Robert Deniro

Deniro was originally cast as Queenan, but had to drop out for his own directorial project, "The Good Shepard."

**The part went to Martin Sheen**

Mel Gibson

Gibson had to turn down a part in The Departed because of his commitments to Apocalypto.

Dennis Leary

Leary had to turn down a part because of his commitments to his TV series, "Rescue Me."

Jack Nicholson

Originally turned down the role of mobster Frank Costello. He had to be talked into it by Martin Scorsese and Leonardo Dicaprio.

Brad Pitt

Pitt was originally cast as Sullivan, but dropped out of the project. He continued to help produce the film.

**Part went to Matt Damon**

Hillary Swank & Kate Winslet

They were both up for the role of Madolyn, but the part eventually went to the more unknown Vera Farmiga.


http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/blogs/oscars/2007/02/the_departed_th.html

That's interesting. I'm watching The Departed tonight. I know two people who are extras in the movie, one of them is my husband's nephew.