Actresses Who Were Fired or Replaced Early in Production

In the high-stakes world of Hollywood, casting decisions are often scrutinized until the very last moment. While some actresses spend months preparing for a role, others find their journey cut short just as the cameras begin to roll. Whether due to creative differences, a lack of chemistry, or a shift in the production’s direction, being replaced on the first day of filming or during the initial rehearsals is a daunting reality. These instances serve as a reminder that even the most talented performers are not immune to the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry.

Lisa Kudrow

Lisa Kudrow was originally cast as Roz Doyle in the hit sitcom ‘Frasier’. During the early rehearsals of the pilot episode, director James Burrows realized that Kudrow’s performance did not provide the necessary “toughness” to challenge the lead character. The producers decided to let her go and replaced her with Peri Gilpin before filming was completed. Kudrow later credited this firing as a pivotal moment that allowed her to be available for ‘Friends’.

Lori Petty

Lori Petty was the original choice to play Lenina Huxley in the 1993 science fiction film ‘Demolition Man’. Just two days into production, she was fired from the project due to reported creative differences with lead actor Sylvester Stallone. The studio quickly brought in Sandra Bullock to fill the role, which became a breakout performance for her career. Petty has since discussed the dismissal in interviews, noting the difficulties of the sudden departure.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore was initially cast as the lead in the 2018 film ‘Can You Ever Forgive Me?’. During the early rehearsal phase, she was fired by director Nicole Holofcener because they held conflicting visions for the character of Lee Israel. Moore later revealed that she wanted to wear a prosthetic nose and fat suit, which did not align with the director’s vision. Melissa McCarthy eventually took over the role and received an Academy Award nomination for her performance.

Geneviève Bujold

Geneviève Bujold was the first actress cast to play Captain Nicole Janeway in ‘Star Trek: Voyager’. She filmed several scenes during the first two days of production but found the rigorous schedule of a television series to be overwhelming. Bujold left the project or was let go by the producers after it became clear the role was not a good fit for her. Kate Mulgrew was subsequently hired, and the character was renamed Kathryn Janeway.

Sean Young

Sean Young was originally cast to play Tess Trueheart in the 1990 film ‘Dick Tracy’. She was fired about a week into production, with director Warren Beatty stating that she did not seem right for the character once filming began. Young, however, publicly alleged that her dismissal was the result of rebuffing Beatty’s personal advances. The role was ultimately handed to Glenne Headly, who finished the production.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman was cast as Juliet in the 1996 film ‘Romeo + Juliet’ opposite Leonardo DiCaprio. After filming began, the producers and director Baz Luhrmann realized that the 13-year-old Portman looked significantly younger than the 21-year-old DiCaprio. The studio felt the age gap looked inappropriate on camera during their initial scenes together. Portman was replaced by Claire Danes, and she later stated that the decision was mutual and for the best.

Judy Garland

Judy Garland was cast as Helen Lawson in the 1967 film ‘Valley of the Dolls’. She was fired just a few days into production due to her erratic behavior and struggles with substance abuse on set. The producers found it impossible to continue working with her after she allegedly locked herself in her dressing room. Susan Hayward was brought in as a last-minute replacement to finish the film.

Hedy Lamarr

Hedy Lamarr was originally cast in the 1966 horror film ‘Picture Mommy Dead’. During the first week of filming, she was fired after being hospitalized for what was described as physical exhaustion. The producers could not afford to halt production while she recovered and immediately replaced her with Zsa Zsa Gabor. This marked a difficult period in Lamarr’s later career as she struggled to find consistent work.

Rachel Dratch

Rachel Dratch was the original choice to play Jenna DeCarlo in the pilot of ’30 Rock’. After the pilot was filmed, the producers decided to retool the character to be more of a traditional “glamour girl” archetype. Dratch was let go from the lead role and replaced by Jane Krakowski, with the character’s name changed to Jenna Maroney. Dratch remained on the show for a period, playing various bit parts and recurring characters.

Alex Borstein

Alex Borstein was cast as Sookie St. James in the original pilot for ‘Gilmore Girls’. While her performance was well-received, her contract with the sketch comedy show ‘MADtv’ prevented her from joining the series full-time. Because she could not be released from her prior obligations, the producers had to fire her from the pilot and recast the role. Melissa McCarthy was hired to replace her, creating one of the show’s most beloved characters.

Jennifer Ehle

Jennifer Ehle played the role of Catelyn Stark in the original, unaired pilot for ‘Game of Thrones’. After the pilot was completed, the creators decided to make several casting changes and reshoot most of the episode. Ehle decided not to return for the series, citing her desire to spend more time with her newborn daughter. Michelle Fairley was cast in her place and played the character throughout the show’s successful run.

Tamzin Merchant

Tamzin Merchant was the original actress cast to play Daenerys Targaryen in the ‘Game of Thrones’ pilot. Following the initial filming, the producers felt that the chemistry between the leads was not working as intended. Merchant was replaced during the extensive reshoots that followed the pilot’s internal review. Emilia Clarke was then cast, and she went on to become one of the most iconic figures in television history.

Sheryl Lee

Sheryl Lee was cast as Mary Alice Young in the pilot episode of ‘Desperate Housewives’. After viewing the initial footage, the show’s creator felt that Lee’s performance did not quite match the tone required for the narrator of the series. She was replaced by Brenda Strong, who provided the voiceover and appeared in the pilot’s reshot scenes. Despite being replaced, Lee’s performance in the original pilot is still discussed by fans of the series.

Maura Tierney

Maura Tierney was originally cast as Sarah Braverman in the 2010 television series ‘Parenthood’. After filming the pilot, Tierney was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to withdraw from the project to seek treatment. The production was initially delayed to accommodate her, but eventually, the role had to be recast to meet scheduling demands. Lauren Graham was hired to replace her, and the pilot was reshot with the new lead.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway was cast as the female lead in the 2007 comedy ‘Knocked Up’. She reportedly disagreed with director Judd Apatow regarding the use of real footage of a birth during the film’s climax. Because she was uncomfortable with the creative direction of that specific scene, she was replaced very early in the production process. Katherine Heigl took over the role, which helped propel her to movie stardom.

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