Director Peter Jackson said he wanted either Clooney or Robert De Niro to play moviemaker/explorer/showman "Carl Denham."

One of Peter Jackson's two top choices to play the explorer/showman who drags the giant ape to "civilization." the other top choice was George Clooney.

McCoy was considered for a role in King Kong.

Unable to accept Peter Jackson's offer because he was already committed to doing a play in London.

Norton turned down a role in King Kong because of prior committments.

Was heavily rumored to play the role of Ann Darrow according to Greg's Preview on Yahoo.

Fay Wray (who played Ann Darrow in the 1933 original) was being considered for a role but she passed away.