Today, it's hard to imagine the series Lost without Jack Shepard, but his fate was originally quite different. In the initial version of the script, the show's creators, J.J. Abrams and Damon Lindelof, planned to shock viewers: the main character would die in the middle of the first episode, and the leader of the survivors would be Kate Austen.
Who was supposed to play Jack in Lost?
The producers intended to cast someone from the "A-list" actors to make the death of the character even more unexpected. For a long time, they considered Michael Keaton for the role. However, when ABC insisted that Jack remains alive, Keaton declined to participate in the project, not wanting to commit to a multi-season role.
Why was Jack given a second chance?
ABC's management feared that killing off the main character in the very first episode would anger viewers rather than intrigue them. As a result, the script was rewritten, and the role of Jack went to Matthew Fox. This made him the central figure of the show, and his duel with John Locke and struggle with inner demons turned him into one of the most memorable characters in the series.
What would have happened if the script hadn't changed?
If Jack had died, Kate would have become the leader of the group of survivors instead. While her character is interesting in it's own right, it's hard to imagine how the dynamics of the series would have changed without the central conflict between the rational doctor and the mystically inclined Locke.
Conclusion
The decision to extend Jack's life proved crucial for the success of Lost. His fate, relationships with other characters, and complex arc made the series iconic. This is yet another example of how a single change can determine the fate of an entire project.
