18 Famous Actors Who Were Almost Cast as Disney Characters

Casting is not an easy job. Trying to find the right fit for a role, especially in an animated film, is tough work. There have been so many instances where Disney has hired an actor, only to fire them because it didn't work like they thought it would.

The same goes for casting choices. Many actors have turned down Disney roles and regret it! But who?

Click through the slideshow for 18 famous actors who were almost cast as Disney characters. For this slideshow, 24/7 Tempo reviewed entertainment sources with interviews and comments on past Disney roles/interviews.

Before Kristen Bell brought the character Anna to life, she auditioned to be Rapunzel in "Tangled." Honestly, we can see it! Thankfully, though, she got the part in "Frozen" as Mandy Moore is an incredible Rapunzel.

Patrick Stewart was offered the role of Cogsworth in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast." Unfortunately, there was a scheduling conflict, so he turned it down. He also had to turn down the role of King Triton in "The Little Mermaid."

A lot of Disney stars auditioned for other films, only to get cast in other ones. Another example is Emma Watson, who played the live-action Belle in "Beauty and the Beast." However, she was offered the live-action Cinderella role, although she turned it down. Can you imagine her playing Cinderella?

Tyra Banks, the supermodel we all know and love from "America's Top Model," was considered for the role of Tiana in "The Princess and the Frog." Although a strong contender, the role went to Anika Noni Rose with her powerful voice.

So many people went for the role of Tiana in "The Princess and the Frog," including Alicia Keys. Beyoncé was also considered, although she never auditioned for the role. According to some reports, Beyoncé wanted a direct offer, not to audition.

Bill Murray, known for his roles in "Ghostbusters," "Lost in Translation," and "Zombieland," also almost starred in the beloved Disney film, "Monsters, Inc." The director was ready to offer him the role of Sully, but when they tried to contact him, they only reached a toll-free number as Murray had just stopped working with his agents.

Originally, Joe Pesci was cast as Mushu, the dragon in the film "Mulan." However, after the character went through changes, producers had him read a few lines, and it didn't feel right.

Imagine getting cast for a role and spending time recording lines only to get recast because the director wanted a softer voice. This happened to William H. Macy, who was first cast as Marlin in "Finding Nemo." The movie crew found his voice to be too dramatic and dark for the children's film.

Leonardo DiCaprio was strongly considered for the role of Max in "Hocus Pocus," but turned it down as he had just committed to "What's Eating Gilbert Grape." That's okay! DiCaprio has starred in way too many incredible movies like "Titanic," "The Wolf of Wall Street," and "Catch Me If You Can." Did he need another iconic movie?

Can you imagine anybody else playing Captain Jack Sparrow other than Johnny Depp? Well, that was almost a reality. The writers, when coming up with the script, did so while considering Hugh Jackman for the role. The only reason he didn't get the role was because he didn't have as much international fame as Johnny Depp.

Robin Williams was one of the best actors of all time. He had a long list of movie roles, including the Genie in Disney's "Aladdin." Well, he almost played another animated Disney role, Woody in "Toy Story."

So many people wanted to play Rapunzel in "Tangled." Funny enough, the star who played Elsa, Idina Menzel, also auditioned for "Tangled." Both Anna and Elsa nearly played the long-haired golden princess.

As incredible an actor as Jim Carrey is, can you see him playing a Disney prince in an animated film? Well, he was one of the many comedic actors who auditioned for Prince Eric in "The Little Mermaid."

Billy Crystal regrets turning down the role of Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story franchise. He was one of many actors considered for the role, including Jim Carrey. The role, though, eventually went to Tim Allen.

A lot of big comedians tried out for the role of Genie in "Aladdin," although Robin Williams sold the deal. Still, Martin Short almost got the role. A few others who were considered/auditioned for the Genie were Eddie Murphy, John Goodman, and John Candy.

Disney fans probably screamed in excitement when they saw Angela Lansbury in the sequel to "Mary Poppins." Why? Angela Lansbury auditioned and was considered for the role of Mary Poppins in the original film, although the role went to Julie Andrews. That's okay, though, as Lansbury is a Disney star who voiced the iconic Mrs. Potts.

Can you imagine anyone else playing the voice of Hades? Jack Nicholson was originally considered for the role, although Disney and the actor couldn't agree on the payment. He was offered $500,000 for the role, but wanted anywhere from $10-$15 million and 50% of any Hades merchandise.

The original actress to play Merida in "Brave" was the talented Reese Witherspoon. As talented as she was, she was let go because she couldn't do a realistic or consistent Scottish accent. Instead, they cast an actual Scottish person, Kelly Macdonald.