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The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)  «   » 
 Who was considered for The Bridge on the River Kwai?

Humphrey Bogart
The screenplay was written with Bogart in mind but he was contractually committed to another film.
Actor who got the part: WIlliam Holden

Ronald Colman
When Charles Laughton could not handle the Ceylon climate, Colman was on the short list of possible replacements.
Actor who got the part: Alec Guinness

Noel Coward
Coward was director David Lean's original choice for the role of Colonel Nicholson.
Actor who got the part: Alec Guinness

John Ford
Was considered as one of the handful of directors who could handle the epic tale which filmed in Ceylon.
Actor who got the part: David Lean

Cary Grant
Briefly considered, but producer Sam Spiegel was unconvinced about Grant, who had recently flopped in a tough, serious role in "Crisis."
Actor who got the part: William Holden

Alec Guinness
Alec Guinness initially turned down the great role in the David Lean-directed masterpiece.
Actor who got the part: Alec Guinness

Howard Hawks
One of the handful of directors considered by the studio and producer Sam Spiegel.
Actor who got the part: David Lean

Charles Laughton
Laughton was cast as Col. Nicholson, but had to drop up due to health reasons. Alec Guinness replaced him and won an Academy Award
Actor who got the part: Sir Alec Guinness

James Mason
Considered as a replacement for Charles Laughton, who withdrew because he couldn't stand the climate in Ceylon.
Actor who got the part: Alec Guinness

Ralph Richardson
Among the actors considered when star Charles Laughton exited the project because he couldn't stand the weather in the Ceylon locations.
Actor who got the part: Alec Guinness



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