notstarring.com notstarring.com
Find your favorite actors or movies:
Bill Murray  «   » 
 Roles turned down by Bill Murray:

Alien: Resurrection
The part of Dr. Wren was originally written for Bill Murray.
Actor who got the part: J.E. Freeman

Animal House
The director's original choice for Boon was Bill Murray, but he was commited to another project.

Bad Santa
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

Batman
Bill Murray was considered to play Batman.

Bottle Rocket
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

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Bill Murray was considered for the role of Willy Wonka.
Actor who got the part: Johnny Depp

Dead Zone
Stephen King has said he wanted Bill Murray for the lead role of John Smith.
Actor who got the part: Christopher Walken

Dogma
Along with Adam Sandler, he was briefly considered for the role of the demon Azrael.
Actor who got the part: Jason Lee

The Fabulous Baker Boys
Bill Murray turned down an offer to star.

Forrest Gump
Considered for the role of Forest.
Actor who got the part: Tom Hanks

Kindergarten Cop
Bill Murray turned down the role of John Kimble.
Actor who got the part: Arnold Schwarzenegger

Legal Eagles
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

Little Miss Sunshine
The role of uncle Frank was reportedly written for Bill Murray.
Actor who got the part: Steve Carell

Over the Hedge
Bill Murray was reportedly the original choice for the role of RJ.
Actor who got the part: Bruce Willis

The People vs. Larry Flynt
Was considered for the role of controversial publisher and anti-censorship crusader Larry Flynt.
Actor who got the part: Woody Harrelson

Philadelphia
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

Rain Man
Dustin Hoffman wanted Bill Murray to play the part of Charlie.
Actor who got the part: Tom Cruise

Splash
Murray was offered the lead role.
Actor who got the part: Tom Hanks

The Squid and The Whale
Bill backed out at the last minute. Jeff stepped in instead.
Actor who got the part: Jeff Daniels

There's Something About Mary
Bill was seriously considered for the role of Pat Healy, but they decided he was too old.
Actor who got the part: Matt Dillon

Toy Story
Bill Murray was reportedly considered for the role of Buzz Lightyear.
Actor who got the part: Tim Allen

The Witches of Eastwick
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)
» Ghost Busters
» Groundhog Day

Take Today's Quiz
before they were famous






 Other Popular Actors: