and Shane West played their characters of Jamie and Landon to perfection in the heartbreaking romantic drama,A Walk to Remember. Audiences were almost introduced to a whole different movie, however, as it wasJessica Simpsonwho was considered to take on the role of Jamie and would have almost certainly not delivered the top-tier dramatic performance that Moor gave.
7Emma Watson - La La Land (2016)
The hit romantic musicalLa La Landtook the world by storm in 2016, going on to earn a record-tying, at the time, 14 Academy Award nominations. The chemistry between Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling is unmatched and through multiple films together has started to rival that of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. WithEmma Watsonoriginally slated to star in the film opposite Miles Teller, Watson was forced to drop out due to her commitment to the live-actionBeauty and the Beastfilm. Funny enough, it was Ryan Gosling who turned down the beast role in the very same movie in order to star inLa La Land.
6Matt Damon - Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Before audiences saw the finished Ang Lee-directedBrokeback Mountain, the film had a difficult time securing a director for the project. At one point filmmaker Gus Van Sant was attached to the film with the lead roles going toJoaquin Phoenix and Matt Damon.Once Ang Lee had signed on, the leads eventually went to Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.
5Robert Redford - The Graduate (1967)
Director Mike Nichols has enjoyed anextremely successful career of films, and perhaps none are better than the romantic comedy,The Graduate. With Dustin Hoffman now synonymous with the movie, it was legendary actorRobert Redfordwho was one of the other names considered for the film. Hoffman would go on to receive an Academy Award nomination for his role as Benjamin Braddock.
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4Henry Winkler - Grease (1978)
Had this particular casting come to fruition, it would have been nearly impossible to differentiate betweenHenry Winkler’s iconic role as Arthur Fonzarelli inHappy Daysand that of Danny Zuko in the classic romantic musicalGrease. Despite being the one to turn down the role out of fear of being typecast, Wrinkler has changed his tune sincedeclaring himself a “damn fool"for passing on the part.
3Marilyn Monroe - Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Everything about the 1961 romantic comedy,Breakfast at Tiffany’shas become iconic in film and pop culture history. From the iconic image of Audrey Hepburn with the cigarette holder, to the soothing song of “Moon River”. However, the film nearly saw another legendary actor in the leading role as at one point during pre-production, the script was being tailored to fitMarilyn Monroe. It was only after Monroe turned down the role at the behest of her management, that Hepburn joined the project. This classic movie was evenadded to the Library of Congressin 2012.
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2Britney Spears - The Notebook (2004)
Before Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams made audiences fall in love with them in the 2004 romantic drama,The Notebook. It was nearly pop superstarBritney Spearswho landed the role, as she was on a short list of actors who auditioned for the part. In this instance, things most likely worked out for the best for everyone involved.
1Matthew McConaughey - Titanic (1997)
ForMatthew McConaughey, the lead role of Jack in the mega-hit filmTitanicwas his for the taking. Declaring ina 2021 interviewthat he believed it was really going to happen. With the two finalists seemingly being McConaughey and Leonardo DiCaprio, the role eventually went to DiCaprio
