We return to play our favorite game of "what if" and look at actors and actresses who missed out on major roles in film and television.

This time we throw in a bit more by way of television roles actors missed out on, a television star that missed out on arguably Marvel's best film, one star's career full of missed opportunities, and the biggest collection of actors considered for a single role we've ever covered in this series.

  • Steve Martin, Robin Williams, and David Alan Grier as Armand, Albert, and Agador in 'The Birdcage'

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    Comedic icons Steve Martin and Robin Williams were originally cast as partners Armand and Albert, respectively.  After scheduling conflicts forced Steve Martin to leave the project, Williams asked to be recast as Armand as he wanted a break from flamboyant characters.  And originally, the butler role of Agador was meant to be a black man as it was in the original French version, with David Alan Grier set for the role.

  • Jim Carrey's Entire Career

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    Getty Images
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    Throughout Jim Carrey's impressive career, he's missed out on several major roles including,

    • Jack Sparrow in 'Pirates of the Caribbean'
    • Gaylord Focker in 'Meet the Parents'.  When he was attached to the project, he suggested several jokes including the name "Focker".
    • The 8th Doctor in the 'Doctor Who' TV movie.  Carrey had never heard of Doctor Who prior to being approached for the role and thought it would upset fans.
    • Dr. Evil in 'Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery'.  Mike Myers originally didn't intend to play both roles, but Carrey had to drop out of the project due to scheduling conflicts with 'Liar Liar'.
    • Saturday Night Live.  Considered to be one of the biggest stars to be passed over as a cast member for 'Saturday Night Live', Carrey lost out to Mike Myers.
    • Ted Stroehmann in 'There's Something About Mary'.
    • Pistachio Disguisey in 'The Master of Disguise'
  • Leonardo DiCaprio as Patrick Bateman in 'American Psycho'

    Getty Images & Lions Gate Films
    Getty Images & Lions Gate Films
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    DiCaprio was originally cast as Bateman, but had to drop out of the project due to scheduling conflicts.  While still attached, DiCaprio was urged to drop out due to the violence against women in the story possibly turning off his female fanbase.

  • Tom Hardy as Rick Flag and Ryan Gosling as The Joker in 'Suicide Squad'

    Getty Images & Warner Bros
    Getty Images & Warner Bros
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    Hardy accepted the role as Rick Flag, the leader of the Suicide Squad, but had to drop out due to conflicts with 'The Revenant'.  Gosling was also reported to have been offered the role of The Joker, but turned it down as he didn't want to sign a multi-picture deal.

  • Melissa McCarthy as Patty in 'Ghostbusters'

    Getty Images and Sony
    Getty Images and Sony
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    Recently, writer/director Paul Feig admitted that he wrote the part of Patty Tolan with Melissa McCarthy in mind, being brash and abrasive like her breakout role in 'Bridesmaids'.  McCarthy was eventually given the role of Abby Yates, with Leslie Jones taking the part of Patty, for which she's been criticized and accused of playing up African American cinematic stereotypes.

  • Tom Hiddleston as Thor in 'Thor'

    Getty Images & Marvel
    Getty Images & Marvel
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    Hiddleston was a finalist for the titular character in Marvel's 'Thor', making it all the way to the screen tests.  Ultimately, Hiddleston got the part of Loki, Thor's adopted brother and trickster god.

  • Emilia Clarke as Agent 13 in 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' and Enchantress in 'Suicide Squad'

    Marvel, Getty Images, & Warner Bros.
    Marvel, Getty Images, & Warner Bros.
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    While working on 'Game of Thrones', Emilia Clarke was considered for major roles in both Marvel and DC Comics films: Captain America's neighbor and love interest, Agent 13 (Agent Carter's niece), in 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier', and the Enchantress in 'Suicide Squad'.

  • Tamzin Merchand as Daenerys Targaryen in 'Game of Thrones'

    Getty Images & HBO
    Getty Images & HBO
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    Speaking of 'Game of Thrones', Emilia Clarke wasn't the original Daenerys.  Tamzin Merchand was cast as Daenerys and played her in the pilot episode.  For unknown reasons, Merchand left the project and Clarke reshot all of her scenes.

  • Michael Keaton as Dr. Jack Shepherd in 'Lost'

    Getty Images & ABC
    Getty Images & ABC
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    Michael Keaton agreed to appear as Dr. Jack Shepherd in 'Lost' on the condition that the character would be killed off early into the run.  When producers decided to keep the character long-term, Keaton left the project.

  • Everyone Up for Willy Wonka in 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'

    Warner Bros & Getty Images
    Warner Bros & Getty Images
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    Before Johnny Depp was officially signed on for Willy Wonka, the list of actors considered for the role included...

    • Patrick Stewart
    • Brad Pitt
    • Mike Myers
    • Ben Stiller
    • Will Smith
    • Michael Keaton
    • Robin Williams
    • Jim Carrey
    • John Cleese
    • Eric Idle
    • Michael Palin
    • Rowan Atkinson
    • Bill Murray
    • Leslie Nielsen
    • Adam Sandler
    • Dwayne Johnson (Reportedly Tim Burton's second choice)
    • Christopher Walken
    • Nic Cage
    • Robert Di Nero
    • Steve Martin
  • Gary Oldman as Lor San Tekka in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'

    Getty Images & Disney
    Getty Images & Disney
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    Gary Oldman auditioned for the small role Lor San Tekka, the man who gives Poe Dameron the location of Luke Skywalker.  The role eventually went to Max Von Sydow, but this marked the second time Gary Oldman has missed out on a Star Wars film, reportedly turning down the role of General Grevious in 'Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith' because the film was being made outside the influence of the Screen Actors Guild.

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