8 Times Casting Directors Took a Gamble and Made Movie Magic

Casting a movie requires careful consideration to choose the best actor for the part. The character's looks are part of the equation, but the actor also needs to have the right mannerisms, attitude, voice, and star power. Sometimes, casting against type leads to the greatest success. Here are eight movies – in alphabetical order – where casting directors ignored star power and ended up with surprising Oscar wins. (Also, read 20 Actors Who Missed Out on Iconic Roles (and Regretted It).)

When casting directors were filling the different roles for Betelgeuse, Michael Keaton wasn't a first choice. He'd acted in some movies, with Ron Howard's "Night Shift" being his biggest role, but he wasn't well-known. Tim Burton wanted Sammy Davis Jr. to play the role with Sam Kinison and Dudley Moore as other options. It was David Geffen who championed for Keaton.

Casting executives had several actresses, including Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow, in mind for the role of Cher. Reese Witherspoon seemed perfect and had several films highlighting her talent. Ultimately, underdog actor Alicia Silverstone got the part after director Amy Heckerling spotted her in an Aerosmith video.

In this psychological thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Drew Barrymore, Gyllenhaal was not the first choice for the teen. Vince Vaughn and Mark Walberg were both considered. Ultimately, Jason Schwartzman signed on to play Donnie but backed out at the last minute due to scheduling issues. Gyllenhaal fought to get the part after reading the script and becoming hooked in the story.

Stephen Spielberg knew he needed breakout actors for the different roles in "Jurassic Park." Much of the film's budget was devoted to the dinosaurs, so he didn't have a big fund for actors. Because of this, he chose unknown actors willing to work with his budget. While Christina Ricci ("The Addams Family") was considered for the role of young Lex, the role went to breakout star Ariana Richards, who won the part based on her scream's realism.

This romantic dramedy about a Pakistani-British man's experiences and romance with his childhood friend in 1980s London wasn't Daniel Day-Lewis's first role, but it rocketed him into the limelight. He wasn't supposed to play Johnny. Gary Oldman was offered the role, but he turned it down due to concerns over the script.

When Harrison Ford auditioned for the role of Han Solo, he wasn't well known. George Lucas liked working with completely unknown actors. As he'd worked with Ford on "American Graffiti," he wasn't considering him for Han Solo. Christopher Walken also auditioned, but Ford's delivery and timing impressed the directors, landing him the part.

Casting directors eyed Olivia Wilde for the role of Naomi in this Oscar-nominated film, but it was determined she looked too old for the part. Lesser-known TV actress Margot Robbie ended up with the role, helping her gain a lot of attention in the U.S.

When "X-Men" came out, Hugh Jackman was not well-known. He had two small roles in movies, but much of his career was in Australian theater. Landing the role of Wolverine at the last second changed his career. Who was the first choice? Casting directors wanted Dougray Scott, but he backed out after being injured on the set of "Mission: Impossible 2."