8 Roles Johnny Depp Almost Played

Depp was among the many actors who turned down the role of Jack Traven in 'Speed.' (Stephen Baldwin felt the part was too similar to 'Die Hard's' John McClane.) Director Jan de Bont went with Keanu Reeves after seeing his performance in 'Point Break.'

Depp was the Wachowskis' first choice for Neo, but the studio wanted more of a box-office draw like Brad Pitt or Val Kilmer. (Remember the days when Val Kilmer was more of a box-office draw than Johnny Depp?) The success of 'Speed,' which Depp ironically passed on, helped Keanu Reeves score his now iconic role.

Then a Hollywood up-and-comer, Depp was considered for the role of Ferris Bueller, along with young whipper snappers Jim Carrey and Tom Cruise. Ultimately Matthew Broderick, whom John Hughes claims to have had in mind when he wrote the part, won the role that made him a superstar.

Johnny Depp was offered the role of Lestat, but the part went to Tom Cruise who was considered more marketable at the time. Thus, fan-fiction writers the world over were denied the chance of penning Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt slash fiction.

Johnny Depp expressed interest in the role of Johnny Blaze, but apparently Nicolas Cage expressed more interest, so he got the part.

Depp turned down the part of Bruce Banner in the 2003 'Hulk' film which ultimately went to Eric Bana. One of them is currently starring in summer blockbusters. Looks like Depp made the right call there.

Depp was originally cast as John Smith in 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith,' but had to turn down the part because he was overworked from all his other projects. You can blame Johnny for all the "Jennifer Aniston hates Angelina Jolie" articles Us Weekly will run until the end of time.

Depp was considered for the part of Pumpkin in 'Pulp Fiction,' but the role ended up going to Tim Roth. Now we can't stop thinking about Samuel L. Jackson calling Johnny Depp "Ringo."