When Glee first hit our screens in 2009, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. From its catchy songs to its diverse characters, the show captured the hearts of millions. But did you know that some of the actors we know and love today almost played different roles on the show? While some landed the parts they auditioned for, others didn’t quite make the cut – or were even in the running for roles that weren’t a perfect fit. In this article, we’ll dive deep into some of the most surprising audition stories and see which stars were almost cast as Finn, Rachel, and other major characters.
Let’s take a look at some of the most memorable audition stories from Glee and explore which famous names almost became part of the Glee world.
1. Skylar Astin: From Finn to Jean-Baptiste
Skylar Astin is known for his iconic role as Jean-Baptiste in season 5 of Glee, where he went head-to-head with New Directions in a memorable showdown. However, Astin wasn’t always destined for that role. In fact, he auditioned for a much bigger part before landing his guest appearance!
Skylar’s Early Audition
Astin was actually in the running for the role of Finn Hudson, the charming yet troubled jock played by Cory Monteith. Can you imagine Skylar Astin as Finn? While he’s certainly talented and charismatic, it’s hard to picture him filling the shoes of Finn, who had a more physically imposing presence compared to Astin’s more delicate features.
Astin has mentioned in interviews that he went through a rigorous audition process for Finn. Despite his incredible musical talent and acting chops, he didn’t get the role – which, as it turned out, worked out just fine for him. In the end, the role of Finn went to Cory Monteith, and the rest is history. Skylar would go on to star in Pitch Perfect and land that memorable Glee guest role later on.
2. Who Almost Played Rachel Berry? Spoiler: Not Everyone Could Sing
Rachel Berry, the ambitious diva with dreams of Broadway fame, was a cornerstone of Glee. Played to perfection by Lea Michele, Rachel was the character that many fans loved to hate or simply couldn’t stop rooting for. However, not every actress who auditioned was a natural singer. Believe it or not, some of the biggest names in Hollywood auditioned for Rachel’s role, despite not having a musical background.
The Non-Singing Rachel Candidates
One of the most surprising names that auditioned for Rachel Berry was The Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev. At the time, Dobrev was primarily known for her acting talent and wasn’t known for her singing abilities. She, along with other actresses, gave it a shot, but ultimately, the role went to Lea Michele, who was a musical theater powerhouse.
Another actress who was reportedly in the running for Rachel was The Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence. While Jennifer had already established herself as a rising star by the time Glee was casting, she did not land the role of Rachel because she simply couldn’t sing. This decision turned out to be a blessing in disguise for both Jennifer Lawrence and Lea Michele. Jennifer would go on to become a household name in Hollywood, while Lea Michele was able to fully embrace the role that would make her a star.
3. Some of the Other Big Names Who Auditioned
While we’ve covered Skylar Astin and Rachel Berry, let’s take a moment to look at some of the other well-known actors who auditioned for roles in Glee. You might be shocked to find out who almost became part of this musical family.
John Krasinski: Almost Mr. Schuester?
Yes, you read that right. Before Matthew Morrison was cast as Will Schuester, the well-meaning, occasionally clueless glee club teacher, The Office star John Krasinski was also in the mix. In fact, he reportedly made it pretty far in the audition process before ultimately losing out to Morrison. While Krasinski eventually found his niche as Jim Halpert on The Office, it’s interesting to imagine him in the role of Mr. Schuester.
Amber Riley’s Audition: The Right Role for Mercedes
Amber Riley, who portrayed the confident and powerhouse singer Mercedes Jones, was born to play this role. However, it’s worth noting that Amber originally auditioned for the role of Rachel Berry, even though she didn’t land that part. It’s not every day that someone who can belt out a ballad like Riley would go for the role of a Broadway-bound diva. But casting directors quickly realized that Amber was perfect for Mercedes – a strong, talented, and unapologetically bold character. She definitely got the role that was meant for her, and she went on to leave an unforgettable impact on Glee.
Darren Criss: From Blaine to the Spotlight
Darren Criss, who would later play the beloved character Blaine Anderson, also auditioned for other roles on the show before being cast as the charming and talented Warbler. Criss initially auditioned for the role of Finn before ultimately being given the role of Blaine, which he portrayed in a way that made him a fan favorite. His musical performances, especially his rendition of “Teenage Dream,” were some of the highlights of the series.
4. The Stars Who Almost Played Quinn and Santana
Two of the most memorable female characters on Glee were Quinn Fabray and Santana Lopez. Both characters had complex arcs that went from being classic “mean girls” to showing their true colors and finding redemption. While Dianna Agron and Naya Rivera ultimately made these roles their own, other actresses were reportedly in the running for these iconic parts.
Dianna Agron: Almost Santana?
Dianna Agron, who became famous for playing Quinn, was originally in the running for the role of Santana Lopez. When she was cast as Quinn, it was because casting directors felt she had the perfect balance of sweetness and inner conflict. Santana, on the other hand, required a completely different energy – one that Naya Rivera effortlessly brought to the role.
Naya Rivera: The Other Quinn
Naya Rivera, who became famous for her role as the bold and sassy Santana, was also a contender for the role of Quinn. While both characters were strong, tough, and had their moments of vulnerability, Naya’s fierce personality ultimately made her the perfect fit for Santana.
5. A Few Other Surprising Auditions
Glee also attracted some big names and familiar faces that auditioned for roles on the show but never quite made the cut. Some of the other interesting auditions included:
- Chace Crawford, known for his role in Gossip Girl, reportedly auditioned for the role of Finn.
- Vanessa Hudgens, the High School Musical star, was rumored to have auditioned for a role, but she ultimately didn’t land a part on the show.
While it’s always fun to imagine what could have been, it’s clear that the Glee casting department made some excellent decisions, as each character ended up being played by the right actor. Some actors may not have landed their first choice, but they certainly made a lasting impact with the roles they eventually got.
Conclusion: The Glee Casting Process Was Full of Surprises
In the world of Hollywood casting, sometimes the roles we imagine actors playing are not the ones they end up with. Glee is the perfect example of how casting directors took chances and found the right actors for roles, even if those actors initially auditioned for something else entirely. From Skylar Astin auditioning for Finn to Naya Rivera almost playing Quinn, it’s clear that Glee was a show filled with talent, surprises, and perfect fits.
Though Glee has been over for several years, the impact of its casting decisions still resonates today. We’ll never forget the actors who were meant to play our favorite characters, and we’ll always wonder what might have been if those other auditions had gone differently. But one thing is for sure: the cast of Glee will always have a special place in our hearts.
