Robert Downey Jr. — ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’

Among the names considered for the leading role in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' were John Cusack, Jim Carrey, Johnny Depp, and... Robert Downey Jr.? You bet.

Before Matthew Broderick landed the iconic role of high school slacker and schemer Ferris Bueller, John Hughes conducted a thorough search for the right actor for the part. Robert Downey Jr. was considered, and with his quick wit and charming demeanor, we could totally see an alternate movie universe where RDJ played Ferris. In the end, Broderick won out with his more boyish looks and his ability to improvise comedy bits, like the synthesizer coughs and his own dance moves.