The Princess Bride at 30: Guess which A-listers almost starred in the cult classic?

The 1987 fantasy comedy adventure didn’t do so well at the box office upon its release, but it’s since gone on to become a cult classic.

The Princess Bride had a large cast of actors who sadly aren’t as well known as they were in the 1980s, except for Robin Wright and Billy Crystal.

However, according to MSN, it turns out that a number of today’s A-listers were almost cast in the film.

Arnold Schwarzenegger – Fezzik

Vizzini’s henchman was played by late wrestler André the Giant, who was an incredible 7ft 4 in.

However the role almost went to Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was a growing star in the 1980s.

Colin Firth and Christopher Reeve – Westley 

The film’s swashbuckling lead was portrayed by Cary Elwes, however a relatively unknown Colin Firth was considered for the role – long before his big break in Pride and Prejudice.

Also former Superman Christopher Reeve was said to be interested in the part.

Danny DeVito and Richard Dreyfuss – Vizzini

Toy Story’s Wallace Shawn played the cunning criminal who kidnaps Princess Buttercup, but other character actors were originally lined up for the part.

Firstly it was Danny DeVito and then Richard Dreyfuss, but in the end it was Wallace who scored the role.

Sting – Prince Humperdinck

The Princess Bride’s villain, played by Chris Sarandon, is in need of a bride and has the beautiful Princess Buttercup kidnapped for him.

But at one point Sting was lined up for the role. Nevertheless he went on to play a heroic officer a year later in another cult favourite, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen.