Actors You Didn’t Know Turned Down Famous Roles

Hollywood is full of what-ifs, and some of the most surprising come from stars who walked away from roles that later became iconic. These choices happened for all kinds of reasons, from scheduling conflicts to uncertainty about the script. The stories behind them often reveal how unpredictable casting can be and how one decision can change multiple careers. Here are 15 times well known male actors passed on parts that went on to make movie history.

Will Smith

Will Smith passed on playing Neo in ‘The Matrix’ after hearing an early pitch that did not click for him. He instead chose to make ‘Wild Wild West’ during the same window. Keanu Reeves took the role and helped launch a genre defining sci fi franchise. Smith has since said the movie turned out great and that Reeves was the right fit.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio stepped away from ‘American Psycho’ after initial talks to star as Patrick Bateman. The project moved forward with director Mary Harron and Christian Bale in the lead. DiCaprio shifted his focus to ‘The Beach’ during that period. The decision cleared the path for Bale’s breakout performance.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington turned down ‘Se7en’ when he first read the script and felt it was too dark. He took on other projects that year and later saw the finished film. The role of Detective Mills went to Brad Pitt alongside Morgan Freeman. Washington has noted in interviews that the movie was excellent in the end.

Sean Connery

Sean Connery declined the role of Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ after saying he did not fully understand the material. The offer reportedly included a share of profits tied to the trilogy’s success. Ian McKellen accepted the part and became closely associated with the character. Connery later acknowledged the scale of what he passed up.

Matt Damon

Matt Damon turned down the lead role of Jake Sully in ‘Avatar’ due to scheduling and loyalty to ongoing commitments. The offer included a significant back end participation that became famous after the film’s massive success. Sam Worthington ultimately played the part. Damon has spoken openly about the financial magnitude of the opportunity.

Al Pacino

Al Pacino was offered Han Solo in ‘Star Wars’ but passed because he did not connect with the script at the time. Harrison Ford stepped in and defined the role for generations of fans. The decision came as Pacino balanced a slate of gritty dramas. He later joked that the galaxy far far away was not for him then.

Jack Nicholson

Jack Nicholson declined the chance to play Michael Corleone in ‘The Godfather’. He believed the role should go to an actor of Italian heritage. The part went to Al Pacino and became one of the most acclaimed performances in film history. Nicholson’s choice helped solidify the film’s authentic casting.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy turned down the role of Winston Zeddemore in ‘Ghostbusters’ while he was gearing up for ‘Beverly Hills Cop’. The character ultimately went to Ernie Hudson. Production timelines and script development shaped the outcome. Murphy’s path led to one of the decade’s biggest action comedies.

John Travolta

John Travolta passed on playing Forrest Gump and went in a different direction that same year. Tom Hanks took the role and delivered a widely celebrated performance. Travolta focused on projects that aligned with his career resurgence. The two films that season became milestones for both actors.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman declined exploring James Bond when ‘Casino Royale’ was gearing up. He was deep into playing Wolverine and wanted to avoid being locked into two huge franchises. The role went to Daniel Craig and launched a new era for the spy series. Jackman continued to anchor the ‘X-Men’ films and later led ‘Logan’.

Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix walked away from negotiations to play Doctor Stephen Strange in ‘Doctor Strange’. The sticking point centered on long term commitments and the scale of the shared universe. Benedict Cumberbatch ultimately suited up as the Sorcerer Supreme. Phoenix later took a very different path with ‘Joker’.

Russell Crowe

Russell Crowe turned down the role of Wolverine in ‘X-Men’ after early conversations. He suggested another Australian actor for the part during the casting process. Hugh Jackman was eventually cast and became synonymous with the character. Crowe pursued other projects that fit his trajectory at the time.

Burt Reynolds

Burt Reynolds said he declined an offer to play James Bond, believing audiences expected a British actor in the role. Producers moved ahead with other choices that kept the franchise’s British identity. Reynolds continued to headline major American hits. He later spoke candidly about that crossroads in his career.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson passed on playing Maximus in ‘Gladiator’, feeling he was not the right age for the part by then. The role went to Russell Crowe, who led the film’s epic scope. Gibson focused on directing and other acting opportunities during that period. The decision marked a clear turn in both actors’ paths.

Josh Hartnett

Josh Hartnett turned down the chance to play Bruce Wayne in ‘Batman Begins’ as he looked to avoid long term franchise commitments. Christopher Nolan later cast Christian Bale in the reinvention of the character. Hartnett pursued a range of independent and mid budget films instead. The choice kept his slate flexible while the superhero era accelerated.

Tom Selleck

Tom Selleck missed out on playing Indiana Jones in ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ after being cast but unable to break his contract with ‘Magnum, P.I.’. CBS held him to the series commitment and the pilot moved forward. Production on ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ could not wait for his availability. Harrison Ford was then chosen and the adventure franchise began filming on schedule.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone passed on the lead role of Axel Foley in ‘Beverly Hills Cop’. He worked on a tougher action rewrite that the studio did not pursue. The project returned to a comedic tone and moved ahead without him. Eddie Murphy took the part and the film became a major box office hit.

John Lithgow

John Lithgow declined being the Joker in ‘Batman’ after meeting about the part. He felt he was not right for the character and stepped away from consideration. The studio and Tim Burton continued their search through multiple candidates. Jack Nicholson ultimately signed on and the production locked its villain.

Viggo Mortensen

Viggo Mortensen turned down Wolverine during early talks for ‘X-Men’. Concerns about a long multiyear commitment were part of the discussion. Casting continued as the production neared its start date. Hugh Jackman secured the role shortly before cameras rolled.

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson walked away from becoming James Bond when the franchise was preparing to relaunch in the mid 1990s. He publicly said the role did not appeal to him at that time. Producers kept searching as they assessed different directions for the character. Pierce Brosnan was selected and began his run with ‘GoldenEye’.

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood said no to playing James Bond when an offer reached him after Sean Connery’s tenure. He believed the character should be portrayed by a British actor. The producers pursued other options as they mapped out the next film. The franchise continued with new casting that maintained its British lead tradition.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp could not take the title role in ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ because of scheduling conflicts. He was tied up with other obligations as John Hughes lined up the shoot. The production timeline required a firm commitment to start. Matthew Broderick took the part and filming proceeded on the planned calendar.

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg passed on a lead role in ‘Brokeback Mountain’ after reading early drafts and discussing the material. The project continued through several rounds of casting conversations. The director settled on a new pairing that aligned with the final vision. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal were cast as production moved forward.

Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant turned down Gilderoy Lockhart in ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’ due to a schedule clash. He had already committed to another film and could not adjust dates. The producers recast quickly to keep the sequel on track. Kenneth Branagh joined the series and completed the role on time.

Jude Law

Jude Law declined playing Superman in the unproduced ‘Superman: Flyby’ after trying on the suit during talks. He decided not to commit to the character at that stage of his career. The studio continued to develop multiple versions while exploring other leads. The property later returned with a different creative team.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves turned down returning for ‘Speed 2’ after being approached for the sequel. He chose to pursue other projects and a concert tour with Dogstar. The studio proceeded with a new leading man to keep the release timeline. Jason Patric signed on and production took place on location.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage passed on ‘The Wrestler’ after early conversations about the role. He stepped away as the project refined its physical preparation and approach. The filmmakers moved to a new lead to maintain the production window. Mickey Rourke joined and the movie completed principal photography on schedule.

David Schwimmer

David Schwimmer said no to playing Agent J in ‘Men in Black’ while directing ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’ and honoring ‘Friends’ commitments. The offer required availability that conflicted with his calendar. Producers continued casting to meet the target start date. Will Smith was cast and the shoot stayed on track.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks passed on ‘Jerry Maguire’ after early interest while he focused on directing and acting in other projects. The script continued to evolve during that period. The studio and filmmaker then sought a new star to anchor the shoot. Tom Cruise accepted and production proceeded with the finalized cast.

Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro passed on the lead in ‘Big’ during early development. Contract discussions and creative direction did not line up for him at the time. The studio moved quickly to secure a new star to keep the timeline. Tom Hanks took the part and the family comedy went into production on schedule.

Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig turned down playing Thor when the role was making the rounds. He was already committed to another marquee character and chose to stay that course. The production kept testing actors to find the right fit for the Asgardian lead. Chris Hemsworth was cast and training began soon after.

Pierce Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan declined playing Batman for Tim Burton after initial conversations. He later said the tone did not feel right to him then. The studio continued its search while finalizing the rest of the ensemble. Michael Keaton signed on and the film locked its start date.

Ewan McGregor

Ewan McGregor passed on Neo in ‘The Matrix’ as he focused on commitments to ‘Star Wars’. The overlap in preparation and travel made the choice clear. Casting directors returned to their shortlist while effects planning moved ahead. Keanu Reeves accepted and fight training began in earnest.

Kevin Costner

Kevin Costner turned down Andy Dufresne in ‘The Shawshank Redemption’. He was tied to a major western project that required a long shoot. The filmmakers met other leads to keep preproduction moving. Tim Robbins boarded the drama and rehearsals started shortly after.

Bruce Willis

Bruce Willis said no to the lead in ‘Ghost’ during the offer stage. He did not see the romance and supernatural mix working for him then. The studio shifted to alternate choices as preproduction firmed up dates. Patrick Swayze took the role and the shoot stayed on track.

Heath Ledger

Heath Ledger turned down Bruce Wayne in ‘Batman Begins’ during early talks. He was cautious about anchoring a massive franchise at that point. The director met with several actors while building out the reboot. Christian Bale was chosen and the new Gotham vision took shape.

Michael Keaton

Michael Keaton declined to return for ‘Batman Forever’ after reading the new direction. He felt the approach no longer matched his take on the character. Producers pivoted to secure a fresh lead without delaying the schedule. Val Kilmer stepped in and production moved forward.

Jon Hamm

Jon Hamm passed on ‘Green Lantern’ after being approached about the role. He did not want to jump into a long running superhero commitment then. The studio explored a wide pool of candidates as effects planning scaled up. Ryan Reynolds signed on and principal photography proceeded as planned.

Cary Grant

Cary Grant turned down James Bond when producers courted him for the first film. He believed he was not the right long term choice for a multi picture run. The team kept searching as they refined the tone of the debut. Sean Connery was cast and the franchise launched.

Patrick McGoohan

Patrick McGoohan declined offers to play James Bond in the series’ early stages. He was wary of the character’s image and the role’s demands. Producers returned to their shortlist to keep momentum. Sean Connery became the face of the spy adventure and the shoot began.

Bill Murray

Bill Murray said no to the lead in ‘Forrest Gump’ during the offer period. He was balancing other projects and did not commit. The studio continued talks with several established stars to meet the timeline. Tom Hanks accepted and production dates were set.

John Candy

John Candy turned down playing Louis Tully in ‘Ghostbusters’ after creative discussions. He had a different take on the character and stepped away. The filmmakers quickly moved to a new choice to keep the comedy’s rhythm intact. Rick Moranis joined and scenes were reworked around his style.

Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman withdrew from ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ after considering both directing and starring. He decided not to pursue the dark material at that time. The project shifted to a new director and cast while preserving the schedule. Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster signed on and production advanced.

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne turned down the role of Jules in ‘Pulp Fiction’. He was concerned about how the story handled drug use and chose to pass. Casting continued while table reads were scheduled for other roles. Samuel L. Jackson took the part and filming moved ahead on the planned calendar.

Share your favorite what if casting stories in the comments and tell us which pass surprised you most.