Actresses Who Were Fired or Replaced Early in Production

Hollywood casting is a famously uncertain process, with decisions often being reevaluated right up until filming begins. Sometimes actors spend a long time getting ready for a part, only to be replaced at the last minute. Creative disagreements, a lack of on-screen connection, or changes to the project can all lead to this, and it’s a surprisingly common experience. It shows that even very talented performers aren’t safe from the unpredictable nature of the entertainment business.

Lisa Kudrow

Lisa Kudrow was initially chosen to play Roz Doyle on ‘Frasier’. However, during rehearsals for the first episode, the director, James Burrows, felt she didn’t quite have the assertive personality needed to go toe-to-toe with the main character. She was replaced by Peri Gilpin before they started filming, and Kudrow has said this actually opened the door for her to later star in ‘Friends’.

Lori Petty

Lori Petty was initially cast as Lenina Huxley in the 1993 film ‘Demolition Man’. However, after only two days of filming, she was let go due to disagreements with Sylvester Stallone. Sandra Bullock was then quickly hired to take her place, and the role proved to be a major turning point in Bullock’s career. Petty has spoken about being fired from the film and how challenging it was to leave so abruptly.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore was originally chosen to play the main role in the 2018 movie ‘Can You Ever Forgive Me?’, but she was let go by director Nicole Holofcener during rehearsals. They disagreed on how to portray the character of Lee Israel. Moore had suggested using prosthetics to change her appearance, but Holofcener had a different idea. Ultimately, Melissa McCarthy took on the role and was nominated for an Oscar for her performance.

Geneviève Bujold

Geneviève Bujold was originally chosen to play Captain Janeway in ‘Star Trek: Voyager’. She filmed some scenes at the beginning of production, but quickly realized the demanding schedule of a TV series was too much. She either left the show or was replaced, as it became clear she wasn’t the right fit for the role. Kate Mulgrew then took over, and the character’s name was changed to Kathryn Janeway.

Sean Young

Sean Young was initially chosen to play Tess Trueheart in the 1990 movie ‘Dick Tracy,’ but she was let go after about a week of filming. Director Warren Beatty said she didn’t quite fit the character once they started shooting. Young, however, claimed she was fired because she rejected Beatty’s romantic advances. Glenne Headly took over the role and completed the film.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman was originally chosen to play Juliet in the 1996 movie ‘Romeo + Juliet’ alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. However, once filming started, the director Baz Luhrmann and other producers noticed that Portman, who was 13, looked much younger than DiCaprio, who was 21. They worried this age difference would be distracting for viewers. As a result, Claire Danes took over the role of Juliet, and Portman later said they both agreed it was the right decision.

Judy Garland

Judy Garland was originally chosen to play Helen Lawson in the 1967 movie ‘Valley of the Dolls,’ but she was quickly fired after only a few days of filming. Her unpredictable behavior and problems with substance abuse on set made it impossible for the producers to continue working with her—reports say she even locked herself in her dressing room. Susan Hayward stepped in at the last minute to complete the film.

Hedy Lamarr

Hedy Lamarr initially signed on to star in the 1966 horror movie ‘Picture Mommy Dead’. However, after just a week of filming, she was hospitalized due to exhaustion and let go from the project. The filmmakers didn’t want to delay production, so they quickly replaced her with Zsa Zsa Gabor. This was a challenging time for Lamarr, and she had trouble finding steady acting roles afterwards.

Rachel Dratch

I was so surprised to learn that Rachel Dratch was originally cast as Jenna on ’30 Rock’! Apparently, after they filmed the pilot, the producers decided they wanted Jenna to be more of a classic, glamorous character. Because of that, they ended up recasting the role with Jane Krakowski – and they even changed the character’s name to Jenna Maroney! It was great that they didn’t let Rachel go completely, though. She stayed on the show and popped up in a bunch of hilarious smaller roles and as different characters, which I always loved!

Alex Borstein

Alex Borstein was originally chosen to play Sookie St. James in the first ‘Gilmore Girls’ pilot. Everyone liked her performance, but she had a contract with ‘MADtv’ that she couldn’t break. Because of this commitment, she couldn’t continue with ‘Gilmore Girls’, and the producers had to find someone else. Melissa McCarthy was then cast in the role, and she became a fan favorite.

Jennifer Ehle

Jennifer Ehle was originally cast as Catelyn Stark in the first version of the ‘Game of Thrones’ pilot episode. However, after reviewing the pilot, the show’s creators decided to recast the role and reshoot much of it. Ehle chose not to return, as she wanted to focus on her new baby. Michelle Fairley then took on the role of Catelyn Stark and played her throughout the entire series.

Tamzin Merchant

Tamzin Merchant was originally chosen to play Daenerys Targaryen in the first attempt at a ‘Game of Thrones’ pilot episode. However, after filming the pilot, the show’s creators decided the connection between the main characters wasn’t quite right. Merchant was replaced, and the pilot was largely refilmed. Emilia Clarke then took on the role, eventually becoming one of the most memorable characters on television.

Sheryl Lee

Sheryl Lee was originally chosen to play Mary Alice Young in the first episode of ‘Desperate Housewives’. However, the show’s creator decided her acting didn’t quite fit the character’s role as narrator. Brenda Strong then took over, providing the voiceover and appearing in newly filmed scenes. Even though she was replaced, fans still talk about Lee’s performance in the initial version of the pilot.

Maura Tierney

Maura Tierney was first chosen to play Sarah Braverman in the 2010 TV show ‘Parenthood’. Unfortunately, after filming the first episode, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to leave the show to get treatment. The production team initially paused to allow for her potential return, but ultimately needed to find a new actress. Lauren Graham was brought in to take her place, and they filmed the first episode again with her as the lead.

Anne Hathaway

I was so surprised to learn about what happened with Anne Hathaway and ‘Knocked Up’! Apparently, she had a different vision than Judd Apatow for the birth scene – she wasn’t comfortable with him using actual footage. It was a really early point in filming, and ultimately, they decided to go with Katherine Heigl instead. Looking back, that role was a huge break for Katherine, and really launched her career, but it’s interesting to think how things could have been different with Anne!

Please share your thoughts on these surprising Hollywood casting changes in the comments.

2026-02-23 15:45