15 Actors Who Passed on Legendary Roles and Likely Kicked Themselves Later
Some roles become so iconic that they define a generation of cinema or television, forever tied to the actors who brought them to life. But behind every unforgettable performance, there’s often a story of someone else who said ‘no’ to the part.
Whether due to scheduling conflicts, doubts about the project, or just a gut feeling, these decisions can haunt actors when the roles they turned down become cultural landmarks. Here’s a look at 15 stars who passed on massive opportunities—and, in many cases, openly admitted their regret.
1. Matt Damon – Jake Sully in ‘Avatar’
Matt Damon was offered the lead role of Jake Sully in James Cameron’s groundbreaking sci-fi epic ‘Avatar’. The deal included a whopping 10% of the film’s box office earnings, which could have netted him over $200 million.
Damon turned it down due to scheduling conflicts, and Sam Worthington took the part. He later shared in interviews that missing the chance to work with Cameron stung the most, calling it one of the biggest blunders of his career.
2. Denzel Washington – David Mills in ‘Se7en’
Denzel Washington was offered the role of Detective David Mills in the dark, gripping thriller ‘Se7en’. The part went to Brad Pitt, whose performance became iconic.
Washington later admitted in interviews that he passed because the script’s grim tone and the director’s inexperience worried him. After seeing the film, he called it a mistake, kicking himself for underestimating its impact.
3. Madonna – Trinity in ‘The Matrix’
Madonna was in talks to play Trinity in the revolutionary sci-fi hit ‘The Matrix’, a role that ultimately went to Carrie-Anne Moss. The film redefined action cinema with its groundbreaking effects.
In a 2021 chat with Jimmy Fallon, Madonna confessed she wanted to ‘kill herself’ for turning it down, calling it one of her few career regrets. She didn’t specify why she passed, but the sting of missing out clearly lingered.
4. Michelle Pfeiffer – Clarice Starling in ‘The Silence of the Lambs’
Michelle Pfeiffer was director Jonathan Demme’s first choice for Clarice Starling in the chilling ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. Jodie Foster’s Oscar-winning performance made the role legendary.
Pfeiffer declined due to the film’s dark themes, later telling The New Yorker she regretted missing the chance to work with Demme again. The film’s five Oscars and cultural impact made her decision tough to swallow.
5. Will Smith – Neo in ‘The Matrix’
Will Smith was offered the role of Neo in ‘The Matrix’, but Keanu Reeves became the face of the franchise. Smith chose to star in ‘Wild Wild West’ instead, a decision that didn’t pan out.
He later told Wired he didn’t grasp the script’s vision and felt he wasn’t ready to carry such a complex role. Smith admitted he might have ‘messed up’ the film, but the regret still lingers.
6. Burt Reynolds – Han Solo in ‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope’
Burt Reynolds was considered for the roguish Han Solo in ‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope’, a role that skyrocketed Harrison Ford to fame. The film launched a global franchise.
Reynolds later told Business Insider that passing on it was his biggest career regret, blaming his agent for the advice. He also turned down other huge roles like James Bond, piling on the ‘what-ifs’.
7. Leonardo DiCaprio – Dirk Diggler in ‘Boogie Nights’
Leonardo DiCaprio was offered the lead in ‘Boogie Nights’, the bold drama about the adult film industry. He chose ‘Titanic’ instead, which became a global phenomenon.
In a 2008 GQ interview, DiCaprio said he loved ‘Boogie Nights’ and wished he could’ve done both films. While ‘Titanic’ made him a star, he clearly regretted missing the gritty role that Mark Wahlberg nailed.
8. Eddie Murphy – Eddie Valiant in ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’
Eddie Murphy was approached to play the detective in the innovative ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’, blending live-action and animation. Bob Hoskins took the part and made it unforgettable.
Murphy later shared with IndieWire that he doubted the concept would work, a decision he called his only real career regret. The film’s massive success left him wishing he’d said yes.
9. Josh Hartnett – Bruce Wayne in ‘Batman Begins’
Josh Hartnett was offered the role of Bruce Wayne in Christopher Nolan’s ‘Batman Begins’, which rebooted the superhero franchise. Christian Bale became the Dark Knight instead.
Hartnett told interviewers the decision hurt his career, as his alternate projects flopped while ‘Batman Begins’ soared. Missing the chance to work with Nolan added to his regret.
10. Christopher Plummer – Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy
Christopher Plummer was offered the wise wizard Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, a role Ian McKellen turned into an icon. The films won 17 Oscars.
On Conan, Plummer admitted he passed due to the long filming commitment in New Zealand, later joking he hated McKellen’s perfect performance. The trilogy’s success made it a sore spot.
11. John Travolta – Forrest Gump in ‘Forrest Gump’
John Travolta was offered the titular role in ‘Forrest Gump’, the heartwarming tale of a man’s extraordinary life. Tom Hanks won an Oscar for the part.
Travolta later told MTV he didn’t regret it outright, as he chose ‘Pulp Fiction’ instead, but admitted the success of ‘Forrest Gump’ made him envious, especially seeing Hanks’ accolades.
12. Henry Winkler – Danny Zuko in ‘Grease’
Henry Winkler, known as Fonzie in ‘Happy Days’ (1974-1984), was offered Danny Zuko in the musical ‘Grease’. John Travolta’s performance became a cultural touchstone.
Winkler told Variety he declined to avoid typecasting as a 1950s greaser, later admitting he should’ve followed his gut. He famously quipped that Travolta bought a plane while he got a Diet Coke.
13. Bruce Willis – Sam Wheat in ‘Ghost’
Bruce Willis was offered the lead in the romantic fantasy ‘Ghost’, a massive hit starring Patrick Swayze. Willis could’ve acted alongside his then-wife, Demi Moore.
He later shared that he didn’t believe a ghost-human romance would work, calling it a mistake after the film’s success. Missing the chance to star with Moore added to his regret.
14. Christina Applegate – Elle Woods in ‘Legally Blonde’
Christina Applegate was considered for Elle Woods in the bubbly comedy ‘Legally Blonde’, a role that made Reese Witherspoon a star. The film spawned a franchise.
Applegate told Entertainment Tonight she passed to avoid being typecast as a ditzy blonde after ‘Married… with Children’ (1987-1997). She later called it a ‘stupid move’ after seeing the film’s impact.
15. Kevin Costner – Andy Dufresne in ‘The Shawshank Redemption’
Kevin Costner was offered the lead in ‘The Shawshank Redemption’, now a beloved classic. He chose ‘Waterworld’ instead, which flopped, while Tim Robbins shone as Andy.
Costner has publicly expressed regret, noting the film’s critical acclaim and seven Oscar nominations. Passing on the role for a costly misfire left a lasting sting.
Which iconic role do you wish one of these actors had taken, or is there another missed casting we overlooked? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
