Updated: July 26, 2011 at 5:14 PM

Actors Who Said No (30 images)

The stars of these films are now iconic household names -- but they weren't exactly who the director had in mind. See who turned down some career-making roles.

Al Pacino has rejected a number of now iconic roles. Among them, roles in "Apocalypse Now," "Star Wars," "Kramer vs. Kramer," "Pretty Woman" and "Crimson Tide." UPI/Lori Shepler

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Steven Spielberg was given the chance to direct the first "Harry Potter" movie. Spielberg reportedly wanted to make the story into an animated film, a choice with which J.K. Rowling disagreed. He passed on the offer, and the chair went to Chris Columbus. UPI/Alexis C. Glenn

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Terry Gilliam was offered the chance to helm "American Beauty," but declined. Sam Mendes ended up directing. UPI/David Silpa

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Director Sidney Lumet was reportedly the first choice to take charge of "Scarface," but Lumet backed out. Brian De Palma dropped out of directing "Flashdance" to direct "Scarface." (UPI Photo/David Silpa)

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