Why Elisabeth Moss Almost Turned Down The Handmaid’s Tale Role

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Blessed be Elisabeth Moss‘ change of heart.

You know, it might surprise people to hear this, but before I took on the role of June in The Handmaid’s Tale, I actually gave some serious thought to not doing it! It was a big decision, and I really weighed my options before committing to Hulu’s adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s incredible book series. It’s funny to think about now, considering how much the show has meant to me – and how many Emmys it’s won!

Looking back on it, it was a really unusual circumstance,” the 43-year-old explained on Watch What Happens Live on March 22nd. “It happened immediately after Mad Men ended—literally right away—and I hadn’t planned on starting another TV series so soon after working on that show for nine years. Everything moved very fast—it was like, ‘Okay, we’re doing this, and here’s the contract!'”

So, what forced the Golden Globe winner to reconsider taking the job?

I nearly said no, but then they hinted at who they’d ask if I did, so I changed my mind,” Moss explained to Andy Cohen. “I’ll tell you about it later, but I’m not sharing with anyone else – absolutely not!”

Moss initially wondered how she could take on a new role after the success of Mad Men, but she eventually decided to accept it. The rest, as they say, is history.

Even though the story of June’s fight against the oppressive regime in The Handmaid’s Tale finished with the show’s final season last year, Elisabeth Moss hasn’t revealed who she believed was the best romantic match for her character – Nick (Max Minghella) or Luke (O-T Fagbenle).

Now that the show is over, I won’t be answering that question,” she said to the audience. “I can’t, but I truly feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to choose between these two wonderful men.”

As a huge fan, I was thrilled to hear Elisabeth Moss talking about the future! Apparently, she and Jon Hamm have discussed a potential spinoff series! Imagine seeing her reunite with Christina Hendricks – they’ve both talked about how amazing it would be to play their Mad Men characters again, this time running their own advertising venture. And the best part? Elisabeth is completely on board with the idea! I’m already hoping a network picks it up!

She enthusiastically shared that she feels the same way about the project now as she did originally, and she’s definitely open to revisiting it. She really enjoyed playing the character and loved collaborating with Christina, particularly the chemistry between their characters.

While fans are waiting for the new script to be finished, they can now see Moss acting with Kate Mara in the Apple TV+ drama, Imperfect Women.

In the meantime, keep reading to see other famous TV roles that almost went to different actors.

Miles Teller, known for his role in Top Gun: Maverick, auditioned for several parts on Friday Night Lights, even trying out for the role that ultimately went to Taylor Kitsch.

The Star Trek actor lost out on the role, which ultimately went to Ben McKenzie, due to his bad acne.

He shared on Josh Horowitz’s ‘Happy Sad Confused’ podcast in May 2024 that he struggled with bad skin both as a teenager and again after finishing college.

In a 2021 interview, the actor from American Pie shared that turning down a particular role is one of his biggest regrets. He explained that he was questioning whether he wanted to focus on television at the time, and wasn’t sure he was ready for that career path. He admits it sounds a bit arrogant to say that now, but that was how he felt then.

Casting director David Rapaport revealed to EW that he initially wanted Alden Ehrenreich for the role of Dan, but producers felt Ehrenreich, who is 5’9″, wasn’t tall enough to be Blake Lively’s love interest. Ultimately, the role went to Penn Badgley, who is roughly the same height as Ehrenreich, according to online sources.

In his 2014 memoir and again on Marc Maron’s podcast, actor Rob Lowe shared that he declined the role of the character nicknamed ‘McDreamy.’ He jokingly estimated this decision may have cost him around $70 million, but added, ‘It’s just money.’ Lowe explained he saw the show’s pilot and decided the ‘McDreamy’ label didn’t fit him.

Benedict Cumberbatch, known for his roles in Sherlock and as Doctor Strange, once tried out for the part of the vampire Bill Compton. Ultimately, Stephen Moyer ended up getting the role.

Before becoming an Oscar nominee, Jessica Chastain auditioned for the role of Sookie Stackhouse, but Anna Paquin ultimately landed the part.

When she was 17, Jennifer Lawrence auditioned for the role of Crystal Norris, a werepanther, and was a strong contender. However, because of her age, the role ultimately went to Lindsay Pulsipher.

Tiffani Thiessen, known for her roles on Saved By the Bell and Beverly Hills, 90210, revealed she tried out for the part of Rachel on Friends. However, producers felt she was too young for the role.

Katherine Langford, known for her role in 13 Reasons Why, actually auditioned for the part of Betty Cooper on Riverdale. Camila Mendes, who plays Veronica on the show, revealed this in an interview with EW, mentioning they all went for falafel with an actor trying out for the role of Archie.

It’s difficult to picture anyone but Jennifer Love Hewitt as Jen Lindley, but series creator Kevin Williamson recently shared with Entertainment Weekly that Katherine Heigl was a strong contender for the part. Steve Miner, who directed the pilot episode, recommended Heigl – the star of his 1994 film, My Father the Hero – to Williamson. Williamson remembers Heigl appearing more mature for her age and delivering a fantastic audition. “We all thought she was really good,” he said.

Katie Holmes became a star thanks to her role as Joey Potter, Dawson Leery’s friend and love interest, but she almost didn’t get the part. According to the show’s creator, Kevin Williamson, Selma Blair was originally cast in the role. However, Williamson told Entertainment Weekly that a last-minute audition tape from Katie Holmes changed everything. He said receiving the tape – filmed in the basement of her family’s home in Toledo, Ohio – was a turning point for him and ultimately led to Holmes being cast.

Actress Janeane Garofalo came very close to landing the famous role of Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City. She even had a signed contract, but she was ultimately the second choice behind Sarah Jessica Parker. Garofalo explained that the deal hinged on Parker’s decision. She was ready to go, but had to wait and see if Parker would accept the part. It’s hard to picture anyone but Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie, but Garofalo’s story makes a lot of sense considering she had a complete contract in place.

Originally, The CW network envisioned Ashley Olsen as the lead role of the stylish blonde in the Upper East Side drama, according to casting director David Rapaport. However, Rapaport was determined to cast Blake Lively. He told Buzzfeed he worried they wouldn’t be able to get her, or that she wouldn’t be a good fit, because he believed the show’s success depended entirely on her, and he didn’t have a backup plan.

The CW initially wanted Rumer Willis, who would later win Dancing With the Stars, to star in Gossip Girl. However, casting director Rapaport felt she wasn’t the right fit for the role and eventually cast her in 90210 instead. He explained to Buzzfeed that he admired Rumer’s talent and potential, but he believed the show needed relatively unknown actresses who truly embodied the spirit of the series and could sustain it over its six-season run. He prioritized finding performers who captured the show’s essence and could carry it for the long term.

Before Keke Palmer landed her role on Fox’s comedy-horror series Scream Queens, she was a contender for the part of Iris West on The Flash. Ultimately, Candice Patton got the role. Casting director David Rapaport explained to Buzzfeed that they had seen Candice early in the casting process but weren’t ready to make a decision yet. They then tested Keke Palmer and another actress, but both seemed too young alongside Grant Gustin. When they brought Candice back for another audition, Rapaport said there was an instant connection.

Iwan Rheon recently shared with The Telegraph that he was a finalist for the role of Jon Snow in the original Game of Thrones pilot. Ultimately, he ended up playing Ramsay Snow – who became notorious as the show’s villain in season 5 – while Kit Harington became beloved as Jon Snow. It’s hard to picture anything different, and frankly, we don’t want to!

Josh Schwartz, who worked with Chris Pratt on the last season of The O.C., shared that Pratt was originally his top pick for the lead role in Chuck. However, Pratt ended up becoming famous for Guardians of the Galaxy instead. Schwartz joked that it all worked out for the best, adding that Pratt is a genuinely kind person.

Katie Holmes, known for her role in Dawson’s Creek, spoke with Orange Is the New Black creator Jenji Kohan when the show was first being developed, Kohan shared. While Holmes was a fan of the series, Kohan told TopMob News that Holmes had other commitments at the time. Kohan also explained that early on, it wasn’t clear what Orange Is the New Black would become.

Cobie Smulders revealed that she originally auditioned for the role of Kate Austen on Lost but ultimately became known for playing Robin Scherbatsky on How I Met Your Mother. This means two popular TV shows could have had very different casts!

Cobie Smulders shared in a 2014 interview with TopMob News that both she and Evangeline Lilly auditioned for the show Lost. Smulders said she did poorly in her audition, which actually helped Lilly land the role. According to Smulders, Lilly was grateful, essentially thanking her for clearing the way!

While The Good Wife is strongly associated with Julianna Margulies, she wasn’t the studio’s first choice for the lead role. Julianna recently shared that Ashley Judd and Helen Hunt were both considered before she landed the part.

It’s difficult to picture anyone other than Sarah Michelle Gellar as the vampire slayer in Sunnydale, but Katie Holmes was originally offered the lead role in the WB series. She decided to focus on attending high school instead, paving the way for Gellar to be cast.

Edie Falco ultimately landed the role, but Lorraine Bracco was first offered it. Bracco declined, explaining she’d already played a similar character in Goodfellas and was looking for a fresh challenge.

Before finding fame on the show Empire, Taraji P. Henson shared that she once auditioned for the role of Olivia Pope on Scandal. She admitted that when she went to read for Shonda Rhimes, she felt it was a role meant for Kerry Washington and wondered why she was even being considered. She knew the part belonged to Washington.

Believe it or not, Gillian Anderson—best known as Agent Scully from The X-Files—was offered a part in Downton Abbey! She ultimately decided against it, and the role ended up going to Elizabeth McGovern.

 

Although Nina Dobrev wasn’t the first actress considered for the role of Elena Gilbert in the popular CW series, the producers were ultimately won over by her audition. Initially, the network had another actress in mind, but after revisiting Dobrev’s tape, they decided she was the perfect fit for the part.

The famous singer was offered the main part in a series starring Bill Cosby, but she decided to focus on her music instead.

For fans of Sex and the City, it’s hard to imagine anyone but Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw. However, Dana Delany was originally offered the part. The Emmy-winning actress turned it down because she’d previously worked on projects with adult themes – like Nude Girls and Exit to Eden – and didn’t want to take on a show that prominently featured “sex” in its title.

Jerry Seinfeld offered Paul Shaffer, David Letterman’s bandleader, a job on his show without even asking for an audition, but Shaffer didn’t respond to the offer.

AMC initially hoped Jane Krakowski would play Don Draper, but Jon Hamm revealed in a podcast that she turned down the role because she wasn’t interested in being on a television series. Ironically, Hamm later became the star of HBO’s Hung.

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2026-03-23 19:18