Like so many others who have big dreams, James Franco kept his Hollywood plans on the down-low early on, in fear that he was dreaming too big or that failure would take place.
He thought about a career as Marine Zoologist, but ultimately, his passion for acting grew stronger.
Once he moved to LA, let's just say the roles weren't exactly falling on his lap. His first gig was in a Pizza Hut commercial, with a dancing Elvis Presley. Landing a spot on a show wasn't easy either, as we'll see a little later, Franco faced rejection, particularly for a massive sitcom that might've changed the trajectory of his career.
Not to worry though, Franco would find his own way thanks to a certain show called 'Freaks and Geeks', his career took off shortly after.
We'll take a look at Franco's career path and how different things almost turned out.
In addition, we'll take a unique look at how Ashton Kutcher's career changed as well from landing the role, both professionally and personally. Kutcher stood out from the field landing the role for a particular reason, we'll diagnose what that was.
Franco Lands 'Freaks And Geeks' Instead
Looking back, given the cast and leadership by Judd Apatow, we truly can't believe the late '90s drama 'Freaks and Geeks' only lasted one season and 18 episodes.
It was a show filled with future stars, including James Franco, Jason Segel, Seth Rogen, Busy Philipps, Linda Cardellini, and so many others.
Despite the fact that it became a cult classic years after, its legacy is a little tainted. In the recent years, Busy Philipps spoke out about the atmosphere behind the scenes. According to the star, she was assaulted by Franco.
"The Franco story is used to illustrate a larger point about the way women are treated in this business and in life. There are no 'allegations' and no 'accusations'.It's a story that I have been telling for years."
Busy would go on to admit that there are no hard feelings between the two, as Franco apologized for his behavior.
"At one point he apologized to me. I was always acutely aware of my expendability, and so I felt I needed to never complain, always show up on time and not be difficult. If someone else was being difficult, it was my job to be the easy one or figure out a way to soothe the situation."
Things could've been much different for Franco. While in an interview alongside Mila Kunis, the star would reveal that he tried out for none other than 'That '70s Show'.
Failed 'That '70s Show' Audition
Yes, that's right, the iconic FOX sitcom could've looked a lot different, with Franco in the role of Kelso. According to the actor, it turned out to be a failed audition.
"I actually auditioned for That ’70s Show. I think Ashton [Kutcher] was at my audition. I was in a stairwell with a bunch of dudes. [Kunis laughs] Obviously I didn’t get it, and then my ’70s show didn’t get picked up."
The story doesn't end there. Franco revealed that after the 'That '70s Show' pilot aired, a rival show almost made it on network television. He auditioned for the role in a sitcom called '1973'. Looking back, Franco is happy it never saw the light of day.
"The same year you guys made the pilot for That ’70s Show, I did a pilot for a show called 1973, which was meant to rival That ’70s Show."
The sitcom creators would discuss the reasoning for Kutcher's casting years later and according to them, it really wasn't even close.
Kutcher Nailed His Audition
Ultimately, Kutcher's good looks and his ability to take a different angle on the character proved to be the deciding factors.
Those that auditioned for the role decided to play the character as stupid and slow. As for Kutcher, he took more of a naive approach, one the creators completely bought into.
"He got the role because everyone else was reading the character as stupid, but Ashton made him naive,” says Bonnie, who adds, “He knocked us all out with the way he looked.”
Not only did the role serve as a launching pad for Ashton's career, but it also changed his personal life, as he developed a connection to Mila Kunis.
Although their bond was innocent at the time, years later, they would reconnect and start a family together.
Hard to imagine this all taking place had Franco got the role instead.
Sources: People, Interview Magazine & USA Today