There’s no definite way to become an acting sensation. Some actors blow up with one role overnight or gradually build up their careers slowly, playing multiple humble roles before making their big break. Some movie and TV stars step over from other disciplines entirely, be it models trying their hand at drama or content creators branching out.
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But you’d never think that losing a bar fight would make you a star, hanging around on your front porch, or being cut from earlier films. But some of cinema’sbiggest franchisesand most recognizable characters owe their expert casting to coincidence and happenstance. Believe it or not, some actors were propelled to their most iconic roles in the weirdest of ways.
Harrison Ford and ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ (1977)
The story ofHarrison Fordinadvertently falling into the role ofHan Sololines up well withthe actor’s famous ambivalencetowards his part in the renowned blockbuster franchise. Before the firstStar Warsfilm was cast, Ford had previously worked withGeorge Lucasin his 1973 comedyAmerican Graffiti. Lucas brought Ford in to be a scene partner for actresses auditioning for the role of Princess Leia butended up loving Ford’s Solo so muchthat he kept Ford in the role even after filming began.
In the decades that followed, Ford would reprise the role many times, working alongside Lucas to complete the original trilogy and returning for theStar Warssequel trilogy alongsideMark Hamilland the lateCarrie Fisher, under the direction ofJ.J. AbramsandRian Johnson.
Edward Furlong and ‘Terminator 2: Judgement Day’ (1991)
In the lead-up to filming forTerminator 2: Judgement Day,Edward Furlonghad no genuine desire to enter show business. At the same time,James Cameron’scasting directorMarti Finnwas having difficulty finding a young actor capable of portraying the rebellious John Connor.
Furlong was idling at the Pasadena’s Boys’ Clubwhen Finn approached him, asking if he was interested in trying out for the role. In Furlong’s calm demeanor and inexperience, Finn saw potential, and her insistence in his casting paid off. Furlong’s portrayal of the young John Connor became a staple of the franchise, with directorTim Millereven going so far as to recreateFurlong’s likeness for a flashback sequencein 2019’sTerminator: Dark Fate.
Simu Liu and ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ (2021)
In 2018,Marvel Studiosannounced that they were developing a script that would later becomeShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Known then as one of the stars of the Canadian sitcomKim’s Convenience,Simu Liumade a famous tweetregarding his interest in the superhero project. While the light-hearted tweet is not the only thing that prompted Marvel to bring Liu into their sights, garnering any casting attention through a channel certainly marks a first in the industry.
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A few years and several arduous auditions later, Simu Liu made hisMCUdebut as Marvel’s master of kung-fu.
Jason Momoa and ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019)
Now a household name and star of 2021’sDuneandDC’sAquaman,Jason Momoa’sbig break came when he landed the role of Khal Drogo onHBO’sGame of Thrones.
To try and capture the presence of the generally-wordless Dothraki chieftain in his audition,Momoa performed a haka, a ceremonial Māori dance. The production team members present in his audition were impressed, in no small part due to the vigor of the traditional dance, and Momoa made an unforgettable HBO debut.
Viggo Mortensen and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy (2001-2003)
It’s not uncommon to learn that some iconic characters werenearly played by other actors. But it’s hard to imagine anyone else being cast for the heroes and villains ofPeter Jackson’scritically-acclaimedThe Lord of the Ringstrilogy. Fans would never dream of replacing such powerhouses asSir Christopher LeeandSir Ian McKellenas the wizards Saruman and Gandalf, respectively,Liv TylerandMiranda Ottoas Arwen and Eowyn, orElijah WoodandSean Astinas Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee.
Viggo Mortensen, however, was never Jackson’s first pick for Aragorn. The veteran actor replacedStuart Townsend(who had already agreed to take on the role), with Jackson having a last-minute change of heart, looking for an older actor to take his place.Mortensen was understandably uncomfortablewith replacing Townsend, but his peerless portrayal of the character became a vital part of the trilogy and its legacy.
Danny Trejo and ‘Runaway Train’ (1985)
Now most recognizable for his role as Isador ‘Machete’ Cortez from 2010’sMachete,Danny Trejo’sjourney to success wasnot as straightforward as you might think. Trejo had spent time in prison and, after his release in 1969, was attempting to redefine himself, taking a myriad of different jobs, with one of his more significant commitments being one to Western Pacific Med Corp as an aid to people struggling with sobriety.
Trejo made his film debut in the 80s action thrillerRunaway Train, but he owes the minor role toEdward Bunker, the film’s screenwriter and a former convict, who recognized Trejo. At the same time, he was on set helping an extra who was struggling with cocaine. Bunker helped Trejo secure an on-set personal trainer job and, later, the role as an extra in the prison drama, kickstarting his film career.
Tim Roth and ‘Reservoir Dogs’ (1992)
Tim Roth, understandably, is not fond of auditions. Even whenQuentin Tarantinoapproached Roth with what would later becomeReservoir Dogs, the actor, though fond of the script, was still hesitant to take up Tarantino’s offer of the role of Mr. Orange, even after an official pre-production meeting.
According to Roth, as per his comments made inan interview with EW, Tarantino took the actor out for some drinks. As the night continued, Roth continued to consider the script at the insistence of Tarantino and, at this point, several drinks. Whether it was at the director’s insistence or the booze, the night ended with Roth being persuaded to accept the role. The rest, as they say, is history.
Robert Pattinson and ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ (2005)
Even before being cast as Cedric Diggory inHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,Robert Pattinsonlaid the groundwork for a successful acting career. He was cast as the son of Rebecca Crawley (Reese Witherspoon), the protagonist of the 2004 historical dramaVanity Fair, but none of his scenes made the final cut.
Inan interview withW Magazine, Pattinson revealed that the film’s casting directorMary Selwayfelt sorry for the young actor. So, when she went on to direct the casting for the fourthHarry Potterfilm, she reached out to offer Pattinson an early run at the role.
Rosario Dawson and ‘Kids’ (1995)
Kidsis quite a controversial film, given its mature subject matter and its unflattering depiction of its four teenage protagonists.Rosario Dawsonplays Ruby, one of the movie’s central characters, and the story of her casting is almost as bizarre as the film itself.
Looking for “real NYC kids,” the production team searched the streets for non-professionals. While location scouting,Harmony KorineandLarry Clarkfound Dawson sitting on her front porch (apparently,she was watching an ad being filmed on her street). They enthusiastically insisted that Dawson was perfect for their film; they asked her to audition for the part.
Since starring inMad Max,Mel Gibsonhas had a successful career as one of the world’s biggest actors and directors. Strangely, Gibson may have a lost bar fight to thank for his long-running film career.
Indeed, an industry legendposits that the brawl is said to have left Gibson’s face severely wounded and bruised. When he accompanied his friend to audition for the 1979 action film, directorGeorge Millerwas struck by his rugged appearance, apparently approaching Gibson in the interest of casting him in one of the film’s villainous roles. Miller eventually decided that Gibson would be perfect for the movie’s protagonist, propelling him into stardom. So as far as his career is concerned, losing that fight might not necessarily be something Gibson regrets.
