Roles turned down by Bill Murray:
The part of Dr. Wren was originally written for Bill Murray.
Actor who got the part: J.E. Freeman
The director's original choice for Boon was Bill Murray, but he was commited to another project.
Was originally going to play the lead in 'Bad Santa' but had to drop out because of conflict of schedule in shooting 'Lost in Translation'.
Actor who got the part: Billy Bob Thornton
Bill Murray was considered to play Batman.
Director Wes Anderson had long been a fan of Bill Murray and wanted him to play Mr. Henry. However, according to rumors, Murray's agent couldn't contact him in regards to this movie, as he turned his cell phone off, while on a boat on holiday. Since then Wes and Bill have a strong working relationship now.
Actor who got the part: James Caan
Bill Murray was considered for the role of Willy Wonka.
Actor who got the part: Johnny Depp
Stephen King has said he wanted Bill Murray for the lead role of John Smith.
Actor who got the part: Christopher Walken
Along with Adam Sandler, he was briefly considered for the role of the demon Azrael.
Actor who got the part: Jason Lee
Bill Murray turned down an offer to star.
Considered for the role of Forest.
Actor who got the part: Tom Hanks
Bill Murray turned down the role of John Kimble.
Actor who got the part: Arnold Schwarzenegger
Originally the character played by Debra Winger was a man and he was to be played by Murray. Before filming he dropped out.
Actor who got the part: Debra Winger
The role of uncle Frank was reportedly written for Bill Murray.
Actor who got the part: Steve Carell
Bill Murray was reportedly the original choice for the role of RJ.
Actor who got the part: Bruce Willis
Was considered for the role of controversial publisher and anti-censorship crusader Larry Flynt.
Actor who got the part: Woody Harrelson
Director Jonathan Demme considered casting Bill Murray in the role of Joe Miller because he felt casting a comedic actor in the role would be a good counter balance for Tom Hanks, but decided to cast Denzel Washington after he showed interest in the part.
Actor who got the part: Denzel Washington
Dustin Hoffman wanted Bill Murray to play the part of Charlie.
Actor who got the part: Tom Cruise
Murray was offered the lead role.
Actor who got the part: Tom Hanks
Bill backed out at the last minute. Jeff stepped in instead.
Actor who got the part: Jeff Daniels
Bill was seriously considered for the role of Pat Healy, but they decided he was too old.
Actor who got the part: Matt Dillon
Bill Murray was reportedly considered for the role of Buzz Lightyear.
Actor who got the part: Tim Allen
Murray was considered for the role of Daryl Van Horne.
Actor who got the part: Jack Nicholson
Did you know that Bill Murray was not the only choice for these movies? (click to learn more)
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