The Strangest Reasons Behind Actors Missing Out on Massive Movie Roles

Ever wonder why some actors miss out on roles that could change their careers? It's not always about talent or character fit. Here are a few bizarre yet fascinating stories that showcase the unpredictability of Hollywood.

1. 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'

The movie 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' premiered in 1988 and was a groundbreaking adventure that brought live-action characters and animated ones together. The producers had their eyes set on Bill Murray as the human lead, a role that would have catapulted him to superstardom. However, there was a significant roadblock: they couldn't find Bill Murray.

Bill Murray, known for his free spirit, had no agent or representatives in the movie world at the time. Without a way to reach him, the producers were faced with the challenge of getting him to audition. The story goes that even months before the movie's release, the producers thought the role had been offered to Bill Murray, but he was nowhere to be found. Eventually, they settled with Bob Hoskins.

The video Trilogy in Focus's series on 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' provides a detailed behind-the-scenes look into this casting dilemma.

2. Michael Jackson's Prosthetic Binky

Michael Jackson's interest in appearing in 'Star Wars' as Jar Jar Binks is a lesser-known fact. Jackson was initially attached to the project, but he wanted to go the prosthetic route to play the character. This was a unique approach, given George Lucas's preference for CGI.

Michael Jackson's success with prosthetics in the music video 'Thriller' made his idea an intriguing one. Despite the hype, the decision to stick with CGI meant that Jackson missed out on a potentially massive payday and a bold move in the coming-of-age of entertainment technology.

3. Peter Butterworth and the Wooden Horse

In the 1950s, World War II movies, including prisoner-of-war (POW) stories, were all the rage. One such production was 'The Wooden Horse,' based on a true escape from Stalag Luft III. The horse in question was a unique soundproofing solution: it was a vaulting horse under which prisoners were digging a tunnel.

Peter Butterworth, who had recently begun his acting career, auditioned for a minor role in 'The Wooden Horse.' Unfortunately, he was turned down because the producers felt he did not look heroic enough. This was a strange reason for turning down a cast member, especially one with a background as a former POW who had used the vaulting horse to escape the very prison camp he was assigned to play.

Butterworth's auditions and the casting decisions of the past may be forgotten today, but they paint a picture of the often arbitrary and whimsical nature of the Hollywood audition process.

Conclusion

These stories highlight the unpredictable and sometimes bizarre nature of the Hollywood audition and casting process. For aspiring actors and industry insiders, these anecdotes are a reminder that even the most audacious and well-prepared can find themselves overlooked due to reasons far removed from talent or merit.