Dork Side of the Force
Fansided

30 iconic Star Wars roles that almost went to different actors

By Maggie Lovitt

Joaquin Phoenix, Elizabeth Olsen and Tessa Thompson. Composite: Dork Side of the Force.
Joaquin Phoenix, Elizabeth Olsen and Tessa Thompson. Composite: Dork Side of the Force. /
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BURBANK, CA – MARCH 07: Actor William Katt attends The Man From Earth signing held at Dark Delicacies Bookstore on March 7, 2018 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)
BURBANK, CA – MARCH 07: Actor William Katt attends The Man From Earth signing held at Dark Delicacies Bookstore on March 7, 2018 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images) /

29. Luke Skywalker – (William Katt)

If you took the time to watch Kurt Russell’s Star Wars audition tapes, then you may have noticed William Katt sitting alongside him on the seat acting out scenes between Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. The 24-year-old heartthrob, best known for his curly blonde hair, had several minor roles in some of the most popular series of the time leading up to his audition. In 1975, Katt was actually a serious contender for the role of Luke Skywalker, having gone through several screen tests with other potential actors.

Watching Mark Hamill’s audition tape allows you to see what George Lucas saw when he was considering the two men for the role. Hamill offered a different approach to Luke Skywalker, which later became a key part of why so many people fell in love with the character in the films. There’s an edge of innocence and youthfulness that is iconically Hamill.

In an interview with a radio station, Katt reflected on auditioning with Kurt Russell and losing out on the role. But it seems to have worked out in his favor, as instead of landing Luke Skywalker, Katt went on to star as Tommy Ross in the cult-classic film Carrie.

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