John Turturro is so mesmerizing as a bottom-feeding attorney in HBO's "The Night Of" that it's hard to believe he got the role only after James Gandolfini died and Robert De Niro passed on the part. Some other examples of third choices rising to the top:
"the Good Wife"
Character: Alicia Florrick (2009-16).
Originally offered to: Ashley Judd, Helen Hunt.
Went to: Julianna Margulies, two Emmys.
"Breaking Bad"
Character: Walter White (2008-13).
Originally offered to: Matthew Broderick, John Cusack.
Went to: Bryan Cranston, six Emmys as star and producer.
"Homeland"
Character: Nicholas Brody (2011- ).
