30 iconic Star Wars roles that almost went to different actors

24. Finn (Ed Speleers)

I vividly remember the buzz about Ed Speleers’ potential role in the untitled Star Wars trilogy, not because I was a fan of his work on Downton Abbey, but because I was giddy over the potential of having an autograph from the Eragon-star-turned-Star Wars lead. At the time, Variety had confirmed with multiple sources that Ed Speleers, John Boyega, and the aforementioned Jesse Plemons had been moved to the top of the star-contender list. Around the same time, there were rumors that David Oyelowo and Michael B. Jordan had previously tested for the roles.

While it’s possible that he and Jesse Plemons were up for the same speculated role of General Hux, we have a pretty clear idea of who he almost played. With Adam Driver already cast in the role of Kylo Ren at this time, it’s safe to say that Ed was down-to-the-wire versus John Boyega for the role of Finn. In fact, Speleers later revealed that he had, in fact, auditioned for the role. In the interview, he said, “To be fair, as I didn’t get it, I suppose I can turn round now and say yes, I was considered. I auditioned and had meetings with JJ Abrams and screen tests.”

Losing out on the role led the British actor to be cast on the wildly popular series Outlander, so he won out in the end.