Kurt Russell Almost Missed Out on $7 Million Role Due to Script Confusion

Kurt Russell almost missed out on one of his most iconic roles. The actor was the first choice to play Colonel Jack O’Neil in the 1994 sci-fi movie Stargate, according to writer Dean Devlin.

Devlin, who co-wrote the film with director Roland Emmerich, told Variety that Russell “would be a really great name for foreign sales since we were doing the movie independently.”

Despite being the top pick, Russell initially turned down the role several times. Devlin explained that the confusion came from a script mistake. “What we found out is that he had been given the wrong script. He was given a very early draft of the script that should never have gotten out. So, when he actually saw the shooting script he went, ‘Oh, this isn’t so bad,’” Devlin said.

It’s easy to see why Russell hesitated. Stargate follows a team of soldiers and a scientist who travel through a mysterious portal to another planet to face an alien threat—a concept that might have seemed unusual for mainstream audiences at the time. Once he saw the correct script, Russell decided to take the part, and it turned out to be a big win.

Russell earned $7 million for his role, doubling his previous salary. The film was a financial success as well, grossing nearly $200 million worldwide on a $55 million budget. Stargate also launched a franchise that includes TV shows, novels, video games, and spin-off films, all expanding on the universe that Russell, Devlin, and Emmerich helped create.

Stargate, starring Kurt Russell alongside James Spader, Jaye Davidson, Alexis Cruz, Mili Avital, and Viveca Lindfors, was released on October 28, 1994, by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The story centers on an ancient ring-shaped device called the Stargate, which creates a wormhole to another part of the universe. It explores the idea that extraterrestrial beings may have influenced human civilization.

The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising its imaginative story and atmosphere, while some criticized its characters and visual effects. Still, it became a cultural touchstone and a commercial hit, cementing Russell’s place in science fiction.

Looking back, it’s hard to imagine Stargate without Kurt Russell. But a simple script mix-up nearly changed everything. As Devlin’s account shows, small mistakes in Hollywood can sometimes have huge consequences. Thanks to finally reading the correct script, Russell and fans alike benefited from one of sci-fi cinema’s most memorable performances.

What do you think—can you imagine Stargate without Kurt Russell as Colonel O’Neil? Share your thoughts in the comments.