Jodie Foster wanted this role more than anyone else. She was relentless while pursuing the opportunity, and she eventually convinced Demme that she was the right person to play Clarice. She won an Oscar for Best Actress because of this role, and she even inspired Demme to rename his production company Strong Heart Productions to commemorate her strong-willed nature.
Emma Watson, La La Land
Believe it or not, a different Emma was originally supposed to play Mia in La La Land. Emma Stone received an Oscar for her performance, and her involvement in this movie got her on the list of highest-paid actresses of the year. But, before all of that, Emma Watson was intended to play the role.
According to La La Land director, Damien Chazelle, Watson left the project to play Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Watson later stated that the role in Beauty and the Beast seemed like it would have reached a larger audience and had a bigger impact on society. Boy, was she wrong.
Matt Damon, Avatar
Damon likes to make the joke that he "bailed on" the production of Avatar. In reality, he only denied the role of Jake Skully because he had a busy conflicting schedule. Damon didn't even want to decline the role, in fact, he was excited about it.