From Oscar winners to pop culture icons, many of today’s most recognizable celebrities still had to hustle for key roles, sometimes even at the peak of their fame. Whether it was to land a part in a passion project, prove they could handle a new genre, or convince a skeptical filmmaker, these stars learned that talent must always be demonstrated, not just assumed.
Robert De Niro – The Godfather
In 1971, Robert De Niro auditioned for the role of the hot-headed gangster Sonny Corleone in The Godfather. While the role ultimately went to James Caan, De Niro’s audition impressed director Francis Ford Coppola, leading to his casting as the young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II, a role that earned him his first Oscar.
Emma Stone – Easy A
Emma Stone landed her role in Easy A after director Will Gluck urged her to send in an audition tape of the film’s main character’s webcam confession. Stone re-recorded the scene multiple times until she felt it was perfect, showcasing her dedication to the craft.
Jennifer Lawrence – Winter’s Bone
Jennifer Lawrence’s audition for Winter’s Bone was a turning point in her career. At just 19 years old, she delivered a powerful performance that earned her critical acclaim and her first Academy Award nomination. Her dedication to the role showcased her immense talent and commitment to her craft.
Matthew McConaughey – Titanic
Matthew McConaughey, already a recognized actor, auditioned for the role of Jack in Titanic. Despite his talent and popularity, James Cameron ultimately cast Leonardo DiCaprio in the role. McConaughey’s audition for such a high-profile film demonstrates that even established actors must compete for coveted roles.
Hugh Jackman – X-Men
In 1999, Tony-winning stage actor Hugh Jackman auditioned for the role of Wolverine in X-Men. Initially, Dougray Scott was cast, but due to scheduling conflicts with Mission: Impossible II, Jackman was brought in. His portrayal of Wolverine became iconic, leading to a long-running role in the X-Men franchise.
Leonardo DiCaprio – Titanic
Leonardo DiCaprio auditioned for the role of Jack in Titanic. Director James Cameron was initially hesitant about casting DiCaprio due to his relative inexperience, but after seeing his audition, he was convinced of DiCaprio’s talent. The film’s success solidified DiCaprio’s status as a leading actor in Hollywood.
Johnny Depp – Pirates of the Caribbean
By the time Johnny Depp auditioned for the role of Captain Jack Sparrow, he was already an established actor with a reputation for choosing eclectic roles. Despite his fame, Depp was still required to audition for the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. His unique, quirky take on the character, which some initially doubted, was what ultimately won him the part and turned the film into a worldwide hit, earning Depp an Academy Award nomination.
Charlize Theron – Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest
At 19, Charlize Theron had a public altercation with a bank teller who refused to cash her check. Impressed by her fiery demeanor, talent manager John Crosby invited her to audition for Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest. Though uncredited, this role marked the beginning of her acting career, leading to her Oscar-winning performance in Monster and other acclaimed roles.
Aaron Paul – Breaking Bad
Aaron Paul had appeared in various TV commercials and small roles before auditioning for Breaking Bad. His chemistry with Bryan Cranston and his portrayal of Jesse Pinkman earned him critical acclaim and multiple Emmy Awards. His audition was pivotal in transforming the show into a cultural phenomenon.
Emma Watson – Beauty and the Beast
Emma Watson was already a global star thanks to her portrayal of Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter franchise, but she still had to audition for the role of Belle in Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast. Watson was initially hesitant to audition for another major role so soon after the Potter series but decided to go through the process. Her audition was so impressive that she earned the part, proving she could take on a new, iconic character.
Helen Hunt – As Good as It Gets
Helen Hunt auditioned for the role of Carol Connelly in As Good as It Gets, a part that ultimately earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Her portrayal of a waitress caring for her son and dealing with Jack Nicholson’s character was widely praised, marking a significant achievement in her career.
Tom Hiddleston – Thor
Tom Hiddleston auditioned for the role of Thor in Marvel’s Thor (2011). Although Chris Hemsworth was ultimately cast as the titular character, Hiddleston’s audition impressed the filmmakers, leading them to offer him the role of Loki, Thor’s brother and the film’s antagonist. Hiddleston’s portrayal of Loki became iconic, leading to his return in multiple Marvel films.
James Franco – Spider-Man
James Franco auditioned for the role of Peter Parker in Spider-Man (2002). Although Tobey Maguire was cast as the lead, Franco’s audition was strong enough to land him the role of Harry Osborn, Peter’s best friend and eventual antagonist. Franco’s performance added complexity to the film’s character dynamics.
Miley Cyrus – The Last Song
By the time The Last Song began casting, Miley Cyrus was already a household name thanks to Hannah Montana. Still, she expressed a desire to transition into more serious film roles and actively pursued the lead in the Nicholas Sparks adaptation. Rather than being offered the part outright, Cyrus worked to prove herself, even taking on vocal coaching and piano training for the role of Ronnie Miller. The film was developed in part to help her shed the Disney image, and her emotional performance marked a turning point in her acting career.
Jennifer Lawrence – The Hunger Games
While she was already well-known for her work in Winter’s Bone, Lawrence still had to audition for the high-profile role in The Hunger Games, competing with numerous other talented actresses. Her dedication and fierce determination during the audition process ultimately helped her secure the role that would change her career forever.
Tom Hanks – Forrest Gump
Before landing the iconic role of Forrest Gump, Tom Hanks was a respected actor, but still not the huge star he is today. Hanks had to audition for the part, and director Robert Zemeckis was initially unsure about his suitability for the role. After multiple auditions, Hanks convinced them that he was perfect for the part, eventually earning an Academy Award for his performance.
Ryan Gosling – La La Land
Though Ryan Gosling had already become known for films like The Notebook and Drive, he still had to audition for the role of Sebastian in La La Land. Director Damien Chazelle initially saw Gosling as the perfect fit but wanted to make sure he could pull off the role, particularly the singing and piano-playing aspects. Gosling’s audition was convincing, securing him the role that would garner multiple award nominations.
Natalie Portman – Black Swan
Although Natalie Portman had an extensive resume before auditioning for Black Swan, including roles in Star Wars and V for Vendetta, she still had to prove herself to director Darren Aronofsky. Portman faced a rigorous audition process that included physical tests and intense psychological preparation to embody the character of Nina Sayers. Her audition was key in securing her an Oscar-winning role.
Chris Hemsworth – Thor
Chris Hemsworth’s audition for Thor came after his fame from the Star Trek reboot, but he still had to win over Marvel Studios executives. Hemsworth had to audition multiple times and even go through an intense training regimen to embody the superhero physique. His charisma, dedication, and strong screen presence ultimately earned him the role that would make him a household name.
Will Smith – The Pursuit of Happyness
Will Smith was already one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood when he auditioned for the role of Chris Gardner in The Pursuit of Happyness. Despite his fame, Smith went through the audition process, ensuring that he could embody the real-life figure with the emotional depth required for the role. His performance earned him critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination.
Anne Hathaway – Les Misérables
Before winning an Oscar for her role as Fantine in Les Misérables, Anne Hathaway had already made a name for herself in Hollywood. However, she still had to audition for the part, performing an impassioned rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” in front of the casting team. Hathaway’s raw emotion and commitment to the role secured her the part, ultimately leading to her Oscar win.
Benedict Cumberbatch – Doctor Strange
Benedict Cumberbatch was already a celebrated actor for his role in Sherlock when he auditioned for the role of Doctor Stephen Strange in Marvel’s Doctor Strange. Despite his fame, Cumberbatch faced intense competition, but his audition stood out.
Robert Downey Jr. – Iron Man
Robert Downey Jr. was an established actor by the time he was auditioning for the role of Tony Stark in Iron Man. However, due to his troubled past, Marvel Studios was initially hesitant to cast him. Downey Jr. had to audition multiple times to convince the team that he was the perfect fit for the role. His stellar performance transformed the Iron Man franchise into a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Chris Pratt – Guardians of the Galaxy
Before becoming Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy, Chris Pratt was known for his comedic roles in television and film, but he still had to audition for the part. Pratt’s audition stood out for his unique ability to blend humor and heart, impressing director James Gunn and leading to his breakout role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Keanu Reeves – The Matrix
Keanu Reeves had to audition for the role of Neo in The Matrix. The Wachowskis, who were looking for a fresh face with the right balance of intensity and vulnerability, put Reeves through a grueling audition process. His unique take on the character secured him the iconic role, which would go on to define his career.