30 iconic roles that were almost played by different actors

Yuriko Nakao/Getty Images/New Line Cinema

Would a Han Solo who's not Harrison Ford be the same sarcastic hero every "Star Wars" fan cherishes?

What would "Lord of the Rings" look like with Nicolas Cage in one of the main roles?

Characters become iconic thanks in large part to the actors who bring them to life, and it's often hard to imagine anyone else in the role after the fact.

But some actors are fired from a role, some leave due to other commitments, and some just don't accept the offer. 

When a offer is first presented, it can be hard to see how successful a film might become. Some actors regret turning down a project, but others, like Jack Nicholson, know that it can be the right choice, no matter how popular or critically adored the film might become. 

Here are 30 iconic characters that were almost played by different actors:  

Leonardo DiCaprio — Dirk Diggler in "Boogie Nights"

Played by: Mark Wahlberg

After watching him in "The Basketball Diaries," Paul Thomas Anderson wanted DiCaprio to star in "Boogie Nights." DiCaprio turned it down to appear in "Titanic," but recommended his friend and "Basketball Diaries" costar Mark Wahlberg.

DiCaprio told GQ in 2008 that he regretted turning down the role. "'Boogie Nights' is a movie I loved and I wish I would've done." When asked if he would reverse his decision if he could, DiCaprio said, "I'm not saying I would have. But it would have been a different direction, career-wise. I think they're both great and wish I could have done them both."

DiCaprio was also offered $20 million by Lionsgate to portray crazed serial killer Patrick Bateman in "American Psycho," even though director Mary Harron wanted Christian Bale in the role. She was replaced by director Oliver Stone, but DiCaprio and Stone couldn't agree on a creative direction, so DiCaprio left to film "The Beach." Harron returned to the project and Bale was cast. 

Al Pacino — Han Solo in "Star Wars"

Played by: Harrison Ford

During the An Evening with Pacino event in 2013, Pacino revealed that he could have played the iconic role of Han Solo in the "Star Wars" franchise.

"It was mine for the taking but I didn’t understand the script," he said.

He also revealed that he turned down roles in "Apocalypse Now" and "Pretty Woman," eventually played by Marlon Brando and Richard Gere, respectively.  

Marilyn Monroe — Holly Golightly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's"

Played by: Audrey Hepburn 

Truman Capote, the author of "Breakfast at Tiffany's," wanted Marilyn Monroe to play Holly, but Monroe turned it down because she was warned that portraying Holly might be bad for her image.