Why These 12 Hollywood Actors Turned Down Iconic Roles

1. Will Smith – Neo in "The Matrix "

Alright, picture this: The Fresh Prince, dodging bullets in a shiny black trench coat. Didn't quite make it, huh? That's exactly what Will Smith thought when the Wachowskis pitched him "The Matrix." Smith admitted that he didn't quite get the concept and was more interested in making a fun western flick with a giant mechanical spider, aptly titled "Wild Wild West." Yep, it seems our beloved Fresh Prince swapped red pills for a cowboy hat and a steampunk arachnid.

2. Sean Connery – Gandalf in "The Lord of the Rings "

Legend has it that Connery turned down the role of Gandalf because he didn't understand the script. To be fair, without context, "Hobbits" and "Middle-earth" do sound a bit like the ramblings of someone on a questionable mushroom trip. But, who are we to judge? So, Sir Ian McKellen stepped into those big wizard boots, and Connery missed out on an estimated $450 million payday. That's enough to make anyone feel like they've been hit by a rogue spell.

3. Leonardo DiCaprio – Patrick Bateman in "American Psycho"

Before Christian Bale was slipping into a clear plastic suit and delivering hauntingly monotone monologues about Huey Lewis and the News, Leo was offered the lead role. But, after much consideration, he decided that the extreme nature of Bateman's character might damage his Titanic- sized fan base. Thus, Leo chose to steer clear of the blood-soaked role, proving he's as savvy about his career as he is about avoiding sinking ships.

4. Jack Nicholson – Michael Corleone in "The Godfather"

Okay, try not to gasp too loudly at this one. Yes, the devilishly charming Jack Nicholson turned down the role of Michael Corleone in "The Godfather." Why? Well, Nicholson felt that, as an actor, he wasn't the right fit for the role, which required a certain ethnicity. He believed it was important for an Italian actor to take the role. And so, Al Pacino was gifted the role that would solidify his place in Hollywood's history, and Nicholson settled for axing down doors in "The Shining."

5. Emily Blunt – Black Widow in "Iron Man 2"

Before Scarlett Johansson became our beloved red-haired Russian spy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the role was offered to Emily Blunt. However, due to scheduling conflicts with her film "Gulliver's Travels," she had to turn down the role. So, instead of fighting off bad guys in a skin-tight suit, Blunt was, well... dealing with a colossal Jack Black. Talk about a plot twist!

6. John Travolta – Forrest Gump in "Forrest Gump"

Can you picture Travolta uttering the immortal words, "Life is like a box of chocolates?" No? Well, neither could he. Yes, Travolta was initially offered the role of the lovable, slow-witted Forrest Gump but decided to turn it down. Instead, he opted to twist and shout in Quentin Tarantino 's "Pulp Fiction," leaving Tom Hanks to run into cinematic history with the role.

7. Julia Roberts – Leigh Anne Tuohy in "The Blind Side"

Can you imagine "The Blind Side" without Sandra Bullock's fiery Southern charm? Me neither. But believe it or not, the role of Leigh Anne Tuohy was initially offered to Julia Roberts. However, she declined, citing scheduling conflicts, and the part ultimately landed in Bullock's lap. This turn of events worked out pretty well for Sandy B., who snagged an Oscar for the role. As for Roberts, she was busy with a little film called "Eat Pray Love" – I suppose that's not too shabby a consolation prize.

8. Bruce Willis – Sam Wheat in "Ghost"

Try picturing Bruce Willis behind that pottery wheel with Demi Moore. Having a tough time? So did Willis, it seems. Before the role of Sam Wheat in "Ghost" became synonymous with Patrick Swayze, Willis was offered the part. He passed, feeling that playing a ghost was too farfetched. Ironically, he would later take on a ghostly role in "The Sixth Sense," proving that he does, indeed, see dead people, as long as M. Night Shyamalan is involved.

9. Hugh Jackman – James Bond in "Casino Royale"

Before Daniel Craig was serving up vodka martinis, Hugh Jackman was approached for the role of the suave super-spy. However, Jackman, feeling typecast after his long stint as Wolverine, turned down the chance to swap his claws for gadgets. One could say he wasn't quite ready to bond with another franchise just yet.

10. Gwyneth Paltrow – Rose in "Titanic"

Before she was recommending unconventional wellness products on Goop, Gwyneth Paltrow was almost the "queen of the world." Yes, Paltrow was offered the role of Rose in "Titanic" but declined, leaving room for Kate Winslet to step into the iconic part. Paltrow chose to let this ship sail, stating that she couldn't change the past and that everything happened for the best. Spoken like a true wellness guru.

11. Michelle Pfeiffer – Clarice Starling in "The Silence of the Lambs"

Before Jodie Foster was having fava beans and a nice chianti with Anthony Hopkins, Michelle Pfeiffer was offered the role of Clarice Starling. However, Pfeiffer found the subject matter too dark and disturbing, so she passed on the project. Little did she know, Foster would go on to win an Oscar for the role, proving that, sometimes, stepping into the darkness can lead you straight to the spotlight.

12. Al Pacino – Han Solo in "Star Wars "

To wrap up this Hollywood "what if" journey, let's imagine a world where Han Solo is played by Al Pacino. That's right, before Harrison Ford was piloting the Millennium Falcon, Pacino was offered the role. He turned it down, claiming he didn't understand the script. Ford stepped in, and the rest is history. And thus, we are forever grateful Pacino said "hoo-ah" to "Scent of a Woman" instead of "may the Force be with you."