These A-List Actors Narrowly Missed Out On ‘Iconic’ Roles That Could’ve Possibly Ended Their Careers

Near misses that saved the careers of two of Hollywood’s sweethearts.

Jesse

• Published in News
• September 24, 2024

Hollywood is a playground of opportunities, where one great role can make you a legend overnight, and one poor choice can turn you into a punchline just as quickly. For every blockbuster that launches a career, there's a flop lurking around the corner that could send an actor’s prospects into a tailspin. 

It’s a high-stakes game, and sometimes, the most intriguing stories are about the roles actors didn’t take. The almosts, the close calls, the ones that got away—and thank goodness they did!

From epic box office flops to cringe-worthy performances, bad movie choices have derailed countless stars. But what about those who narrowly avoided disaster? The actors who, by fate or fortune, managed to steer clear of TV and movie roles that might have been their undoing?

In this article, we’ll look at two actors who, thanks to a twist of fate, avoided what could have been career-altering disasters. These A-listers were at the right place at the right time, and boy, are they glad they were.

It’s not that these roles were inherently bad, but for them, it could have been career traps that stifled their burgeoning potential. 

So, how close were these now-superstars to taking on roles that might have derailed their careers? Very close. Let’s take a closer look at these fascinating “what-if” scenarios and see how avoiding these roles was one of the best decisions they ever made. 

Timothée Chalamet in Spider-Man: Homecoming

Before he became the poster boy for moody indie films and the sandy savior of Arrakis in Dune, Timothée Chalamet almost found himself swinging from skyscrapers in red and blue spandex. Hard to picture, right?

Yet, before Tom Holland snagged the role of everyone’s favorite web-slinger, Chalamet was in serious contention for the role of Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Homecoming. He even went through the nerve-wracking process of screen-testing, but ultimately, he didn’t get the part.

At the time, it might have seemed like a missed opportunity, but in hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise. Chalamet later shared that Leonardo DiCaprio had given him two pieces of career advice: “No hard drugs and no superhero movies.”

While we can’t comment on the former, he certainly took the latter to heart. Opting out of a massive franchise has allowed Chalamet to explore diverse roles in films like Call Me by Your Name and Dune. He’s built a reputation as a serious actor with a penchant for artistic projects and carved out a unique path as one of Hollywood’s brightest young talents.

He might not have superpowers on screen, but in terms of career choices, he’s practically invincible.

Zendaya in Alita: Battle Angel

Zendaya’s rise from Disney Channel star to Hollywood powerhouse has been nothing short of impressive. It’s wild to think that although she’s already a global superstar, she’s only graced the screen in eight live-action films. 

Yep, just eight. Let that marinate. She's been incredibly selective—and it’s paid off. 

However, things could have taken a very different turn. In 2016, Zendaya was reportedly the frontrunner to play the lead in Robert Rodriguez’s sci-fi epic, Alita: Battle Angel. Scheduling conflicts with her Disney show Shake It Up! were all that stood between her and the role of Alita. 

Had she starred in the film, things might have turned out differently. While Alita: Battle Angel has its dedicated fanbase, the movie received mixed reviews and didn’t exactly set the box office on fire. For Zendaya, it could have been a misstep at a crucial point in her career. 

Instead, she went on to make savvy choices like Euphoria, which showcased her range and earned her critical acclaim. Today, she’s an Emmy-winning actress with a career trajectory that’s skyrocketing. Sometimes, not getting the part is the best thing that can happen to you.

So, there you have it. Two actors who took the road less traveled and narrowly avoided roles that could have sent them into Hollywood oblivion. Sometimes, the best career decisions are the ones you don’t make.

Jesse