Freddie Prinze Jr. -Spider-Man (Peter Parker/SpiderMan)

Can you imagine Freddie Prinze Jnr swinging around New York City as Peter Parker? Well it could have happened. Freddie has said he was the original choice to play Spider-Man in Sami Raimi’s trilogy. Eventually though it would be Toby Maguire who would don the mask and tights for the three movies.

AdriEn BrodyAdrien Brody could have been the Joker

Adrien Brody -The Dark Knight (The Joker)

Undoubtedly Heath Ledger’s performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight is iconic, however the role could have been played by Oscar winner Adrien Brody. Brody told MTV that he met with Christopher Nolan to discuss the part but in the end it was Ledger who was cast. Still Brody would have loved to have had a go in the face paint, calling the part “an amazing role”.

Michael Fassbender -Pearl Harbour (Rafe McCawley)

He might be a big star now, but Michael Fassbender’s big break could have come a lot sooner. Before having any movie credits to his name, the actor managed to impress director Michael Bay, so much so he was nearly cast in Pearl Harbour. Fassbender nearly took the part of Rafe McCawley but eventually Bay decided on the more established name of Ben Affleck.

Carey Mulligan Carey Mulligan was almost the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

Carey Milligan -Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (Lisbeth Salander)

Before Rooney Mara landed the role of Lisbeth Salander in the US remake of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo many names were rumored for the lead. One of which was British actress Carey Mulligan, who’s name was a strong contender in April 2010. Mulligan eventually lost out to Mara, but not before many other names did the rumour mill such as Anne Hathaway and Natalie Portman.

More: Find out which actors actually TURNED DOWN major movie roles:

More: Find out which actors turned down playing James Bond