The film's producers wanted a known actor to play the part but kept coming back to Butler's screen tests and decided he was their man.
The pair are the first known actors to have done so as series regulars.
Since then, however, lesser known actors have had the roles, and over the last year the box office has declined about 20 percent.
Olyphant was cast in the role over several other known actors, including Matthew Fox.
In fact, Thespis is the first known actor in written plays.
Some lesser known actors have found success in Bollywood.
George Miller deliberately wanted to cast lesser known actors so they did not carry past associations with them.
A few known actors went behind the camera to direct a few episodes.
He is the only known actor to have played both Godzilla and Gamera.
Hollywood studios at that time would only use known actors so they could get financing.