12 Actors Who Walked Away From Win-Win Roles

For actors, choosing a movie role can be a career-defining moment. Some decisions to decline or be turned down for a role turn out to be blessings, leading to better opportunities. However, a few actors do carry regrets about missing out on specific movies.

The film industry is full of instances where an actor's choice or a casting decision steer their career paths. Some actors find silver linings in missed opportunities, while others can't help but wonder about the paths not taken.

In this article, we’ve rounded up some actors who missed out on legendary movie roles and regrets that for years.

#1. Anne Hathaway in Silver Linings Playbook

Source: Silver Linings Playbook / Spyglass Media Group

Jennifer Lawrence won an Academy Award for her role as Tiffany in Silver Linings Playbook. The part was initially offered to Anne Hathaway, but she turned it down due to creative differences with the director, David O. Russell.

#2. Eddie Redmayne in Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Source: Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens / Lucas Films

Eddie auditioned for the role of Kylo Ren in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but he described his reading as “catastrophically bad.”

He shared, “They gave me like a Star Trek scene — or like something from Pride and Prejudice. It was one of those films. With films that top secret, they don’t give you the actual lines. So they give you a scene from Pride and Prejudice, but then they tell you you’re auditioning for the baddie. If you’re me, you then put some ridiculous voice on.”

Despite multiple attempts, he couldn't get the role, and it eventually went to Adam Driver.

#3. Madonna in The Matrix

Source: The Matrix / Warner Bros.

Madonna, a highly celebrated celebrity, does have one movie role she regrets turning down – it was for The Matrix. While she didn't specify the role, she expressed regret for passing it up, considering it “one of the best movies ever made.” In an interview, she admitted a small part of her regrets about that particular moment in her life.

#4. Jake Gyllenhaal in Zoolander

Source: Zoolander 2 / Red Hour Films

Owen Wilson was initially the top pick for the role of Hansel in Zoolander, but due to his busy schedule, Ben Stiller had to consider other actors. Jake Gyllenhaal became the next option, impressing Stiller with his amusing portrayal of a wide-eyed Hansel. However, when Wilson's schedule opened up, he reclaimed the role, and Jake Gyllenhaal missed out on the opportunity.

#5. Emma Watson in La La Land

Source: La La Land / Summit Entertainment

Emma Watson was set to be in La La Land with Miles Teller. However, she had to pass on it because she didn't have enough time. She had already agreed to play Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. To prepare, she needed to do horse training, dancing, sing for three months, and be in London.

#6. John Krasinski in Captain America: The First Avenger

Source: The Avengers / Marvel Studios

Chris Evans won our hearts as Captain America, but other actors auditioned too, like John Krasinski. When Krasinski tried on the suit, Chris Hemsworth complimented him, but Krasinski felt he couldn't match Hemsworth's physique. Maybe it was also because he didn't want to leave The Office. So, he decided not to take on the role.

#7. Sir Ian McKellen in Harry Potter movies

Source: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix / Warner Bros.

After the original Dumbledore, Richard Harris, passed away, the movie producers approached Ian McKellen, asking if he would consider being in Harry Potter movies. Although they didn't specify the role, McKellen deduced it.

He declined the offer because Harris had once labeled him and other British actors as “technically brilliant but passion-less.” McKellen felt he couldn't take over the part from an actor who disapproved of him.

#8. Adrien Brody in lord of the Rings

Source: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring / New Line Cinema

Adrien Brody turned down the chance to play a Hobbit in Peter Jackson's masterpiece. When offered the role, he mentioned, “I, somehow, didn’t get it, I don’t know what part I would have been right for, but it was some Hobbit-like character. I was looking for something else.” Eventually, he deeply regretted saying no to the opportunity.

#9. Matt Damon in The Dark Knight

Source: The Dark Knight / Warner Bros.

Matt Damon was offered the role of Harvey Dent, the Two-Faced man in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight. Unfortunately, he had to say no due to scheduling conflicts. Despite being a fan of the director, he never discussed it with Christopher Nolan. Eventually, Aaron Eckhart took on the role, and he did an outstanding job, proving to be the perfect fit.

#10. Joaquin Phoenix in Doctor Strange

Source: Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness / Marvel Studios

Before Benedict Cumberbatch got the role of Doctor Strange, it was first offered to Joaquin Phoenix. Even though he likes blockbuster movies, Phoenix couldn't picture himself in one, and he said, “All parties were satisfied.” Marvel lawyer Peter Sarker thought Phoenix's situation was unique because the deal was almost done but couldn't go forward.

#11. Tom Hiddleson in Thor

Source: Thor: The Dark World / Marvel Studios

Tom Hiddleston initially tried out for the part of Thor, not Loki. He worked hard, gaining weight from 180 to 198 pounds, but didn't land the role. The filmmakers were considering him for Loki too. As he got closer, they decided, "You should be the bad guy." So, he ended up playing the role of Loki.

#12. Beyoncé in A Star is Born

Source: A Star Is Born / Warner Bros. Pictures

Before Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, the main roles in the movie A Star is Born were offered to Clint Eastwood and Beyoncé. According to the movie producer, this was the best version of the movie, but suddenly, Beyoncé got pregnant. Later, Clint passed up on the role too for another movie. Then the roles were offered to Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga.

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