Coulda Been a Contender Trivia Quiz

Answer: William Baldwin

The reason Baldwin turned it down was to star in "Backdraft" (1991). George Clooney auditioned for the part five times, but was not the right fit. The list of people who either passed on or dropped out of the film is long. Tina Turner, Cher, and Johnny Depp all turned down roles in the film. Jodie Foster and Michelle Pfeiffer agreed to be the leading characters but dropped out after pre-production took too long. And instead of playing the two outlaws, Thelma and Louise, Goldie Hawn and Meryll Streep opted instead to star in the cinematic flop "Death Becomes Her" (1992).

Answer: Gwyneth Paltrow

Director Paul Thomas Anderson had worked with Paltrow before in "Hard Eight" (1996) and was so impressed with her that he wanted to work with her again on "Boogie Nights". Because she was still relatively unknown as an actress, Paltrow was taking great care in picking her parts.

She decided that a film based on the 1970's porn industry was not the direction she wanted to take her career and passed on the part. Heather Graham then took the part. Gwenyth went on to Oscar fame with "Shakespeare in Love", released only a year after Boogie Nights.

Answer: John Cusack

Of course, that was in the 1980s when Lee first discussed making the film. It wasn't until 2002, nearly 20 years later, that "Spiderman" actually became a feature film. By that time, Tobey Maguire was a more suitable choice.

Answer: Michael J. Fox

The director always wanted Michael J. Fox for the part but scheduling difficulties with Family Ties caused conflict. Family Ties producer Gary Goldberg wouldn't hear of it. So Eric Stoltz ended up actually shooting several scenes for the film. Speilberg wasn't pleased with Stoltz and plead his case against to Goldberg.

He agreed as long as filming didn't interfere with Family Ties. So Fox filmed Family Ties during the day and "Back to the Future" at night.

Answer: Sandra Bullock

There were several changes made before this movie, which took only 37 days to film, was able to get going. Angelica Huston had hoped to direct this film. However, when rights to it were acquired she was unavailable, so Clint Eastwood took to directing.

Other than Sandra, Ashley Judd was also considered, but Hilary Swank was chosen to play the endearing Maggie Fitzgerald. Role hopping didn't stop there. Originally, Morgan Freeman was slotted to play Frankie Dunn. But he felt more suited to the role of Eddie 'Scrap Iron' Dupris. Finally Clint took over not only the direction of the film but playing the lead character Frankie as well. One could argue that the right choices were made by all. Swank, Freeman and Eastwood all went on to win Oscars for the film. Swank for Best Actress, Freeman for Best Supporting Actor and Eastwood for Director.

The film ALSO won Best Motion Picture of the Year.

Answer: Meg Ryan

It is difficult for many to consider anyone BUT Julia Roberts playing the role that made her a household name. But Meg Ryan was the "it" girl in romantic comedies in the late 80s and the producers had hoped to cash in on her stardom. When it came down to making the decision though, they feared that her innocent, girl-next-door charm might make her unbelievable as a prostitute.

However, Julia wasn't the second choice either. Darryl Hannah and Michelle Pfeiffer both turned down the role. Molly Ringwald was considered, but, the powers that be finally decided to go with an unknown actress and chose Julia Roberts.

Answer: Kevin Kline

The film raised some brows when it was released, as many fans wouldn't have thought of Michael Keaton as an action star. One of the first choices of the producers didn't consider himself much of one either. That's why Kevin Kline turned down the role.

He chose to pursue "A Fish Called Wanda" (1988) instead. He went on to win an Academy Award for that role. The search was broad for the perfect Batman. Other actors, who reportedly were considered or offered the role, include: Alec Baldwin, Pierce Brosnan, Mel Gibson, Tom Hanks, Bill Murray and Charlie Sheen. Adam West - the original TV Batman - expressed great interest in playing the movie role, but was turned down.

Answer: Warren Beatty

The director, Quentin Tarntino, actually wrote the character of Bill with Warren Beatty in mind. However, in discussions and readings of the script, Tarantino continually requested that Beatty play the role "more like David Carradine" so much that finally Beatty suggested that Tarantino actually GET Carridine to do it.

After nearly casting Kevin Costner, Tarantino finally decided that rather than get someone who could act "like" Carridine, he may as well get the actor himself. Carridine was then cast as Bill.

Answer: Ice Cube

Several actors were considered for the role of Bubba before Mykelti Williamson got the part. Ice Cube feared looking "stupid" so he passed. David Alan Grier turned it down, as did Dave Chappelle. Chappelle later said he regretted the decision. Another actor who might have regrets is John Travolta. He turned down the role of Forrest.

Answer: Nick Nolte

Harrison Ford finally got the part of Indiana Jones and went on to star in a virtual franchise of "Indiana" movies. But before Lucas and Spielberg cast him, others were considered. Not only did Nick turn down the part, Tom Selleck was also offered the role but was unable to do it because of his commitment to the T.V. show "Magnum P.I."