Star Wars wouldn’t have been so legendary without Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and the rest of the cast. But at the time when these roles were being offered, other high-profile celebrities were considered too.
Ever since the franchise’s quick explosion, many iconic actors have wanted to tag along in the adventure. Although some of them might be rumors, here are seven of the stars who could’ve brought a new outlook to George Lucas’ masterpiece.
Tupac Shakur
RON GALELLA/WIREIMAGE: Tupac Shakur was almost on Star Wars
An engineer at Death Row Records, Rick Clifford, reported that Tupac auditioned to play Mace Windu in Episode I: The Phantom Menace as the team wanted him to be featured as Jedi.
The rapper’s unfortunate demise in September 1996 had the character given to Samuel L. Jackson.
Michael Jackson
Vicki L. Miller/shutterstock: Michael Jackson wanted to play Jar Jar Blinks
Jackson really wanted to be pitched-in as Jar Jar Blinks, but he didn’t fit what the director had in mind.
Apparently, the popstar envisioned to execute the role in makeup and prosthetic. When the two met, Lucas quickly introduced Ahmed Best as Blinks, to which Jackson’s response was ‘Oh. OK.’
Leonardo DiCaprio
DFree/shutterstock: Leonardo DiCaprio turned down Anakin Skywalker’s part
Before Hayden Christensen, Anakin Skywalker’s part in the second two movies was offered to DiCaprio. At the time, the artist had just minted fame for Titanic, so he turned the proposal down since he liked the innocent hero’s side more.
In 2014, he confirmed the authenticity of this news and added that he just didn’t feel ready.
Billie Lourd
Lourd disclosed on The Ellen DeGeneres show that J.J. Abrams couldn’t find anyone for the lead, so he thought she should do it. Later, the part was given to Daisey Ridley because she suited it better. Lourd, on the other hand, was excited to do a smaller role instead.
Paul Walker
Not being registered as Anakin made Paul upset. A part of him wanted no other soul to be accepted for the character, while another part of the Fast & Furious star was happy that someone worthwhile got it.
Jim Henson
Henson did turn in to depict the Yoda dummy but then had to let go of the opportunity because he was busy with his show, Muppets. The puppeteer was also the one to suggest Frank Oz for the job.
Jodie Foster
During her teen years, Foster was Lucas’ first choice for Princess Leia, yet she rejected the proposition due to scheduling clashes with Taxi Driver and doesn’t regret it at all.
While many actors deeply desired to be a part of Star Wars, some waved goodbye without even thinking twice. We all know that it’s not their fault since history and destiny knew what’s best for the franchise, and that’s why it’s imprinted in our heads!
