Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles

It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Harrison Ford playing Indiana Jones. The same goes for Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in The Godfather. These actors embodied their characters so perfectly that they became inseparable from them. The roles launched careers, created movie legends, and left a lasting mark on cinema. We see the finished film and assume it was always meant to be that way. The truth is, the casting process is often complicated, with many actors considered for a single part.

Surprisingly, many of the most celebrated roles in movie history were originally offered to other actors. For various reasons, from scheduling conflicts to creative differences, these performers turned down opportunities that could have changed their careers forever. Sometimes they regret their choice, while other times they stand by their decision. This article looks at 50 actors who passed on iconic movie roles, offering a glimpse into what might have been.

Will Smith

Will Smith was offered the role of Neo in The Matrix (1999). At the time, Smith was a huge movie star. He decided to turn down the part to star in Wild Wild West instead. Smith later admitted he didn’t fully understand the complex concept of The Matrix when it was pitched to him. He has said that Keanu Reeves, who eventually took the role, was a better fit for the character.

Wild Wild West went on to be a commercial and critical failure. The Matrix, on the other hand, became a cultural phenomenon and a box office smash. While Smith has expressed some regret over his decision, he has also been gracious about it. He believes his version of Neo would have been very different and that the film was better with Reeves in the lead.

Tom Selleck

Tom Selleck was the first choice to play Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). George Lucas and Steven Spielberg were impressed with his screen test. Selleck was ready to take the role and was excited about the opportunity. However, he had a contractual obligation to the television series Magnum, P.I. The show’s producers would not release him to film the movie.

The role of Indiana Jones went to Harrison Ford, who was working as a carpenter at the time. The film became a massive success and launched a major franchise. Selleck has stated that while he was disappointed to lose the part, he is proud of his work on Magnum, P.I. He has no hard feelings and remains friends with both Lucas and Spielberg.

Michelle Pfeiffer

Michelle Pfeiffer was considered for the role of Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs (1991). The film’s director, Jonathan Demme, initially wanted her for the part. However, Pfeiffer was hesitant to take on such a dark and disturbing role. She was particularly concerned about the film’s violent content.

Ultimately, Pfeiffer turned down the role, which then went to Jodie Foster. Foster’s performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film itself was a huge critical and commercial success, winning a total of five Oscars. Pfeiffer has since said that she regrets passing on the role.

John Travolta

John Travolta was offered the lead role in Forrest Gump (1994). The part of the slow-witted but kind-hearted man from Alabama was a unique one. Travolta was a major star at the time, but he decided to pass on the project. The exact reasons for his decision are not entirely clear, but it is believed he had other commitments.

The role of Forrest Gump was then offered to Tom Hanks. Hanks’s portrayal of the character became one of the most iconic performances in film history. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his work. The film was a massive box office success and won the Oscar for Best Picture. Travolta has since admitted that turning down the role was a mistake.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts was originally offered the lead role in The Blind Side (2009). The film is based on the true story of Leigh Anne Tuohy, a woman who takes in a homeless teenager who goes on to become a professional football player. Roberts was a top choice for the role, but she reportedly turned it down due to salary negotiations.

The part of Leigh Anne Tuohy was eventually given to Sandra Bullock. Bullock’s performance was widely praised and earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film was a huge box office success. Roberts has not publicly commented on her decision to pass on the role.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio was considered for the role of Patrick Bateman in American Psycho (2000). The filmmakers were interested in him for the part of the wealthy and psychopathic investment banker. At the time, DiCaprio was a rising star. However, he ultimately decided against taking the controversial role.

The role of Patrick Bateman went to Christian Bale. Bale’s performance was critically acclaimed and has become one of his most recognized roles. The film has since gained a cult following. DiCaprio went on to star in other successful films, so the decision did not negatively impact his career.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt was offered the role of Black Widow in Iron Man 2 (2010). She was the first choice for the part of the skilled spy and assassin. However, due to a scheduling conflict with the film Gulliver’s Travels, she was forced to turn down the role. The contractual obligation with 20th Century Fox prevented her from joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe at that time.

The role of Black Widow was then given to Scarlett Johansson. Johansson has since played the character in numerous Marvel films, becoming a central figure in the popular franchise. Blunt has expressed disappointment about the situation but has gone on to have a successful career in other films.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington was offered the lead role in the film Seven (1995). He was considered for the part of Detective David Mills, a young and hot-headed detective on the trail of a serial killer. Washington, however, turned down the role. He has since said that he found the script to be too dark and disturbing.

The role of Detective Mills was eventually taken by Brad Pitt. The film was a major critical and commercial success and helped to solidify Pitt as a leading man. Washington has since stated that he regrets his decision to pass on the film, admitting that he was impressed with how it turned out.

Molly Ringwald

Molly Ringwald was a prominent actress in the 1980s, known for her roles in John Hughes films. She was offered the lead role in the romantic comedy Pretty Woman (1990). The part was for Vivian Ward, a prostitute who is hired by a wealthy businessman. Ringwald turned down the role, reportedly because she was uncomfortable with the idea of playing a prostitute.

The role of Vivian Ward went to Julia Roberts. The film was a massive success and launched Roberts into international stardom. Ringwald has said that while she doesn’t regret turning down many roles, she does feel that she made a mistake by passing on Pretty Woman.

Al Pacino

Al Pacino was offered the role of Han Solo in Star Wars (1977). At the time, Pacino was a highly respected actor, known for his dramatic roles. He met with George Lucas to discuss the part of the cynical space smuggler. However, Pacino has said that he did not understand the script and found the story to be too strange for him.

Pacino turned down the role, which then went to Harrison Ford. Ford’s portrayal of Han Solo became iconic and helped to make Star Wars a global phenomenon. Pacino has since joked about his decision, acknowledging the massive success of the film and what could have been.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett was offered the role of Leticia Musgrove in the film Monster’s Ball (2001). The role was for the wife of a death row inmate who becomes involved with a racist prison guard. Bassett, however, turned down the part. She has stated that she found the character to be too subservient and was not comfortable with the film’s sexual content.

The role of Leticia Musgrove was then given to Halle Berry. Berry’s performance was critically acclaimed and she won the Academy Award for Best Actress, becoming the first African American woman to do so. Bassett has said that she does not regret her decision, as she did not feel the role was right for her.

Jack Nicholson

Jack Nicholson was the first choice to play Michael Corleone in The Godfather (1972). The film’s director, Francis Ford Coppola, offered him the iconic role of the youngest son of a powerful mafia family. Nicholson, however, turned down the part. He has said that he felt the role should be played by an Italian-American actor.

The role of Michael Corleone was eventually given to Al Pacino, who was a relatively unknown actor at the time. Pacino’s performance earned him an Oscar nomination and launched his career. The Godfather is now considered one of the greatest films ever made. Nicholson’s decision was based on his belief in authentic casting.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow was offered the role of Rose DeWitt Bukater in the epic romance Titanic (1997). She was a strong contender for the part of the young aristocrat who falls in love with a poor artist aboard the ill-fated ship. Paltrow, however, decided to pass on the role, a decision she has since said she does not regret.

The role of Rose was famously given to Kate Winslet. The film became a cultural phenomenon and one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Winslet received an Academy Award nomination for her performance and became a major international star.

Burt Reynolds

Burt Reynolds was offered the role of James Bond. He was considered for the part after Sean Connery left the franchise. However, Reynolds turned down the iconic role of the suave British spy. He has stated that he believed an American actor should not play James Bond.

The role of James Bond has been played by several actors over the years, including Roger Moore, who took over after Connery. The franchise has remained incredibly popular. Reynolds also famously turned down the role of Han Solo in Star Wars, another part that went to Harrison Ford.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock was offered the lead role in the film Million Dollar Baby (2004). She was attached to the project for a long time and was very passionate about playing the part of Maggie Fitzgerald, a determined female boxer. However, the film had trouble getting made, and by the time it was greenlit, Bullock was busy with another project.

The role of Maggie Fitzgerald was then given to Hilary Swank. Swank’s performance was highly praised, and she won her second Academy Award for Best Actress. The film also won the Oscar for Best Picture. Bullock has said that she was sad to miss out on the role but was happy that the film finally got made.

Sean Connery

Sean Connery was famously offered the role of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. The part of the wise and powerful wizard was a central one in the epic fantasy story. Connery, however, turned down the role. He has said that he did not understand the script or the fantasy world of J.R.R. Tolkien.

The role of Gandalf was then given to Ian McKellen. McKellen’s portrayal of the character is now iconic and beloved by fans around the world. He received an Academy Award nomination for his performance. Connery reportedly missed out on a massive payday by turning down the role, as he was offered a percentage of the box office profits.

Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate was offered the lead role in the film Legally Blonde (2001). The part was for Elle Woods, a fashionable sorority girl who decides to go to Harvard Law School. Applegate had just finished her run on the sitcom Married… with Children, where she played a similar “ditzy blonde” character. She feared being typecast and decided to turn down the role.

The role of Elle Woods went to Reese Witherspoon. The film was a huge box office success and Witherspoon’s performance was widely praised. Applegate has since expressed regret over her decision, acknowledging that it was a foolish choice at the time.

Bruce Willis

Bruce Willis was offered the role of Sam Wheat in the romantic fantasy film Ghost (1990). The part was for a man who is murdered and returns as a ghost to protect his girlfriend. Willis, however, turned down the role. He has said that he did not think the concept of a ghost romance would work and did not believe he could convincingly play a ghost.

The role of Sam Wheat was then given to Patrick Swayze. The film was a massive box office hit and became a cultural phenomenon. Willis has since admitted that he was wrong about the film’s potential and that he made a mistake by turning down the role.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage was considered for the role of Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. The part of the heroic ranger and heir to the throne of Gondor was a major one. Cage, however, turned down the role. He has cited “family obligations” as the reason, stating that he did not want to be away from home for the long period of time required for filming in New Zealand.

The role of Aragorn was famously given to Viggo Mortensen. Mortensen’s portrayal of the character is now iconic and he became an international star as a result. Cage has said that he does not regret his decision, as his family comes first.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway was initially cast in the lead role of the 2007 comedy Knocked Up. She was set to play Alison Scott, a career-focused woman who has a one-night stand that results in an unexpected pregnancy. However, Hathaway dropped out of the project due to creative differences with director Judd Apatow. She was reportedly uncomfortable with the use of real footage of a woman giving birth.

The role of Alison Scott was then given to Katherine Heigl. The film was a major box office success and a critical hit. Hathaway has since said that she has no regrets about her decision, as she felt it was the right choice for her at the time. She went on to have a very successful career with other films.

Matt Damon

Matt Damon was offered the lead role in the science fiction blockbuster Avatar (2009). Director James Cameron offered him the part of Jake Sully, a paraplegic former Marine who gets a new life on the alien world of Pandora. The offer included 10% of the film’s profits. However, Damon had a scheduling conflict with the Bourne film series and had to turn it down.

The role of Jake Sully went to the then-unknown actor Sam Worthington. Avatar went on to become the highest-grossing film of all time, meaning Damon missed out on a massive payday. He has since joked about his decision, acknowledging the huge amount of money he passed up.

Michael Keaton

Michael Keaton was offered the lead role in the classic comedy Groundhog Day (1993). He was considered for the part of Phil Connors, a cynical TV weatherman who finds himself reliving the same day over and over. Keaton, however, turned down the role. He has said that he didn’t understand the concept of the film when he first read the script.

The role of Phil Connors was famously given to Bill Murray. Murray’s performance is now considered one of the best of his career, and the film is a beloved classic. Keaton has admitted that he was wrong about the film and that Murray was the perfect choice for the part.

Meg Ryan

Meg Ryan was the first choice for the lead role in the film To Die For (1995). The part was for Suzanne Stone, an ambitious and ruthless television weather reporter. Ryan was a major star at the time, known for her roles in romantic comedies. However, she turned down the part, and the exact reasons are not widely known.

The role of Suzanne Stone was then given to Nicole Kidman. Kidman’s performance was highly praised by critics and earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. The film helped to showcase her versatility as an actress.

Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey was considered for the role of Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003). The part of the eccentric and flamboyant pirate captain was a unique one. Carrey was a huge comedy star at the time, but he had a scheduling conflict with his film Bruce Almighty.

The role of Captain Jack Sparrow famously went to Johnny Depp. Depp’s an iconic performance that earned him an Academy Award nomination and launched a massive film franchise. While Carrey would have likely brought his own comedic genius to the role, it’s hard to imagine anyone but Depp as Captain Jack.

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman was offered the role of Eowyn in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. The part was for the noblewoman of Rohan who disguises herself as a man to fight in battle. Thurman was a strong contender for the role, but she ultimately turned it down. She has said that she had just given birth at the time and was not ready to commit to such a long and demanding shoot.

The role of Eowyn was given to Miranda Otto. Otto’s portrayal of the character was well-received by fans and critics. Thurman has expressed some regret about her decision, calling it one of the worst of her career. However, she has also stated that she does not know if she would have been able to give the role the same commitment as Otto.

Russell Crowe

Russell Crowe was offered the role of Wolverine in the film X-Men (2000). The part of the gruff and animalistic mutant was a key one in the superhero film. Crowe, however, turned down the role. He has said that he felt the character was too similar to his character Maximus in the film Gladiator, which he was working on at the time.

Crowe suggested his friend Hugh Jackman for the part. Jackman, who was a relatively unknown actor at the time, won the role and went on to play Wolverine in numerous films over the next two decades. The role launched his career and he became an international star.

Kevin Costner

Kevin Costner was offered the lead role in the prison drama The Shawshank Redemption (1994). He was considered for the part of Andy Dufresne, a banker who is wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. Costner, however, turned down the role to star in the film Waterworld.

The role of Andy Dufresne was given to Tim Robbins. The Shawshank Redemption was not a box office hit when it was first released, but it received critical acclaim and has since become one of the most beloved films of all time. Waterworld, on the other hand, was a notorious box office bomb.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster was offered the role of Princess Leia in Star Wars (1977). She was a young and successful actress at the time. However, she had a prior commitment to the Disney film Candleshoe. Due to her contract with Disney, she was unable to take the role of the feisty princess from Alderaan.

The role of Princess Leia was famously given to Carrie Fisher. Fisher’s portrayal of the character became iconic and she is beloved by fans around the world. Foster has said that she has no regrets about her decision, as she enjoyed working on the Disney film.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson was offered the lead role in the historical epic Gladiator (2000). The part was for Maximus, a Roman general who is betrayed and seeks revenge. Gibson was a major star at the time and was seen as a good fit for the role. However, he turned it down, reportedly because he felt he was too old to play the part.

The role of Maximus was then given to Russell Crowe. The film was a massive critical and commercial success, and Crowe won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance. Gladiator also won the Oscar for Best Picture.

Charlie Hunnam

Charlie Hunnam was originally cast as Christian Grey in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey (2015). The role of the wealthy and mysterious businessman with a passion for BDSM was highly sought after. Hunnam was excited about the part, but he eventually dropped out of the project. He cited a busy television schedule and a family emergency as the reasons for his departure.

The role of Christian Grey was then given to Jamie Dornan. The film was a huge box office success, despite mixed reviews from critics. Hunnam has said that he had a “nervous breakdown” over his decision to leave the film, but he ultimately felt it was the right choice for him at the time.

Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams was offered the role of Andy Sachs in the film The Devil Wears Prada (2006). The part was for a young and aspiring journalist who becomes the assistant to a demanding fashion magazine editor. McAdams was a rising star at the time, but she turned down the role multiple times. She reportedly wanted to move away from mainstream films and focus on smaller, independent projects.

The role of Andy Sachs was famously given to Anne Hathaway. The film was a major box office success and Hathaway’s performance was praised. McAdams has said that she does not regret her decision, as she needed to take a step back and focus on her own well-being at the time.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman was offered the role of James Bond in Casino Royale (2006). He was approached to take over the iconic role of the British spy after Pierce Brosnan. However, Jackman was already playing Wolverine in the X-Men film series and was concerned about being typecast. He also felt that the Bond scripts had become too “unbelievable and crazy.”

The role of James Bond was given to Daniel Craig. Casino Royale was a critical and commercial success, and it rebooted the Bond franchise with a more gritty and realistic tone. Jackman has since said that he has no regrets about his decision and that Craig has done an “amazing” job with the role.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry was offered the lead female role in the action-packed film Speed (1994). The part was for Annie Porter, a passenger on a bus that is rigged with a bomb. Berry, however, turned down the role. The exact reasons for her decision are not widely known.

The role of Annie Porter was famously given to Sandra Bullock. The film was a huge box office hit and launched Bullock into stardom. Speed is now considered a classic of the action genre.

Christopher Plummer

Christopher Plummer was offered the role of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. The veteran actor was considered for the part of the wise and powerful wizard. However, Plummer turned down the role. He has said that he was not prepared to commit to such a long and demanding shoot in New Zealand.

The role of Gandalf was then given to Ian McKellen, who received an Academy Award nomination for his performance. Plummer has said that he has no regrets about his decision, although he does admit that the film was wonderful and that he was “a damn fool in some ways.”

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan was considered for the lead role in the critically acclaimed film Straight Outta Compton (2015). The film tells the story of the pioneering rap group N.W.A. Jordan was reportedly offered the role of Dr. Dre. However, he was already committed to the film Fantastic Four and had to turn it down.

The role of Dr. Dre was given to Corey Hawkins, who received praise for his performance. Straight Outta Compton was a box office success and was nominated for an Academy Award. Fantastic Four, on the other hand, was a critical and commercial failure.

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet was offered the lead female role in the romantic comedy Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001). The part was for the clumsy and lovable British woman who keeps a diary of her life. Winslet was a strong contender for the role, but she was ultimately deemed too young to play the part at the time.

The role of Bridget Jones was famously given to Renée Zellweger. Zellweger’s performance was widely praised and she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The film was a huge success and spawned two sequels.

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling was originally cast as the father, Jack Salmon, in the film The Lovely Bones (2009). However, he was fired from the project just days before filming began. Gosling had gained 60 pounds for the role, as he had a different vision for the character than the film’s director, Peter Jackson. This creative difference led to his departure from the film.

The role of Jack Salmon was then given to Mark Wahlberg. The film received mixed reviews from critics. Gosling has since said that the experience was a difficult one, but that it was a valuable learning experience.

Emma Roberts

Emma Roberts was offered the lead role in the popular teen comedy Spring Breakers (2012). The film follows a group of college girls who get into trouble during their spring break vacation. Roberts was reportedly offered the role that eventually went to her friend, Selena Gomez. However, she turned it down because she felt the film was too risqué.

The film, which also starred James Franco, Vanessa Hudgens, and Ashley Benson, went on to become a cult classic. Roberts has said that she has no regrets about her decision and that she is happy with the choices she has made in her career.

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg was offered the lead role in the critically acclaimed film Brokeback Mountain (2005). The film tells the story of a secret romantic relationship between two cowboys. Wahlberg was considered for the role of Ennis Del Mar, but he turned it down. He has said that he was “a little creeped out” by the script at the time.

The role of Ennis Del Mar was given to Heath Ledger, who received an Academy Award nomination for his performance. The film was a major critical success and won three Oscars. Wahlberg has since said that he has no regrets about his decision, but he did praise the performances of Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson was offered the lead female role in the musical film La La Land (2016). The part was for Mia, an aspiring actress living in Los Angeles. Watson was attached to the project for a while, but she eventually dropped out due to scheduling conflicts with Disney’s live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast.

The role of Mia was given to Emma Stone, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance. La La Land was a huge critical and commercial success, winning six Oscars in total. Watson has said that she has no regrets about her decision and that she was thrilled for the success of La La Land.

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal was offered the lead role in the science fiction blockbuster Avatar (2009). He was considered for the part of Jake Sully, the paraplegic former Marine who gets a new life on the alien world of Pandora. Gyllenhaal, however, turned down the role. He has said that he was not sure he was ready for such a large-scale production at that point in his career.

The role of Jake Sully went to Sam Worthington. Avatar became the highest-grossing film of all time. Gyllenhaal has since said that he has no regrets about his decision and that he has been able to make the films that he has wanted to make.

Tim Roth

Tim Roth was offered the role of Severus Snape in the Harry Potter film series. The part of the mysterious and complex Potions Master was a key one in the popular fantasy franchise. Roth, however, turned down the role to star in Tim Burton’s remake of Planet of the Apes.

The role of Severus Snape was famously given to Alan Rickman. Rickman’s portrayal of the character is now iconic and beloved by fans around the world. Roth has said that he does not regret his decision, but he has admitted that his children were not happy with him for turning down the role.

Emily Browning

Emily Browning was the preferred choice of author Stephenie Meyer for the role of Bella Swan in the Twilight film series. The part of the teenage girl who falls in love with a vampire was a highly sought-after one. Browning, however, was not interested in the role. She has said that she was not ready for the level of fame that would come with such a popular franchise.

The role of Bella Swan was given to Kristen Stewart. The Twilight films were a massive box office success and launched Stewart into international stardom. Browning has said that she has no regrets about her decision and that she is happy with the career path she has chosen.

Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey was offered the lead role in the film The Thomas Crown Affair (1999). The part was for the suave and sophisticated millionaire who enjoys stealing art for a hobby. McConaughey was a rising star at the time, but he turned down the role. The exact reasons for his decision are not widely known.

The role of Thomas Crown was given to Pierce Brosnan, who was also playing James Bond at the time. The film was a critical and commercial success. McConaughey went on to have a successful career, eventually winning an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde was considered for the role of Gamora in the superhero film Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). The part of the green-skinned alien assassin was a key one in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film. Wilde, however, turned down the role. She has said that she did not want to play a “badass” character that had been done before.

The role of Gamora was given to Zoe Saldana. The film was a huge box office success and Saldana’s performance was praised. Wilde has said that she has no regrets about her decision and that she is happy with the choices she has made in her career.

Josh Hartnett

Josh Hartnett was offered the role of Superman in the film Superman Returns (2006). He was also offered the role of Batman in Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins (2005). Hartnett was a popular young actor at the time, but he turned down both iconic superhero roles. He has said that he was afraid of being typecast and wanted to maintain a low-key lifestyle.

The role of Superman went to Brandon Routh, and the role of Batman went to Christian Bale. Both franchises were successful. Hartnett has since expressed some regret over his decisions, acknowledging that he may have made a mistake by turning down the roles.

Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain was offered a role in the science fiction film Oblivion (2013). She was considered for the part of Julia, the wife of Tom Cruise’s character. Chastain, however, had to turn down the role due to a scheduling conflict with the film Zero Dark Thirty.

The role of Julia was given to Olga Kurylenko. Zero Dark Thirty was a critically acclaimed film and earned Chastain an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She has said that she has no regrets about her decision, as Zero Dark Thirty was a very important film for her.

Chris Pratt

Chris Pratt was considered for the lead role in the film Uncharted, based on the popular video game series. The part was for the charismatic treasure hunter, Nathan Drake. Pratt was a popular choice for the role, but he ultimately turned it down. The exact reasons for his decision are not widely known.

The role of Nathan Drake was eventually given to Tom Holland. The film was a box office success. Pratt went on to star in other successful franchises, such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World.

Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill was the author Stephenie Meyer’s first choice to play the vampire Edward Cullen in the Twilight film series. However, by the time the film was being made, Cavill was considered too old to play a 17-year-old. He was then offered the role of Carlisle Cullen, the patriarch of the vampire family.

Cavill turned down the role of Carlisle. The part of Edward Cullen was famously given to Robert Pattinson, and the role of Carlisle was given to Peter Facinelli. Cavill later went on to play another iconic character, Superman, in the DC Extended Universe.