12 Times Movie Stars Totally Regret Turning Down Huge Roles

Jessica Wilson
Apr 27, 2023
Apr 27, 2023

Filmmakers often consider dozens of actors for a movie role. When an actor is chosen, it means others forcibly turn down the role, making casting directors and producers had to revisit their list of suitable actors to opt for the best one.
On the other hand, legendary roles were turned down by actors, even the most successful actors made glaring errors on the way up. Despite their great careers, it doesn’t mean that every professional decision has been made. From a busy schedule to a personal prejudice against the character that is to be portrayed, there are plenty of reasons why an actor decides to reject a role. In many cases, these actors regret after realizing that they have missed out on a box-office hit.
Here are 12 actors who turned down huge roles and later totally regretted it.

#1 Matt Damon — Jake Sully in Avatar

Because of other commitments, the actor had to reject the offer to play Jake Sully. That made him so upset.

#2 Al Pacino — Han Solo in Star Wars

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The actor refused to be a part of the movie because he didn’t exactly understand the script. Not only he but other actors turned down that role for the same reason.

#3 Will Smith — Neo in The Matrix

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Will Smith didn’t understand the plot of the movie and he considered himself not smart enough to play the role well, so he decided to reject it.

#4 Gwyneth Paltrow — Rose in Titanic

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Gwyneth Paltrow was originally chosen to play Rose but she said no. After reading the script, she realized the film was too sentimental. Moreover, at that time, she felt eager other projects.

#5 Sean Connery — Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings

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The actor was invited to play Gandalf in the trilogy with $10 million for each film and received 15% of the box office for all 3 movies, but he rejected the offer. He said that he didn’t understand the script.

#6 Demi Moore — Kit in Pretty Woman

Source: © Walt Disney Studios

Demi Moore unhesitatingly declined the offer to portray Kit Deluca, Vivian’s best friend. Eventually, Laura San Giacomo proved to be the perfect candidate for the role.

#7 Michelle Pfeiffer — Clarice in Silence of the Lambs

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The director preferred Michelle Pfeiffer for the role of Clarice to Jodie Foster, but the actress refused the chance due to the movie’s violence. Eventually, the role was given to Foster and she won an Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in the movie.

#8 Tom Cruise — Edward in Edward Scissorhands

Tom Cruise wanted to give a happy ending to Edward Scissorhands but director Tim Burton refused it. After all, the actor turned down the role.

#9 Jack Nicholson — Michael Corleone in The Godfather

Jack Nicholson was supposed to play Michael Corleone but he decided to turn down the role. He thought he was too old for it and believed that an Italian actor should be chosen to play it.

#10 John Travolta — Forrest in Forrest Gump

John Travolta decided to star in a great movie in the history of cinema, Pulp Fiction so he couldn’t play in Forrest Gump. Although the two movies were amazing, receiving several Oscar nominations, Tarantino won only one statuette for Best Original Script, while Forrest Gump won 6, including Best Actor that went to Tom Hanks. Later John Travolta expressed his regret for his decision.

#11 Mel Gibson — Maximus in Gladiator

Mel Gibson was invited to play Roman gladiator but he believed that he was too old for that role. Eventually, Russell Crowe took on the role and won the Oscar for Best Actor.

#12 Emily Browning — Bella in Twilight

The author of the book, Stephenie Meyer wanted Emily to play Bella but the actress didn’t want to sign on to a trilogy at that time, so she decided to refuse the role. The role eventually went to Kristen Stewart.

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