Top 10 Actors Who Auditioned for a Small Part & Got a Big Role
#10: Eddie Redmayne
Harry Potter franchise (2001-)
During Harrys second year at Hogwarts, he encounters Tom Riddle, who is revealed to be a young Voldemort. The role went to Christian Coulson, although a few names on the cusp of a breakthrough read for the part. Among them was Eddie Redmayne, whod join the Wizarding World 14 years later. Now an Oscar winner, Redmayne took center stage as magizoologist Newt Scamander in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Tom Riddle obviously plays an integral role in this universe. Had Redmayne gotten a callback, though, his history with the franchise wouldve been limited to Chamber of Secrets. Losing that role allowed him to play Newt throughout three films. Plus, Redwayne is more believable as a lovable misfit than a future dark lord.
#9: Miley Cyrus Hannah Montana (2006-11)
One might assume that Hannah Montana was conceived as a star vehicle for Miley Cyrus. After all, the main characters name is Miley Stewart, although that wasnt always the case. Initially, she was called Zoe and then Chloe Stewart. This isnt the part that Cyrus originally read for. Rather, she sent in a tape auditioning for Lilly Truscott, the main characters best friend. Upon seeing her tape, the Hannah Montana team felt Cyrus was better suited for the lead role. There was hesitance, as some argued Cyrus was too young. After several more auditions, Cyrus proved she had the singing chops and energy to carry the show. Chloe thus became Miley and, further paralleling Cyrus real life, her father was cast as her on-screen dad.
#8: James Baskett
Song of the South (1946)
Answering an ad for this Disney film, James Baskett sought to voice an animated butterfly. Baskett not only got that part, but Walt Disney was so impressed that he was also cast as Uncle Remus and Brer Foxs voice. Disney called Baskett the best actor to be discovered in years, paving the way for him to receive an Honorary Oscar shortly before his death. The company has since banished the film to the briar patch due to its outdated cultural depictions. While we cant say Uncle Remus was the most progressive character, Baskett did bring warmth and charisma to the role. One can only imagine the career Baskett mightve had if only he lived during an era with a better understanding of the Black experience.
#7: Tom Hanks
Splash (1984)
While Tom Hanks had a few TV roles under his belt, Splash established him as a bankable leading man on the silver screen. Hanks brought his signature everyman charm to the role of Allen Bauer, helping to ground this mermaid romance. The film marked his first collaboration with director Ron Howard, who revealed that Hanks initially auditioned for Freddie, Allens brother. That part went to the late great John Candy. Although Hanks only other film credit at that point was a supporting role in the slasher flick He Knows Youre Alone, Howard could tell this guy had so much more to offer. His instincts were correct, providing an essential stepping stone in Hanks journey from sitcom star to dramatic actor.
#6: Lily James Cinderella (2015)
In true Cinderella story fashion, Lily James didnt expect to be the belle of the ball when Disney started auditions for this remake. At first, James tried out for Anastasia, one-half of Cinderellas stepsisters. James was enthusiastic about playing a character who was more quirky and comical without having to worry about being pretty. At her audition, the casting director suggested that James also read for Ella. Although it wasnt the part she prepared for, James said, it just felt right. James went through months of screen tests, including one where director Kenneth Branagh stood in for the prince, before landing the lead. While it mightve been fun to see James paired with her Downton Abbey co-star Sophie McShera as Drisella, the glass slipper fit.
#5: Stephanie Beatriz
Encanto (2021)
Before Encanto, Stephanie Beatriz was best known for playing Detective Rosa Diaz on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Given Rosas tough-as-nails persona, Beatriz mightve seemed like an unusual choice for the offbeat Mirabel. Yet, anyone who meets Beatriz will quickly realize that shes nothing like Rosa in real life. This was reflected in her Encanto audition, where she decided to sing Youre Welcome from Moana. Beatriz was auditioning for Luisa, a character who shares Rosas strong demeanor. The filmmakers realized right then and there, though, that Beatriz was a Mirabel at heart. It only took one more callback for Beatriz to officially get the part. Her audition would also be immortalized with Tony Smeed, the co-head of animation on Frozen II, bringing it to life.
#4: Sarah Michelle Gellar Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
In a parallel universe, Cordelia Chase couldve been the Slayer. More specifically, Cordelias actress, Charisma Carpenter, couldve played Buffy Summers. Thats the part Carpenter prepared for. Since she arrived at her audition behind schedule, Carpenter read for Cordelia, a role that had been offered to Sarah Michelle Gellar. Although Gellar was grateful to have a job, she was reluctant to accept another mean girl part, fearing being typecast. The creators conceded that Carpenter would be the ideal Cordelia, but they still needed to cast the shows lead. The producers had once asked Gellar to screen test for Buffy before asking her to audition for Cordelia instead. Carpenters audition further encouraged them to reevaluate Gellar as a candidate for Buffy. Eventually, the Slayer was chosen!
#3: Arnold Schwarzenegger The Terminator (1984)
Wed surely look at The Terminator differently if James Cameron had gone with Orions suggestion for the title role: O. J. Simpson. Cameon just didnt buy Simpson as a killer then. Orion also suggested Arnold Schwarzenegger. Not for the T-800, but Kyle Reese, the soldier sent back in time to save Sarah Connor. Cameron didnt see it, feeling that casting Schwarzenegger as Reese would require somebody even more intimidating for the Terminator. The director met Schwarzenegger with no intention of hiring him, but then Schwarzenegger started suggesting how the Terminator should be portrayed. Cameron instantly knew he was being eyed for the wrong role. Schwarzenegger took issue with the characters limited dialogue, but he has a way of making even the simplest lines stand out.
#2: James Cagney The Public Enemy (1931)
During the golden age of cinema, arguably no actor was more synonymous with the gangster genre than James Cagney. He previously appeared in the crime dramas Sinners Holiday and The Doorway to Hell. Cagney landed another supporting role in The Public Enemy as Matt Doyle, the level-headed best friend of ill-tempered gangster Tom Powers, who was to be played by Edward Woods. After only a few days of shooting, director William Wellman felt the two actors should switch roles, telling Cagney, Now youre the lead, kid! The Public Enemy would mark Cagneys big break, leading to many more leading roles. Looking back, its surreal that they ever thought Cagney was better equipped to play the quiet guy rather than the tough guy.
#1: Robert De Niro
The Godfather trilogy (1972-90)
People sometimes incorrectly say Robert De Niro was in The Godfather. He actually starred in its sequel. De Niro did audition for the first film, being cast as Sonny Corleone. Paramount was adamant about finding a role for James Caan, however. Not wanting to lose De Niro, director Francis Ford Coppola gave him a smaller role as chauffeur Paulie Gatto. De Niro opted to instead do The Gang That Couldnt Shoot Straight, ironically replacing Al Pacino. When Coppola committed to making The Godfather Part II, he offered De Niro a much bigger role than Paulie or even Sonny. Hed be playing a young Vito Corleone, a role that had won Marlon Brando an Academy Award and would bring De Niro into the Oscar winners club.
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