Society in general has a tendency of getting fixated on the “What If’s” of life — roads not taken, words left unsaid and a countless variety of ways we would take things back are just a few examples that come to mind.
In Hollywood, that notion can be applied to the many occasions where a starring role was recast with an equally marketable leading star. Oftentimes it proves to be for the better, but there’s always an exception to the rule that, again, makes you just go, “What if…”
Oscar-winning actor Will Smith put many in that state of mind earlier this week when a simple Instagram post (seen below) had everyone thinking he would be starring in the upcoming fifth sequel to The Matrix. As lore goes, Smith was originally set to star as main protagonist Neo in the 1999 sci-fi smash before it was ultimately given to (and elevated the star status of) rising Canadian actor Keanu Reeves. Based on the recent multiverse trend being experimented with by many movie franchises, cinephiles everywhere were quite thrilled to see The Fresh Prince finally become The One as it was originally intended.
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Of course, those hopes were momentarily crushed when it was confirmed by sources with knowledge of The Matrix 5 that Big Willie’s big post was just one big misunderstanding. More details below, via Entertainment Weekly:
“After sharing the video, speculation began about whether this could be the precursor to an announcement about Smith joining the cast of the fifth Matrix movie, which will be written, directed, and produced by Oscar nominee Drew Goddard (‘The Martian,’ ‘The Cabin in the Woods’). Lana Wachowski, who returned without sister Lilly to direct the most recent entry, 2021’s ‘The Matrix Resurrections,’ will executive produce the franchise’s next installment.
Those theories about Smith, however, are not true. The Hollywood Reporter’s film editor, Aaron Couch, was the first to confirm on social media. So, what could it be? Super Bowl commercial, perhaps? According to a Deadline report, the video is related to an unspecified music project. Smith’s reps have not responded to EW’s request for comment.”
While it’s still up in the air on whether we’ll see the I Am Legend star dodging bullets and doing gravity-defying backbends on the big screen, the conversation it sparked did get us thinking about many other infamously recast lead roles that we would’ve loved to see in its original form. With utmost respect to the stars who helped bring these from the cutting room floor to our screens in real life, we just couldn’t deny how great these 10 Hollywood roles would’ve been if things turned out differently.
Keep scrolling to see if you knew these actors from classic roles were even recast, and let us know if you agree or prefer things as is:
1. Louis Armstrong as King Louie in ‘The Jungle Book’ (1967)
Although the late great Louis Prima is flawless, and we can even understand the potential commotion around casting a Black man to play an ape in any aspect during the 1960s, it was bittersweet that Disney didn’t go with the original plan being that we lost the jazz legend shortly after the animated classic was released. It would’ve made for a great addition to Armstrong’s legacy and aged gracefully beyond the racially-driven views of that time.
2. Billy Dee Williams as Han Solo in ‘Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope’ (1977)
Harrison Ford made for the ultimate intergalactic superhero in the generation-defining role as Han Solo, but we could never look past the idea of a smooth-as-silk Billy Dee steering the franchise wheel. Thankfully, we’ve got equal love for what he did in the role of Lando Calrissian.
3. Muhammad Ali as Clark Kent/Superman in ‘Superman’ (1978)
The fact that Cassius Clay was even approved by DC Comics when presented on the shortlist of people to play the savior of Metropolis was a pretty impressive feat in itself. Although we at least got to see the two larger-than-life icons team up that same year in the 72-page one-shot comic, Superman vs. Muhammad Ali, an official Black Superman played by The Champ himself would’ve been a certified K.O.
4. Louis Gossett Jr. as Hannibal Lecter in ‘The Silence Of The Lambs’ (1991)
Anthony Hopkins deserved every accolade received for his seamless portrayal of the demented-yet-sophisticated fictional psychopath. However, it would’ve been undoubtedly great to see what the late Broadway star could’ve done with this role given the emotional depth he delivers in Roots and his historic Oscar-winning performance in An Officer and a Gentleman.
5. Denzel Washington as Michael Clayton in ‘Michael Clayton’ (2007)
In addition to a role in Se7en that ultimately went to Brad Pitt, Denzel considers this to be one of his biggest regrets when it comes to projects turned down throughout his decorated career. There’s no argument that George Clooney was convincing in his delivery of the now-classic line, “Do I look like I’m negotiating?!” However, something about it just feels like signature Denzel.
6. Aretha Franklin as Motormouth Maybelle in ‘Hairspray’ (2007)
As much as Queen Latifah has become a Hollywood darling over the years, it still makes us wonder how The Queen Of Soul didn’t nab this role after being attached to the project as early as 2005. Getting the woman who ruled Billboard during the 1960s to portray a character in a musical set during that era still seems so fitting.
7. Jennifer Hudson as Precious in ‘Precious’ (2009)
Typecasting has the potential to stall even the brightest of stars, so we totally understand Jennifer Hudson’s decision to turn down the weight-conscious topic in Precious so soon after tackling the issue as Effie White in Dreamgirls a few years prior. Still, we think a talented EGOT like herself could’ve added another Oscar to the trophy case.
8. Aaliyah as Sparkle in ‘Sparkle’ (2012)
There are still no words to properly explain what could’ve been if we didn’t lose Aaliyah. Originally planned for release in the early 2000s, this remake of the 1976 original starring Irene Cara would’ve seen the “One In A Million” singer taking on the lead role alongside an ensemble cast much like what we saw with Dreamgirls in 2006. Aaliyah’s audition as the titular character even came with a serenading rendition of Sister’s swan song, “Giving Up,” further proving how great it would’ve been based solely on the soundtrack. Luckily, Jordin Sparks would do justice on all sides when it finally got a proper recast over a decade later.
9. Taraji P. Henson as Olivia Pope in ‘Scandal’ (2012 – 2018)
Although the masses would agree that no one could play Olivia Pope quite like Kerry Washington, we could at the very least see Taraji getting the signature walk correct! Getting the role of Cookie Lyon in Empire years later suited her personality much better of course, but if Proud Mary taught us anything it’s that Taraji can get tough in the face of politics if need be.
10. Wesley Snipes as Lucious Lyon in ‘Empire’ (2015 – 2020)
In thinking of Empire, it’s also hard to see anyone outside of the ever-hilarious Terrence Howard portraying the ruthless-yet-layered Lucious. However, a Nino Brown take on the character sounds too hard to pass up. The way Wesley freestyles at the end of Wildcats and fooled everyone into believing he plays the saxophone in Mo’ Betta Blues already let us know what he’d do on a track like “Snitch Bitch.”
