15 Times an Actor Turned Down the Role of a Lifetime

Casting decisions can change the course of movie history. Sometimes an actor lands the perfect role and becomes a star overnight. Other times a script is passed over, scheduling gets in the way, or someone simply does not see the potential. Looking back, those choices can feel almost impossible to believe because the finished performances became so iconic. It is fascinating to imagine how different these movies might have been with another face in the lead. These are some of the biggest examples of actors who turned down roles that eventually became career defining moments for someone else.

Will Smith Turned Down Neo in The Matrix (1999)

Smith passed on the role after not connecting with the Wachowskis’ pitch, opening the door for Keanu Reeves to become the face of one of science fiction’s greatest franchises.

Tom Selleck Turned Down Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Selleck wanted the role but had contractual obligations to Magnum, P.I., allowing Harrison Ford to create one of cinema’s most beloved adventurers.

Michelle Pfeiffer Turned Down Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Pfeiffer declined because she found the material too dark, and Jodie Foster went on to win the Academy Award for the role.

Emily Blunt Turned Down Black Widow in Iron Man 2 (2010)

Scheduling conflicts prevented Blunt from accepting the part, leading Scarlett Johansson to make the character one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s biggest stars.

Sean Connery Turned Down Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Connery admitted he never fully understood the script, and Ian McKellen delivered one of the defining fantasy performances of all time.

Al Pacino Turned Down Han Solo in Star Wars (1977)

Pacino was offered the role but said he could not make sense of the screenplay, leaving the opportunity to Harrison Ford.

John Travolta Turned Down Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump (1994)

Travolta later admitted it was a mistake after Tom Hanks won the Academy Award for his unforgettable performance.

Matt Damon Turned Down Jake Sully in Avatar (2009)

Damon declined because of prior commitments, giving Sam Worthington the lead in the highest grossing film of its time.

Molly Ringwald Turned Down Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman (1990)

Ringwald felt uncomfortable with the story, and Julia Roberts became one of Hollywood’s biggest stars after accepting the role.

Burt Reynolds Turned Down James Bond in Dr. No (1962)

Reynolds believed Bond should be played by a British actor, a decision that helped Sean Connery launch one of cinema’s most enduring franchises.

Jack Nicholson Turned Down Michael Corleone in The Godfather (1972)

Nicholson felt the role should go to an Italian American actor, and Al Pacino delivered one of the greatest performances in film history.

Denzel Washington Turned Down Detective David Mills in Se7en (1995)

Washington initially passed because he thought the script was too dark, later saying he regretted the decision after seeing the finished film.

Gwyneth Paltrow Turned Down Rose in Titanic (1997)

Paltrow has acknowledged she passed on the role before Kate Winslet became forever associated with the blockbuster romance.

Hugh Jackman Turned Down James Bond in Casino Royale (2006)

Jackman worried taking another long running franchise after X Men would limit his career, leaving the role to Daniel Craig.

Dougray Scott Turned Down Wolverine in X Men (2000)

Production delays on Mission: Impossible 2 kept Scott from joining the film, creating the opportunity that transformed Hugh Jackman into a global star.