12 Actors Who Turned Down Major Movie Roles And Totally Regretted It

Jessica Wilson
Sep 12, 2022
Sep 12, 2022

When it comes to great actors, their most iconic performances often spring to mind alongside their image. For example, Christopher Reeve starred in “Superman” in 1978 in the famous characters’ costume with his hair slicked back and Margot Kidder in his arms as he flies over Metropolis. But, many might not know that Reeve was the first choice to play this part. Paul Newman, Burt Reynolds, Warren Beatty, and James Caan refused the roles, and eventually, it went to Reeve.
Indeed, Hollywood often considers a plethora of actors for movies, but when offered a role, an actor might turn it down for a variety of reasons. What hurts is when the movie is popular and becomes a box-office hit and it is time when a particular actor realizes they missed out on an iconic movie. Sometimes we - movie buffs can’t help but wonder what the movie would have been like if it did.
Today, we share with you a list of actors who turned down the main roles in the movie.

#1 Sean Connery - Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings

actors who turned down the main roles Source: © s_bukley / depositphotos, © Warner Bros

Sean Connery was offered 10 million dollars for each film in the trilogy plus 15% of the box office for all 3 movies, but he still refused to play Gandalf. He had no enthusiasm for Tolkien’s work.

#2 Tom Cruise - Edward in Edward Scissorhands

actors who turned down the main roles Source: © PopularImages / depositphotos, © Fox Movies

Tom Cruise turned down the role of Edward Scissorhands because Tim Burton, the director, gave the film a sad ending.

#3 Will Smith - Neo in The Matrix

actors who turned down the main roles Source: © s_bukley / depositphotos, © Warner Bros

Will Smith was offered to portray Neo in “The Matrix” but the actor turned down the role. He said he didn’t understand the plot so he couldn’t fulfill the role well.

#4 Gwyneth Paltrow - Rose in Titanic

actors who turned down the main roles Source: © s_bukley/ depositphotos, © Paramount Pictures

Before Kate Winslet got the role of Rose in “Titanic”, Gwyneth Paltrow turned down the role. For her, the movie was so sentimental. Additionally, at that time, she had other projects.

#5 Matt Damon - Jake Sully in Avatar

actors who turned down the main roles Source: © PopularImages / depositphotos, © Fox Movies

Matt Damon almost took on the role of Jake Sully in “Avatar”, but he couldn’t play because of his other commitments. The actor always regrets when turning the role down.

#6 Demi Moore - Kit in Pretty Woman

actors who turned down the main roles Source: © Walt Disney Studios

Demi Moore immediately and without any explanation declined the offer to play 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

actors who turned down the main roles Source: © s_bukley / depositphotos, © MGM

Michelle Pfeiffer was offered to play Clarice in “Silence of the Lambs”. However, due to the violence contained in the novel on which the film was based, the actress missed out on the part. Eventually, Foster got the role and won an Oscar for Best Actress.

#8 Al Pacino - Han Solo in Star Wars

actors who turned down the main roles Source: © s_bukley / depositphotos, © Lucas Film

Al Pacino didn’t understand the script of “Star Wars” so he refused the role of Han Solo. It was very complicated for him to play a leading role without understanding the plot, although he considered it a good option to play Han Solo.

#9 Jack Nicholson - Michael Corleone in The Godfather

Although Jack Nicholson agreed to play Michael Corleone in “The Godfather” at first, he declined the role. He thought he was too old for the role and believed it should be played by an Italian actor.

#10 John Travolta - Forrest in “Forrest Gump”

Because of the movie “Pulp Fiction”, John Travolta turned down the role of Forrest in “Forrest Gump”. Although both movies had 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. John Travolta later confessed to regretting turning the role down.

#11 Mel Gibson - Maximus in Gladiator

Mel Gibson believed that he was too old to play Maximus in “Gladiator”, so he rejected the role. Eventually, the part went to Russell Crowe who won the Oscar for Best Actor.

#12 Emily Browning - Bella in Twilight

Although Kristen Stewart fulfilled the role of Bella so perfectly, many might not know that Emily Browning was the first choice. However, at that time, she didn’t want to sign on to a trilogy so she missed out on it.

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