27 actors who turned down huge role movie roles

Would a Han Solo who's not Harrison Ford be the same sarcastic hero every "Star Wars" fan cherishes? What would "Lord of the Rings" look like with Nicolas Cage in one of the main roles?

Characters become iconic thanks in large part to the actors who bring them to life, and it's often difficult to imagine anyone else in the role afterwards.

But some actors are fired from a role, some leave because of other commitments, and some just don't accept the offer. Some actors regret turning down a project, but others, like Jack Nicholson, know that it can be the right choice, no matter how popular or critically adored the film might become.

Keep reading to see the roles that could have been played by different actors.