20 Things You Didn't Know About The Exorcist
17. Jack Nicholson, Audrey Hepburn, And Marlon Brando Were Almost Cast
Three very famous faces were in contention for leading roles in the film.
Marlon Brando was originally wanted in the role of Father Merrin by distributor Warner Bros., but director William Friedkin immediately vetoed this casting due to concerns that Brando's star power might hijack the film.
Audrey Hepburn had actually spoken with Friedkin and expressed a desire to play the role of Chris, but only if the production could be moved to Rome where she had just moved. Due to the extra production costs, as well as the difficulties of working with a foreign crew, Friedkin had to look elsewhere.
Jack Nicholson was in contention to play the role of Father Karras from quite early on, although he lost out on the part to Stacey Keach before Jason Miller was eventually cast. Interestingly enough, Stanley Kubrick was approached to direct the film early on but turned the project down, going on to direct Nicholson in The Shining some years later.