Emily in Paris’ Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn’t Originally Cast as Gabriel

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

As a die-hard fan of these iconic TV shows, it’s fascinating to delve into the alternate realities where our beloved characters were played by different actors. Imagine Nina Dobrev not as Elena Gilbert but as Carrie Bradshaw, or Ryan Reynolds as Xander on Buffy the Vampire Slayer!


Lucas Bravo was initially told he wasn’t going to Paris. 

Initially, the actor portraying Gabriel, Emily in Paris‘ main love interest since the first season of the Netflix series, was just moments away from being cut from the show altogether.

Previously, the 36-year-old actor, who had mainly worked in smaller independent films before landing his role on Netflix, shared with People that Paramount was hesitant to cast him initially since they felt he lacked sufficient experience due to his limited background.

Instead, the aspiring actor chose to disconnect from the usual grid following the disheartening update, and embarked on a journey to the isolated French island of Corsica.

He confessed to the media that he desired to go somewhere without cell service. In essence, he longed for a spot where he could converse, metaphorically speaking, with birds.

However, Bravo’s solitary venture wasn’t long before it was disrupted by another hiker, who needed to use Bravo’s cell phone to contact his daughter, as she was on a 40-minute journey to an area with reception. Upon returning, he brought some news with him.

He informed me, “Your phone seemed to be buzzing intensely when I got signal, so you might want to look into it,” Bravo reminisced. To which I responded, “No way, nope, not at all. I’m here to distance myself from the Emily Paris issue.

Come dawn, Lucas discovered an unexpected delight when he saw “40 messages and 30 missed calls” on his device. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was a message from the casting director asking, “Where are you?

After that, Bravo made his way back to Paris, where he was promptly summoned to rehearse once more for Gabriel, this time in the presence of Paramount producers, scriptwriters, the series’ creator Darren Star, and Collins.

Things turned out fantastic,” he enthused. “Lily is incredibly giving. Once you gaze into her eyes, a strong connection seems effortless.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

How did they manage to get Bravo back in contention again? It turned out that Star had advocated for him, even going against the studio’s initial decision, as it was clear that Bravo was their first choice for the role.

Indeed, Star hasn’t hidden his conviction about selecting Bravo for the part on previous occasions as well.

In simpler terms, the creator of “Sex and the City” told the Los Angeles Times recently that there was an unmistakable connection between them. He described him as having a captivating charm, a sparkle in his eyes, and a fantastic sense of humor. Ultimately, she chose to trust her instincts.

Keep reading for more iconic TV roles that almost didn’t go to the actors portraying them. 

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

The actor from Star Trek missed out on the part that eventually went to Ben McKenzie, primarily because of his severe acne issues.

Speaking with Josh Horowitz on his Happy Sad podcast back in May 2024, I shared that my skin was quite problematic during my teenage years. Then, upon graduating from college, I noticed a recurrence of acne issues.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

In a 2021 SiriusXM interview, the former star of American Pie confessed that he was given the chance for a significant role but chose not to take it, which now stands as one of his greatest regrets. He explained that at the time, he was questioning whether he wanted to pursue television roles, and admitted he may not have been fully prepared to dive into TV acting just yet.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

David Rapaport, a casting director, expressed to EW that initially he hoped Alden Ehrenreich would portray Dan, but producers believed the 5-foot-9 actor was too short for the part of Blake Lively’s love interest. Eventually, Penn Badgley, who is approximately the same height as Ehrenreich, secured the role due to this reason.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

In his 2014 memoir, Lowe admitted that he declined the role of McDreamy, and later discussed this in an episode of Marc Maron’s podcast. Jokingly, he estimated that turning down the part cost him around $70 million. However, he shrugged it off by saying, “Well, it’s just money.” Lowe explained that when he saw the pilot and they started calling the attractive doctor ‘McDreamy’, he thought, “Nah, that’s not for me.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

In the past, Benedict Cumberbatch – known for his roles as Sherlock and Doctor Strange – tried out for the character of Bill Compton the vampire. However, it was Stephen Moyer who ultimately won the role.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

Prior to being nominated for an Oscar, it was Jessica Chastain who auditioned for the character of Sookie Stackhouse. However, the role ultimately went to Anna Paquin instead.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

17-year-old Jennifer Lawrence auditioned for the role of the werepanther Crystal Norris, but came very close to getting it. However, her age ended up being a deciding factor, and the role ultimately went to Lindsay Pulsipher.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

Tiffani Thiessen, a seasoned actress from both “Saved By the Bell” and “Beverly Hills, 90210”, shared that she tried out for the character Rachel on “Friends”, however, her age didn’t align with what was required for the role.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’d love to share an intriguing tidbit: It turns out that the radiant Katherine Langford, known for her captivating role in ’13 Reasons Why’, almost joined the Riverdale cast. This fascinating revelation comes from none other than Riverdale star Camila Mendes, who shared this during an interview with Entertainment Weekly. According to Camila, “During a casting call, Katherine and a potential Archie went out for falafel together.” Isn’t it intriguing to imagine what Riverdale might have looked like with Langford as Betty Cooper?

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

Initially, it seemed unthinkable for anyone else to play the role of Capeside’s local New York transplant, but as Kevin Williamson shared with Entertainment Weekly, Katherine Heigl, who later became famous on Grey’s Anatomy, was almost cast in this role. This decision was influenced by pilot director Steve Miner, who suggested Heigl, the star of his 1994 film My Father the Hero, to Williamson. According to Williamson, Heigl appeared slightly older at that time. Despite being younger, he felt she was more mature. During her audition, everyone was impressed, with comments like “Wow, she’s good.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

Katie Holmes’ portrayal of Joey Potter, Dawson Leery’s lovelorn friend in the series, catapulted her to stardom. However, the part was initially intended for Selma Blair, as Kevin Williamson, the show’s creator, confessed to Entertainment Weekly. He explained that it was a last-minute audition tape from Katie Holmes’ basement in Toledo, Ohio that ultimately shifted his decision, stating, “When that video arrived, it transformed my life.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

Actress from “The House” and “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce” almost secured the legendary role of Carrie Bradshaw, going as far as finalizing a contract. However, she ultimately served as the understudy to the producers’ initial pick, Sarah Jessica Parker. Edelstein explained, “I was either going to take it or not, it hinged on whether she accepted. My contract was ready, I was merely waiting.” Although it’s hard to picture Carrie Bradshaw played by someone other than SJP, Edelstein’s account is reasonable.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

At first, The CW considered Ashley Olsen as our beloved Upper East Side blonde, but casting director David Rapaport shared with Buzzfeed that he was solely focused on Lively. “I was apprehensive we wouldn’t secure her or they wouldn’t take to her because, in truth, the show hinged on her charm and I had no alternative ideas,” he expressed.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

The CW considered Rumer Willis, the potential champion of “Dancing With the Stars”, for the main role in “Gossip Girl”. However, casting director Rapaport realized she wasn’t suitable for the part (and later cast her on “90210”). As he shared with Buzzfeed, “I have great admiration for Rumer. She has evolved into a fantastic actress and individual, but in this case, I felt it was necessary to safeguard the investment of the television show. Creatively, these lesser-known actresses truly embodied the spirit of the show and sustained its success for six years.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

Prior to landing the role in Fox’s humorous horror series “Scream Queens”, Keke Palmer had been considered for the part of Iris West in “The Flash”. However, this role ultimately went to Candice Patton. During the casting process, David Rapaport recalled that they initially saw Candice but felt she was too early in the process to be cast at that time. As a result, Keke Palmer and another actress were tested for the role, but they seemed a bit too young compared to Grant Gustin. When Candice Patton returned for another audition, it was an instant fit.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

In an interview with The Telegraph, Iwan Rheon revealed that during the casting for the pilot of Game of Thrones, he was among the final two contenders for the part of Jon Snow. However, fate had other plans as Rheon ended up portraying Ramsay Snow, a character deeply loathed in season 5, while Kit Harington became an endearing favorite as Jon Snow. It’s simply too difficult to envision any other scenario, so we choose to accept this one instead.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

After collaborating with the Guardians of the Galaxy actor during the last season of The O.C., Josh Schwartz disclosed that Pratt had been his initial pick for the part eventually given to Zachary Levi. Schwartz explained, “He was the top choice I had for ‘Chuck’. However, it turned out that he was meant to safeguard the galaxy instead of the Buy More.” Schwartz added, “And let me tell you, there couldn’t be a more deserving individual for such an honor.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

In the initial stages of its creation, the veteran from ‘Dawson’s Creek’ had a meeting with Jenji Kohan, the creator of ‘Orange Is the New Black’. According to Kohan herself, Holmes, who is a fan of the series, had other commitments at that time. Additionally, Kohan mentioned that in the beginning, no one was certain about what this new project would become.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

Indeed, Cobie Smulders hints that Robin Scherbatsky might have resembled Kate Austen, implying that two of our beloved series could have had significantly different storylines.

In 2014, it was disclosed that both Evangeline Lilly and she were auditioning for the show “Lost.” According to TopMob News, Smulders shared that Lilly is grateful to her because Smulders had gone in for the audition before her and didn’t do well. Lilly apparently said, “Thank you!

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

It’s widely recognized that “The Good Wife” is Julianna Margulies’ show, but it wasn’t always intended to be so. The Emmy winner shared that the studio initially considered Ashley Judd and Helen Hunt for the role before Margulies landed it.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

It’s tough to envision anyone else taking on the role of vampire hunter in Sunnydale, but Sarah Michelle Gellar almost got the part instead of Tom Cruise’s ex-wife. However, Holmes declined the offer to attend high school, and eventually, Sarah Michelle Gellar was chosen for the role.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

Back in the day, a phenomenal role I’d die for was initially extended to Lorraine Bracco – a fellow I’ve long admired. However, the brilliant Oscar nominee, Edie Falco, stepped into the spotlight instead. You see, Lorraine had already brought that part to life in ‘Goodfellas’, and she yearned for a fresh challenge, leaving me, as an ardent fan, on the edge of my seat, eagerly awaiting her next masterpiece!

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

Prior to her record-breaking stint on Fox’s Empire, Taraji P. Henson once disclosed that she had auditioned for the role of Olivia Pope on Scandal, the ultimate fixer, created by Shonda Rhimes. In her own words, “When I walked in to read for Shonda Rhimes, I thought to myself, ‘This is Kerry Washington. Why am I even here?’ It was her part.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

Can you imagine Agent Scully residing in Downton Abbey? It almost happened, but the X Files star turned down the role that eventually went to Elizabeth McGovern.

 Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

I can scarcely envision another actress embodying Elena Gilbert as flawlessly as she does on the CW’s blockbuster series. But, it wasn’t until the producers gave a second glance at Nina Dobrev’s audition reel that they felt confident to choose the radiant Bulgarian beauty.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

Instead of saying “The renowned vocalist was given the main part in a TV series headed by Bill Cosby, but declined it to focus on her musical endeavors,” you could also express it as: “Known for her singing talent, she was presented with a leading role in a show produced by Bill Cosby. However, she chose to prioritize her music career over this opportunity.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

To enthusiasts of “Sex and the City,” Sarah Jessica Parker is synonymous with Carrie Bradshaw, however, it was once Dana Delany who was approached for the part of the New York-based columnist. The Emmy-winning actress declined because she had previously worked on numerous projects with adult content (such as “Nude Girls” and “Exit to Eden”), and wanted to steer clear of a production labeled with the word “sex.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

David Letterman’s musical director received the job offer directly from Jerry Seinfeld without needing to audition, however, Shaffer did not respond to the call.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

AMC considered casting Jane as Don Draper, but Jon Hamm, during an interview, mentioned that the role was turned down by Jane because she wasn’t keen on appearing in a TV series. However, he later starred in HBO’s “Hung.

Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Says He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel

2010’s title of “Sexiest Man Alive” went to an actor who had the opportunity to join Joss Whedon’s team, but he declined the role of Xander. In 2008, he explained to The Toronto Star, “I adore that series and I admire Joss Whedon immensely. However, my main apprehension was not wanting to portray a character in high school.

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2024-09-19 16:23