30 iconic roles that were almost played by different actors

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 hard to imagine anyone else in the role after the fact.

But some actors are fired from a role, some leave due to other commitments, and some just don't accept the offer.

When a offer is first presented, it can be hard to see how successful a film might become. 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.

Here are 30 iconic characters that were almost played by different actors: