When a television series achieves cultural or critical success, it becomes difficult to imagine any other actors in the roles that made it iconic. Yet, the path to casting a TV show is rarely straightforward. Many of the characters audiences now associate with particular performers were nearly played by entirely different celebrities — some of whom went on to fame elsewhere, while others missed their chance at mainstream recognition.
Casting decisions can define careers and shift the trajectory of entertainment history. According to a 2023 report from The Hollywood Reporter, casting changes and near-misses have shaped some of the most enduring series of the past three decades. From missed auditions to last-minute rejections and scheduling conflicts, the reasons behind these decisions vary widely, but the results are often astonishing.
This article explores 12 notable celebrities who came remarkably close to starring in major television shows that have since become household staples. By examining these what-could-have-been scenarios, we gain insight not only into the fluidity of casting but also into how pivotal such decisions are to the legacy of a series.
1. John Krasinski Was Almost Star-Lord in Parks and Recreation
Before John Krasinski achieved critical acclaim for his role in The Office as Jim Halpert and later as a director, he was considered for the role of Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation, a part ultimately played by Chris Pratt. The producers reportedly saw potential in Krasinski’s comedic timing and boy-next-door charm. However, the casting team decided that his established role in The Office would create too much overlap between NBC comedies.
Chris Pratt’s casting helped redefine the character from a temporary guest spot into a fan-favorite with a lasting arc. Krasinski’s career flourished regardless, yet his involvement would have altered the chemistry and tone of Parks and Recreation, particularly in scenes with Aubrey Plaza and Rashida Jones.
2. Jennifer Lawrence Auditioned for Serena in Gossip Girl
Before The Hunger Games propelled her to stardom, Jennifer Lawrence auditioned for the role of Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl. According to casting director David Rapaport, Lawrence was “beyond brilliant” in her audition but was ultimately considered too young for the part.
The role went to Blake Lively, who embodied the glamorous, conflicted Serena and became synonymous with the show’s Upper East Side aesthetic. Had Lawrence been cast, the show’s tone might have shifted, as her naturalistic acting style contrasts with the stylized drama of the series. This near-casting illustrates how age and visual branding can influence casting decisions in youth-centric dramas.
3. Matthew McConaughey Was Approached for Jack in Lost
Matthew McConaughey was considered for the role of Dr. Jack Shephard in the early stages of Lost’s development. Series creator J.J. Abrams had reportedly envisioned a more rugged, cinematic presence for the lead character, and McConaughey, coming off several box-office roles, was among the top candidates.
Ultimately, Matthew Fox was cast after the producers decided to pivot toward a more television-oriented actor who could carry the ensemble format. Fox’s performance brought a grounded intensity that defined the show’s emotional stakes. Had McConaughey accepted or been chosen, Lost might have leaned further into cinematic storytelling earlier in its run, possibly altering its pacing and narrative tone.
4. Connie Britton Almost Played Olivia Pope in Scandal
Before Kerry Washington took on the groundbreaking role of Olivia Pope in Scandal, creator Shonda Rhimes initially considered casting Connie Britton. Known for her work in Friday Night Lights, Britton met with Rhimes, and ABC executives reportedly supported her for the role.
Rhimes, however, advocated for Washington, emphasizing the importance of a Black woman leading a primetime drama — a rarity at the time. Washington’s portrayal became a milestone in network television, earning her multiple award nominations and contributing to a broader conversation about diversity in media. While Britton is a respected actress, this casting decision underscores how identity and representation can shape not just a role, but a show’s cultural impact.
5. Thomas Brodie-Sangster Nearly Played Joffrey in Game of Thrones
Thomas Brodie-Sangster, known for roles in Love Actually and The Queen’s Gambit, was in the running for Joffrey Baratheon in HBO’s Game of Thrones. Casting director Nina Gold praised his screen presence, and he auditioned during the early stages of the show’s development.
The role ultimately went to Jack Gleeson, whose chilling performance defined one of the most detested characters in television history. Brodie-Sangster’s more sympathetic demeanor might have rendered Joffrey more complex, but possibly less terrifying. This choice significantly shaped the tone of the show’s political intrigue and character dynamics.
6. Katie Holmes Was Almost Buffy in Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Joss Whedon originally considered Katie Holmes for the titular role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Fresh off her early career in modeling and small acting gigs, Holmes had the youth and charisma Whedon wanted. However, she turned down the role to finish high school, a decision supported by her family.
Sarah Michelle Gellar was eventually cast and brought a balance of toughness and vulnerability to the character. The show’s success — and Gellar’s performance — had a lasting impact on supernatural dramas and female-led genre series. Holmes later found success in Dawson’s Creek, but her near-involvement in Buffy represents a major fork in her career path.
7. Rainn Wilson Auditioned for G.O.B. in Arrested Development
Before being cast as Dwight Schrute in The Office, Rainn Wilson auditioned for the role of G.O.B. Bluth in Arrested Development. According to showrunner Mitch Hurwitz, Wilson’s audition was “uniquely odd,” which aligned with the show’s offbeat humor, but ultimately Will Arnett’s version of the character was deemed better suited to the role’s egotistical bravado.
Wilson’s eccentricity would later define Dwight Schrute, a role that relied heavily on awkwardness and intensity rather than the overt confidence G.O.B. required. The switch exemplifies how nuanced comedic styles often determine fit in ensemble shows, even when talent is undeniable.
8. Ashley Tisdale Turned Down Pretty Little Liars
Ashley Tisdale, famous for her role in High School Musical, was offered the opportunity to star in Pretty Little Liars as one of the four leads. Tisdale reportedly declined due to other commitments, including her music career and involvement with other television pilots.
The role eventually went to actresses such as Troian Bellisario and Lucy Hale, whose performances helped establish the show’s tone and suspenseful narrative. Tisdale’s involvement could have added a more mainstream or Disney-associated presence, potentially altering the show’s early demographic appeal.
9. Mahershala Ali Was Considered for The Walking Dead
Before becoming an Oscar-winning actor, Mahershala Ali auditioned for multiple roles in The Walking Dead, including that of T-Dog and later Tyreese. While he did not land either role, Ali’s auditions reportedly impressed producers, though other candidates were chosen based on physicality and ensemble balance.
Had Ali been cast, his gravitas and screen presence might have brought a different dynamic to the group’s internal power structures. His eventual rise in Hollywood through Moonlight and Green Book suggests that his talents would have stood out, even in the crowded ensemble of The Walking Dead.
10. Eric Stoltz Was Originally Marty in Back to the Future — and Considered for TV Adaptations
While widely known for being replaced by Michael J. Fox during filming of Back to the Future, Eric Stoltz was also approached for possible participation in early television adaptations or reboots considered in the 1990s. Although none of these projects advanced, Stoltz’s ongoing attachment to the franchise reflects how networks often look to previously attached actors when repackaging IP.
Fox’s portrayal became iconic, and subsequent attempts to reboot the property on television have stalled. The story of Stoltz remains a reminder of how casting is often reassessed through multiple media formats — with the original actor’s history continuing to influence new interpretations.
11. Paul Giamatti Was a Contender for Michael Scott in The Office
Before Steve Carell was cast as Michael Scott, NBC reportedly eyed Paul Giamatti for the role. Known for his dramatic range and understated humor, Giamatti was seriously considered due to his growing profile in independent cinema.
However, he declined the offer, and Carell’s performance went on to define American comedy television in the 2000s. Giamatti’s interpretation likely would have leaned into a more nuanced discomfort rather than Carell’s broader comedic style. This decision showcases how a single actor’s comedic leanings can transform a series’ entire comedic rhythm.
12. Rob Lowe Was Nearly McDreamy in Grey’s Anatomy
Rob Lowe confirmed in interviews that he was offered the role of Derek Shepherd in Grey’s Anatomy, but he turned it down in favor of starring in Dr. Vegas, a short-lived CBS drama. The role went to Patrick Dempsey, whose portrayal earned him the nickname “McDreamy” and made him a household name.
Lowe later joined Parks and Recreation, but the missed opportunity reflects the unpredictable nature of television success. While Dr. Vegas was cancelled after one season, Grey’s Anatomy has become one of the longest-running scripted primetime shows in U.S. history.
Casting Decisions That Shaped Television History
These near-misses and alternate casting considerations highlight the fragile, often unpredictable mechanics of television development. While each actor mentioned here went on to forge a distinct path — many achieving success in their own right — their close proximity to iconic roles reveals just how consequential early casting decisions can be.
Moreover, the actors who did secure these parts often became indelibly linked with their characters, shaping audience perceptions and contributing to the long-term success of the series. Had different choices been made, entire storylines, character arcs, and even viewer demographics might have evolved differently.
In an industry where timing, chemistry, and creative instinct guide decision-making, the history of what almost happened is nearly as compelling as what actually did. For viewers, these stories serve as reminders that behind every familiar performance lies a story of competition, negotiation, and — sometimes — sheer luck.