The first choice for the role of Juliet alongside Leonardo DiCaprio was let go by the film for just entering her teens.

Leonardo DiCaprio is Hollywood royalty these days, however, starting out, things weren’t always the easiest for the actor. The likes of Sharon Stone had to forcefully get him into a film, while DiCaprio also struggled with his co-stars, including Mark Wahlberg on the set of The Basketball Diaries.

Nonetheless, his career would thrive, and so would Natalie Portman’s, who recently enjoyed major success in Thor: Love and Thunder. However, early on in her career, she lost out on a role to Claire Danes.

We’ll take a look back at how it all went down behind the scenes, and why she was replaced for the role.

Casting Leonardo DiCaprio Was The Easiest Part For Romeo And Juliet Director Baz Luhrmann

When it came down to casting, there was nobody else Baz Luhrmann wanted for the role of Romeo, aside from Leonardo DiCaprio. Sure, that is evident today given his legendary resume, however, back then, it wasn’t as apparent.

Speaking alongside Arts Beat LA, Baz Luhrmann discussed the decision.

“Remembering that when I cast Leonardo, he was unknown. He had just been nominated for Gilbert Grape. Claire was just on television. They absolutely have a following and are responsible for people being interested but remember this – Leonardo has not opened a film on his own.”

Looking back on the 25th year anniversary of the film with Forbes, the director revealed there was never any doubt when it came to Leo’s role.

“I reached out to him. I decided that was it. Him. There was no like anybody else.”

Although casting the role of Romeo was a simple process, it wasn’t as easy when it came to the role of Juliet. Natalie Portman was initially cast, however, prior to the start of the shoot, she was replaced.

Natalie Portman Had The Role But Lost It Given That She Was Only 13 At The Time

The casting process for Juliet proved to be a little more complicated, as several auditions for the role took place. According to Luhrmann, Natalie Portman was a major frontrunner for the role, though the biggest issue was her age at the time, 13. Despite just starting her teens, Portman was very mature for her age.

“We looked at everyone and actually at one time, it’s well-known now and I think Natalie is completely alright with it but Natalie Portman was a real frontrunner and in fact, we explored the idea. And really, it’s that Leonardo looked so young and Natalie was so mature for her age.”

The casting process for Juliet proved to be a little more complicated, as several auditions for the role took place. According to Luhrmann, Natalie Portman was a major frontrunner for the role, though the biggest issue was her age at the time, 13. Despite just starting her teens, Portman was very mature for her age.

“We looked at everyone and actually at one time, it’s well-known now and I think Natalie is completely alright with it but Natalie Portman was a real frontrunner and in fact, we explored the idea. And really, it’s that Leonardo looked so young and Natalie was so mature for her age.”

However, when it came time to put the two together, it was evident that Portman was too young for the role

“The truth is that when they were together, it was really clear that Nat was just too young to do the idea.”

Natalie Portman spoke out about the missed opportunity, understanding why she was cut out of the role.

“At the time I was 13 and Leonardo was 21. And it wasn’t appropriate in the eyes of the film company or the director, Baz. It was kind of a mutual decision too that it just wasn’t going to be right at the time.” She went on to note: “I think the film came out really, really beautifully and Claire Danes did a really, really wonderful job.”

Claire Danes Landed The Role But Might’ve Had A Troubled Relationship With Leonardo DiCaprio

Claire Danes landed the role of Juliet. The actress was also younger than DiCaprio at the time, landing the role at the age of 17.

There are conflicting reports when it comes to their relationship on-set. According to rumors, the two hardly spoke on-set, given that Danes viewed DiCaprio as immature.

On the flip side, Danes would also reveal that she crushed on her co-star.

“That was problematic. I couldn’t really have a crush on the guy I was professionally having a crush on,” she began. “Quite a few gay men have talked to me about the fact that when they were kids watching Romeo + Juliet, they were confused about who they wanted to kiss. It was all about Leo! And I completely understand.”

The 1996 film was a big hit at the box office, bringing in $147 million, while launching Leonardo DiCaprio’s star status even further.

Claire Danes landed the role of Juliet. The actress was also younger than DiCaprio at the time, landing the role at the age of 17.

There are conflicting reports when it comes to their relationship on-set. According to rumors, the two hardly spoke on-set, given that Danes viewed DiCaprio as immature.

On the flip side, Danes would also reveal that she crushed on her co-star.

“That was problematic. I couldn’t really have a crush on the guy I was professionally having a crush on,” she began. “Quite a few gay men have talked to me about the fact that when they were kids watching Romeo + Juliet, they were confused about who they wanted to kiss. It was all about Leo! And I completely understand.”

The 1996 film was a big hit at the box office, bringing in $147 million, while launching Leonardo DiCaprio’s star status even further.