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[excerpted from Movie Mistakes by Tammy Cordani on Bella Online]

A number of actors have turned down what some may consider a career defining role in a movie, including roles in the Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Lemony Snicket movies.

What Do They Have Against Hobbits?

Can you imagine any other person portraying Aragorn or Gandalf in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy? Stuart Townsend was originally cast for the role of Aragorn. When he opted out of the film, the role went to Viggo Mortensen. Former 007, Sean Connery, turned down the role of Gandalf which eventually went to Ian McKellen. However, Stuart and Sean didn’t miss the opportunity to star opposite each other. Sean Connery played Allan Quatermain and Stuart Townsend portrayed Dorian Gray in the 2003 film, "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen".

Viggo Mortensen and Ian McKellen

Going Ape

British actor, Tim Roth, was considered for the role of Professor Severus Snape in the "Harry Potter" movies. He dropped out in order to play General Thade in the "Planet of the Apes" remake. The part of Professor Snape went to Alan Rickman.

I See Another Actor in the Role

Liam Aiken, best known as Klaus in "Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events" declined the role of Cole Sear in "The Sixth Sense". Not only did Haley Joel Osment end up with the role, but he also became one of the youngest Academy Award nominees for his portrayal of the tormented boy.

More information:
• Movie Mistakes

Published April 20, 2005

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