“Slumdog Millionaire,” one of the most widely praised films to have ever been made, could have had a very different look. The film turned Dev Patel into a household name, and while we all love Dev, we could have been uttering another name from our lips over that film. That’s right. Riz Ahmed was in the running to be Jamal Malik in the Dany Boyle film.
According to insiders, Ahmed went a touch overboard while auditioning. Fortunately, as we know, he did end up portraying the brother. Still, the actor never reached his full potential. At least he had a shot, though. It’s probably the film that would have turned Ahmed into a huge star. Unfortunately, he is still there, teetering on the edge.
Clive Owen
Like a more suave Colin Farrel, and also with a similar narrative, Clive Owen shot to stardom as another British adonis in Hollywood. The actor was leading action-packed and critically acclaimed actions and dramas but then swiftly settled into smaller niche films. Instantly, he went from the next possible on the verge A-lister to hardly seen.
One's status can change ever so quickly and drastically in Hollywood. You never know where you're going to end up. This year he did land the role of Bill Clinton in American Crime Story, but we have yet to see that so our opinions are subject to change.
Ryan Reynolds
With his chiseled jaw and blond hair, Ryan Reynolds was a shoo-in for the typical A-lister. After action-packed films like “Blade Trinity”, romantic comedies like “Just Friends” and the “The Proposal”, and even blockbuster hits like 2011's “Green Lantern.”
Still, even with an impressive resume, Ryan Reynolds has been teetering on megastar success since his stint on the 1998 ABC sitcom "Two Guys And A Girl.” Years later, Reynolds never really made the leap to meatier or weightier roles and will forever be the funny and charismatic guy.
Nicole Scherzinger
From Pussycat Dolls to the big screen. Nicole Scherzinger would have been an even bigger star ever. Keyword —"would." Unfortunately, after her musical stint with the pop group, Nicole didn't quite make it all the way. At least not all the way to the Baywatch. Fans were momentarily eager to see her in the Baywatch movie, but then it just didn't happen.
That's what happens when you get a little too big. The bubble can burst at any minute. What's with Scherzinger nowadays, anyway?
January Jones
January Jones, AKA Betty Draper from "Mad Men" never quite seemed to transcend her iconic TV role from the hit show. While the actress has managed to get parts she hasn't really achieved success in changing her status to a serious Hollywood actress. Even though Hollywood initially wanted her to be.
This is partly due to her supposedly stuck-up attitude, making her unapproachable. That probably explains why she didn't get the role she once really wanted: The role of Violet Sanford in "Coyote Ugly."