Ever wondered what all the famous celebrities did before they got famous? And for which iconic shows did they give their auditions? Well, then you’re in the right place. These celebrity audition tapes on our list are going to drive you crazy, to know that if they had (or didn’t) got the part in the first place, the shows would have had a different fate. Let’s dive down into our list of 10 unique celebrity audition tapes from before they were famous.
1. Dacre Montgomery’s audition for Billy from Stranger Things
Billy from Stranger Things 2 was written as a typical bully who tried to dominate every weaker person he came across, especially his sister. Dacre Montgomery aced his audition by being haunting and insane, which got him the part. The actor did such a great job with his acting that in the series of monsters, he seemed equally scary (or probably or more) than the creepy creatures.
2. Jason Momoa’s audition for Khal Drogo from Game of Thrones
The great Khal Drogo was such a solid figure to watch on the screen. He was intimidating, fierce yet kind and loving. But how did he get the part? While he was auditioning for the part, he was asked to perform the ceremonial dance while singing the traditional song in Dothraki. He did the part in the audition as brilliantly as he played the role in the series. I am sure he didn’t leave any piece of doubt in the minds of the casting directors.
3. Will Ferrell’s hilarious audition for Saturday Night Live
For his audition for the role in Saturday Night Live, he gave an audition that is hilarious every time you watch it. Will Ferrell plays the role of the businessman in the audition, who asks to hold his calls because he has an important work to do. And then sits down with a brown bag and plays with his cat toys for around 5 minutes.
4. Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard auditioning for Stranger Things
The kids looked adorable in the first season of Stranger Things and look even cute in their audition tapes for the same show. Millie Brown’s hair simply added to the authenticity of her play, and she gave a terrific performance in her audition itself. It never fails to amaze me to know the actor’s hard work behind the final product that we, the audience, see. Finn Wolfhard, on the other hand, is started off way too innocently. The way he introduces himself, saying, “Hi! I am Finn Wolfhard. I am sick”.
5. Matthew McConaughey, in his audition for his first movie, Dazed and Confused
The famous actor who later in his career won Oscar and Golden Globe awards for his performance in Dallas Buyers’ Club started his journey with Dazed and Confused. His audition for his first-ever movie was when he was just 23-years old. His raw talent and the way he aced Wooderson’s signature lines impressed the director right away and swept the role away.
6. Robert Downey Jr. audition for Iron Man
Robert Downey’s screen test itself was enough to convince the directors that he’s best suited for the role. And if you would watch it, you can tell this too. His screen test was exactly what the directors wanted to see in Tony Stark’s character, sarcasm and fun. It leaves us in no doubt that this actor received the well-deserved nominations and awards for his performance in Iron Man.
7. Marlon Brando’s audition for Rebel Without a Cause
Old movies and celebrities bring a different vibe with them, and so does this one. There must hardly be anyone who would not know Marlon Brando and his work. The famous actor gave an audition for Rebel Without a Cause, but the part went to James Dean. The audition was probably one of the first ones when he was trying for films after performing for years on stage. In the later part, towards the end of the audition tape, it is pretty evident that he finds the facial profiles funny and new.
8. Jimmy Fallon auditioning for Saturday Night Live
The comedian’s audition was a smashing one. It impressed the directors and got him a flying career, even after SNL. You’d be surprised to know that Jimmy Fallon actually did a series of impressions that seemed endless, which landed him the 6-year long journey on the show and later got his own talk show. It’s fantastic to see his exquisite talent.
9. Daniel Radcliffe’s audition tape for Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone
If you didn’t fall in love with little Daniel Radcliffe, then I am judging you. His audition tape is among the cutest tapes I came across. His confidence during the audition is envious. Little did he know that he is going to be the “Harry Potter” and create history. The way he plays off the reaction talks a lot about his (not so hidden) talent. I am glad we live in the world where Daniel Radcliffe played Harry Potter.
10. Al Pacino’s audition for The Godfather
The story with Al Pacino’s audition and him getting the part for Michael Corleone is quite interesting. The actor wasn’t the studio’s first choice and, in fact, didn’t even like his audition as he kept messing his lines. They thought that he was too short for the part, but Francis Ford Coppola insisted on taking him for the position. The actor then was only a few movies old and infamous too. But he got the job, and after he did, Coppola had second thoughts. But his method was recognized by Marlon Brando and he convinced him to let him stay. Of course, his methods worked, and we all saw the result, thanks to the audition and the audition tape.
These mind blowing audition tapes will be one of the most amazing things you ever came across! I hope you enjoyed these. Let us know what you think of these in the comments!
