25 Stars Who Publicly Begged for Roles They Were Wrong For

As a movie buff, I’ve always been fascinated by how actors land roles. Usually, it’s all done privately – agents and casting directors working their magic behind the scenes. But sometimes, a star really wants a part and takes matters into their own hands. I’m talking about actors who’ve gone public with their desire, using things like social media, talk show interviews, and even making their own audition videos to try and convince the studios they’re perfect for the role. It’s pretty bold! But despite all that effort and campaigning, the following actors just couldn’t quite get the green light – they were either turned down or completely overlooked.

Sean Young

Sean Young’s attempt to get the role of Catwoman in Tim Burton’s ‘Batman Returns’ is now legendary for how far she went. After being injured and losing out on the part of Vicki Vale in the first ‘Batman’ movie, Young felt she deserved a role in the sequel. She famously showed up on ‘The Joan Rivers Show’ in a homemade Catwoman costume, essentially giving Burton an unexpected audition. Reports even suggest she followed Burton around the studio while dressed as the character, but ultimately, Michelle Pfeiffer won the part.

Charlie Sheen

Before Tobey Maguire became famous as Spider-Man, Charlie Sheen tried to make a Spider-Man movie happen. Back in the early 1990s, Sheen proposed a Spider-Man film to Orion Pictures, intending to play Peter Parker himself. He believed he was the right age and had the right personality for the part, but the studio didn’t think movies based on comic books would be successful. Eventually, the rights moved to other companies, and Sheen got too old to play the role by the time anyone actually started making the movie.

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson really wanted to be Jar Jar Binks in ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace’. He talked to George Lucas about playing the Gungan with makeup and prosthetics. But Lucas preferred using computer-generated imagery for the character and worried Jackson’s celebrity would overshadow the film. Ultimately, Ahmed Best ended up playing Jar Jar Binks, providing both the character’s movements and voice.

Tyrese Gibson

Tyrese Gibson really wanted to play John Stewart as the Green Lantern in DC movies. For years, he used social media – especially Instagram – to show his fans how perfect he’d be for the part, even sharing details about his talks with Warner Bros. However, despite his dedicated campaign and constant requests, the studio never gave him the role. Now, with the DC universe changing several times, it seems that opportunity has passed.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan, known for her roles in Disney films, publicly campaigned for the part of Ariel in the live-action ‘The Little Mermaid’ remake. She shared photos comparing herself to the animated Ariel on Instagram, directly tagging Disney and suggesting a director. Lohan even volunteered her sister to sing the movie’s theme song. However, Disney chose Halle Bailey to play the role instead.

Robin Williams

Robin Williams loved the ‘Harry Potter’ books and really wanted to play the character of Hagrid. He even reached out to the director, Chris Columbus, to offer his services for the first movie. Unfortunately, J.K. Rowling, the author, had decided that only British actors could be in the main cast. Because of this rule, Williams wasn’t chosen for the role, and Robbie Coltrane ended up playing Hagrid instead.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell was a huge fan of the Harry Potter books, just like Robin Williams, and really wanted to play Molly Weasley. She even called the director, Chris Columbus, and offered to work on the movie for free, hoping her excitement would convince him. However, the filmmakers were committed to using only British actors, and they ultimately chose Julie Walters for the part. O’Donnell later talked about being turned down on her show, saying she was upset about it.

Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey, a former UFC fighter and actress, really wanted the role of Captain Marvel in the Marvel movies. She often shared fan-made artwork and talked about how much she wanted to play the character, Carol Danvers. Rousey believed her experience as a fighter would make her perfect for the part, given Captain Marvel’s strength and abilities. Ultimately, Marvel chose Brie Larson, an established actress, valuing her acting skills over combat training.

Tommy Wiseau

As a movie buff, I was completely fascinated by Tommy Wiseau’s attempt to play the Joker! He actually started a whole online campaign, sending out an audition tape specifically for Todd Phillips’ origin story film. It was wild – he went full clown makeup and even did lines from ‘The Dark Knight’ with his friend Greg Sestero. The video blew up online, and everyone was debating if his unique energy would have been brilliant or just… scary. Of course, Joaquin Phoenix ended up landing the role and giving an incredible, Oscar-winning performance, but it’s fun to imagine how different things could have been with Wiseau’s take!

Dave Bautista

I’m a huge Dave Bautista fan, and I was really rooting for him to play Bane in a Batman movie! He actually told everyone he went straight to Warner Bros. and pretty much told them he was the only one who could pull it off. It’s crazy he was so confident! Sadly, it didn’t happen then. And when James Gunn took over DC, he seemed to be leaning towards a younger cast, which pretty much ended Dave’s chances. It’s a bummer, because I honestly think he’d have been amazing!

Isaiah Mustafa

Isaiah Mustafa, famous for his Old Spice commercials, once made a compelling audition video to play Luke Cage in the upcoming Netflix series. He wanted to show Marvel executives his acting skills and impressive physique. Although fans loved his take on the character, Mike Colter was ultimately chosen for the role. Mustafa later demonstrated his talent in the horror film ‘It Chapter Two’, successfully branching out into another popular franchise.

Terry Crews

Terry Crews playfully campaigned for the part of King Triton in Disney’s live-action ‘The Little Mermaid’ by sharing digitally altered photos of himself as the character, using the hashtag #ArielsGotTerry. Many fans loved the idea, appreciating his enthusiastic personality and muscular physique. Ultimately, Disney chose Javier Bardem, a well-known dramatic actor, to play Ariel’s father.

Lizzo

Lizzo, the popular singer, really wanted the role of Ursula in Disney’s live-action remake of ‘The Little Mermaid’. She even shared videos online of herself dressed as the character and singing Ursula’s song, and directly asked Disney to consider her. Although everyone agreed Lizzo could sing, Disney ultimately chose Melissa McCarthy for the part. Lizzo later revealed she did audition, but wasn’t selected.

Thomas Jane

Thomas Jane really wanted to play Jonah Hex in the live-action movie. He’d previously played the Punisher and actively lobbied for the role, even paying for professional makeup to look like the character for photos he sent to the studio. Despite also voicing Jonah Hex in an animated short, the part ultimately went to Josh Brolin. The movie wasn’t successful with critics or audiences, which some believe saved Jane from being associated with a flop.

Stephen Lang

Stephen Lang really wanted the role of Cable in ‘Deadpool 2’ and made a strong effort to get it. He shared pictures of his workout routine, pointing out how much he looked like the character from the comics. Many fans supported him, believing he had the right appearance and energy for the part. Ultimately, though, the studio chose Josh Brolin, which meant Brolin ended up playing significant roles in both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the X-Men films from Fox.

Danny Trejo

As a huge movie fan, I remember when Danny Trejo launched a really cool campaign on Twitter to become Lobo! He posted this side-by-side comparison of himself and the character, basically saying, ‘I am Lobo!’ And honestly, it made perfect sense – that tough, biker look was totally his thing. Everyone got really excited, but sadly, Warner Bros. never actually made a ‘Lobo’ movie with him, which was a real shame. I always thought he’d be amazing in the role.

Vin Diesel

Before Marvel decided against making an ‘Inhumans’ movie and instead created a TV show, Vin Diesel really wanted to play the character Black Bolt. He shared artwork on Facebook and hinted at discussions with Marvel about a role where he wouldn’t have any lines. Ultimately, Diesel got to be part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe by voicing Groot in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. Anson Mount ended up playing Black Bolt in the TV series and made a brief appearance in a later film.

Sean Combs

Sean “P. Diddy” Combs made a bold move, actively campaigning to be the next James Bond and the first Black actor in the role. He independently produced audition videos and promotional content, funding the campaign himself. Combs argued the Bond franchise needed a refresh and that he’d bring a unique style to the character. However, producers remained with Daniel Craig, and so far, no American has played James Bond.

Madonna

Madonna really wanted the lead role in the movie ‘Frida,’ a film about the artist Frida Kahlo that had been in development for a long time. She publicly stated how much she wanted the part and believed she was perfect for it. However, Salma Hayek had been working on the film as a producer for years and was determined to play Frida herself. Ultimately, Hayek starred in the movie and even received an Oscar nomination for her performance.

Jennifer Lopez

Both Madonna and Jennifer Lopez were very interested in playing Frida Kahlo in the movie ‘Frida’. Lopez made her desire for the part public and some studio heads saw her as a leading candidate, hoping her fame would attract audiences. The media heavily covered the rivalry between the two singers. However, Salma Hayek’s strong involvement in the film’s development meant she was ultimately chosen for the role.

Courtney Love

Courtney Love really wanted the part of Lisbeth Salander in the American version of ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’. She strongly identified with the character – a tough, rebellious hacker – and felt she could play her convincingly. Love said she repeatedly contacted director David Fincher with letters and audition tapes. Ultimately, the filmmakers decided to go with a younger actress, Rooney Mara, who received an Oscar nomination for her performance.

Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert publicly campaigned to play Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s biopic, believing his singing talent and similar look made him a strong candidate. He felt he could better embody the energy and spirit of rock and roll than an actor without his vocal background. Ultimately, the role went to Austin Butler, who dedicated years to intensely preparing for the part.

Ryan Potter

Ryan Potter, the voice of Hiro from ‘Big Hero 6’, created a video showing off his fighting skills to try and convince DC to cast him as Tim Drake (Robin). He performed impressive martial arts and staff work in the video, proving he could handle the physical demands of the role, and even directly asked Ben Affleck to consider him. Unfortunately, during Affleck’s time playing Batman, Tim Drake never appeared as a live-action character in the DC Universe.

The Big Show

For years, WWE wrestler Paul “The Big Show” Wight really wanted to play the villain Kingpin in a new ‘Daredevil’ series. He believed his naturally large size was perfect for the role and would eliminate the need for bulky costumes or special effects. Wight publicly said he was eager to portray the character’s intimidating nature. Ultimately, the part went to Vincent D’Onofrio, who became known for his portrayal of Kingpin’s complex and psychological side, rather than just his physical stature.

Marilyn Manson

Marilyn Manson really wanted to play Willy Wonka in Tim Burton’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.’ He was close friends with Johnny Depp and felt he could bring a uniquely dark and unusual vibe to the role. Manson thought his own strange public image would be ideal for the character, originally created by Roald Dahl. Ultimately, Burton chose Depp, who portrayed Wonka as odd and withdrawn, rather than in Manson’s more gothic style.

Tell us which of these casting choices would have been the biggest disaster in the comments!

2025-11-30 13:20