Casting directors. They’re really one of the unsung heroes of Hollywood. They have to put up with a lot of shit, especially last minute changes in script and the director’s vision. At a moment’s notice they have to find a new actor and get them approved by production. It’s enough to make someone pull their hair out. So, can you imagine a casting director’s anger when an actress turns down the offer or drops out of production after all the time spent carefully choosing them for the role? Yeah, I’d want to pull my hair out, too.
With this in mind, I did a little research and compiled a list – 32 Actors Who Almost Appeared in Iconic Slasher Films. These men and women were destined to appear in features from Child’s Play to Scream, but declined, dropped out, or were recast for a variety of reasons. Can you imagine how the movies would have changed with their inclusions? It’s certainly cool to think about. And, if you’re wondering why Hellraiser didn’t make the list, well, I wouldn’t consider that a slasher film franchise, though it is iconic.
A Nightmare on Elm Street Franchise
1. Sally Kellerman was offered a cameo in Nightmare on Elm Street 3, but turned it down.
2. Patricia Arquette was set to return as Kristen Parker in Dream Master, but turned it down because she was pregnant.
3. John Saxon was offered a cameo in the Nightmare on Elm Street remake, but turned it down.
Child’s Play Franchise
1. Julia Stiles was cast as Jade in Bride of Chucky, but dropped out to film 10 Things I Hate About You.
2. Chris Sarandon was set to return as Mike Norris in Seed of Chucky, but turned it down because of “scheduling conflicts.”
Friday the 13th Franchise
1. Estelle Parsons was cast as Pamela Voorhees in Friday the 13th, but dropped out for unknown reasons.
2. Amy Steel was set to return as Ginny in Friday the 13th Part III, but turned it down “wanting a better career.”
3. John Shepherd was set to return as Tommy in Jason Lives, but turned it down because he became a born again Christian.
4. Betsy Palmer was set to return as Pamela Voorhees in Jason Goes to Hell, but declined because of involvement in a theatrical production.
5. Betsy Palmer was set to return as Pamela Voorhees in Freddy vs. Jason, but turned it down because the part was too small.
6. Brad Renfro was cast as Will Rollins in Freddy vs. Jason, but was replaced for unknown reasons.
7. Adrienne Barbeau was offered a cameo in the Friday the 13th remake, but was let go because of “casting changes.”
Halloween Franchise
1. Denise Richards was offered the role of Beth in Halloween 6, but turned it down.
2. Danielle Harris was set to return as Jamie Lloyd in Halloween 6, but turned it down due to inadequate compensation.
3. Howard Stern was offered the role of Barry Simms in Halloween 6, but turned it down.
4. P.J. Soles was offered the role of Nora in Halloween H20, but turned it down.
5. Jacinda Barrett was cast as Sara Moyer in Halloween: Resurrection, but dropped out shortly after filming began.
6. John Carpenter was offered a cameo in Rob Zombie’s H2, but politely turned it down.
Scream Franchise
1. Drew Barrymore was cast as Sydney in Scream, but turned down the role having wanted to play Casey instead.
2. Reese Witherspoon was offered the role of Sydney in Scream, but turned it down.
3. Joaquin Phoenix was offered the role of Billy Loomis in Scream, but turned it down.
4. Janeane Garofalo was offered the role of Gale Weathers in Scream, but turned it down.
5. Melinda Clarke was offered the role of Tatum in Scream, but turned it down.
6. Alicia Silverstone was offered the role of Cici Cooper in Scream 2, but turned it down.
7. Alicia Silverstone was offered the role of Angelina Taylor in Scream 3, but turned it down.
8. Jamie Lee Curtis was offered the role of Bianca Burnette in Scream 3, but turned it down.
9. Lake Bell was cast as Deputy Judy Hicks in Scream 4, but dropped out due to “scheduling conflicts.”
10. Lauren Graham was cast as Kate Roberts in Scream 4, but dropped out due to “scheduling conflicts” and “script changes.”
Texas Chainsaw Massacre Franchise
1. Bill Johnson was set to return as Leatherface in Next Generation, but turned it down.
2. Jim Siedow was offered the role of Grandfather in Next Generation, but turned it down.
3. Dolph Lundgren was offered the role of Leatherface in the Texas Chainsaw remake, but turned it down to be with his family.
4. Gunnar Hansen was offered the role of The Trucker in the Texas Chainsaw remake, but turned it down.
