10 Career-Changing Roles That Never Happened

Imagine “Pretty Woman” starring Molly Ringwald. Or “Raiders of the Lost Ark” with Tom Selleck as leading man. How about “The Graduate” with Robert Redford playing Benjamin Braddock — instead of Dustin Hoffman?

Raiders of the Lost Ark - Starring Tom Selleck - Photo

It’s only on the rare occasion that viewers try to imagine a different cast, that’s when they realize the impact of such decisions.

Knocked Up - Starring Anne Hathaway - Photo

Try to consider the 1980s sitcom “Family Ties” without Michael J. Fox playing uber-Republican Alex P. Keaton. It seems almost impossible now, but the television studio only offered the now-iconic part to Fox after first-choice Matthew Broderick passed on the role.

Family Ties - Starring Matthew Broderick - Photo

Making the right casting call is crucial to financial success in entertainment, which is why a casting director (either employed by the studio or working on a freelance basis) as well as a director, producer, and studio executives weigh in on the decisions.

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10 Career-Changing Roles That Never Happened

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