Hollywood What-Ifs: 32 Actors That Turned Down Famous Roles
Hollywood history is littered with fascinating “what if” scenarios, particularly when it comes to casting. Countless actors have built legendary careers by landing the perfect role at precisely the right moment. However, the flip side is equally intriguing: many well-known stars have declined parts that later became iconic, roles indelibly linked to the actors who ultimately accepted them. These decisions remind us how differently cinematic history could have unfolded with a simple change in casting. Understanding the stories behind Actors That Turned Down Famous Roles offers a unique glimpse into the pressures, choices, and sometimes sheer chance involved in movie-making.
The reasons behind these pivotal rejections vary widely. Often, simple scheduling conflicts prevent an actor from taking on a promising project. Other times, the motivations are deeply personal. An actor might not connect with the script’s material, feel they aren’t the right fit for the character, or perhaps trust their intuition that a better opportunity is just around the corner. Regardless of the cause, the landscape of popular film is shaped as much by the roles accepted as by those passed over. This exploration delves into 32 instances where notable actors declined parts that achieved cinematic immortality in the hands of others, adding another layer to the complex tapestry of Hollywood lore.
32. Sean Connery Didn’t Understand Gandalf in Lord of the Rings
Sir Ian McKellen embodying Gandalf the White in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, a legendary role initially passed on by Sean Connery
Sir Ian McKellen’s portrayal of Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy is considered definitive by fans worldwide. Yet, McKellen wasn’t the only actor considered for the wise wizard. In a 20th-anniversary reflection for The Independent, New Line Cinema producer Mark Ordesky revealed that screen legend Sean Connery and acclaimed actor Daniel Day-Lewis were both offered the part. Both declined. Explaining Connery’s refusal, Ordesky stated succinctly that the James Bond star “read the material and just didn’t get it.” This decision marks one of the most talked-about instances of Actors That Turned Down Famous Roles in fantasy film history.
31. Madonna Stepped Away from Showgirls
Elizabeth Berkley performing a dance sequence in the controversial film Showgirls
Paul Verhoeven’s infamous 1995 film Showgirls became a defining, albeit controversial, role for Elizabeth Berkley, who sought to distance herself from her wholesome Saved by the Bell image. However, before Berkley landed the lead role of Nomi Malone, the production courted other established stars, including the Queen of Pop herself, Madonna. According to a retrospective by The Hollywood Reporter, Madonna, fresh off her role in Body of Evidence, showed initial interest. However, her demands for significant script revisions clashed with the filmmakers’ vision, leading them to part ways and eventually cast Berkley.
30. John Travolta Passed on Forrest Gump
Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump running across America in the iconic film scene
John Travolta, a megastar in the 1970s with hits like Grease and Saturday Night Fever, saw his career momentum slow by the early 1990s. It was during this period that director Robert Zemeckis was developing Forrest Gump. Zemeckis initially offered the title role to Travolta. However, Travolta declined, seeking a project edgier than Zemeckis’s heartwarming tale of a simple man navigating historical events. He chose instead to star as hitman Vincent Vega in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. While Pulp Fiction successfully revitalized his career, turning down the Oscar-winning role eventually played by Tom Hanks remains a significant footnote in Travolta’s history of career choices.
29. Jennifer Hudson Said No to Precious
Gabourey Sidibe as the title character walking down a street in the drama Precious
Lee Daniels’ powerful 2009 drama Precious launched the career of newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, who played the challenging lead role. However, Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson was initially considered for the part. In her 2012 memoir, I Got This, Hudson explained she passed because she had recently portrayed Effie White in Dreamgirls, another character whose story involved body image struggles, and she desired a role unrelated to her weight. Later, clarifying her comments to HuffPost, she added, “I did not turn the role down because of the weight situation. I just felt the character was doing things… that were places I did not want to go.”
28. Julia Roberts Didn’t Lose Sleep Over Sleepless in Seattle
Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks meeting atop the Empire State Building in the romantic comedy Sleepless in Seattle
The beloved 1993 romantic comedy Sleepless in Seattle solidified the magical screen pairing of Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, guided by director Nora Ephron. But before Ryan was cast as the smitten Annie Reed, the role was offered to Julia Roberts. In a 2014 interview with InStyle (via Yahoo), Roberts mentioned that the part felt too similar to her own massive hit, Pretty Woman. “I’d been offered Sleepless in Seattle, but couldn’t do it … [Meg Ryan] and Tom Hanks are just such a jewel of a fit in that,” she reflected, acknowledging the perfect casting that ultimately occurred.
27. Matthew McConaughey Passed on Ego in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Kurt Russell as Ego confronting Star-Lord in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
While Kurt Russell seemed the perfect choice to play the celestial father of Chris Pratt’s ’80s-loving Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, the role of Ego the Living Planet was first offered to Matthew McConaughey. Speaking to Playboy (via Digital Spy), McConaughey revealed he was choosing between the Marvel role and the lead antagonist in The Dark Tower. He ultimately chose the latter. Although The Dark Tower film was poorly received, McConaughey’s performance was often cited as one of its few highlights, making his choice another interesting “what if” in the MCU casting saga.
26. Viggo Mortensen Sheathed His Claws for X-Men
Hugh Jackman posing fiercely as Wolverine in X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine spanned nearly two decades, making it difficult to imagine anyone else in the role. Yet, before Jackman secured the part that launched him to superstardom, Viggo Mortensen was a serious contender. Interestingly, Mortensen revealed on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that he turned down the role partly based on advice from his son, Henry, an avid X-Men fan. Henry accompanied his father to a meeting with director Bryan Singer and felt the script didn’t capture the character accurately, even debating points with Singer. Mortensen also expressed reservations about the long-term commitment the role might entail, stating, “I was nervous about that.”
25. Heather Graham Was Vetoed for Heathers
The three Heathers striking a pose in the dark comedy cult classic Heathers
The dark comedy Heathers featured a clique of popular girls all named Heather. Ironically, actress Heather Graham was initially cast as Heather Chandler, the role that eventually went to Kim Walker. Graham, then 17, was enthusiastic about the project. However, her parents intervened, forcing her to withdraw because they deemed the film’s edgy content “offensive” and inappropriate for their daughter. Director Michael Lehmann recounted in a 2014 Entertainment Weekly oral history that despite his pleas, Graham’s parents remained firm, preventing her from joining the cult classic.
24. Toshiro Mifune Declined the Force in Star Wars
Obi-Wan Kenobi facing Darth Vader with lightsabers drawn in Star Wars: A New Hope
Before Sir Alec Guinness brought wisdom and gravitas to Obi-Wan Kenobi, George Lucas offered the iconic role to legendary Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune, star of Akira Kurosawa films like Seven Samurai and The Hidden Fortress (a key inspiration for Star Wars). At Tokyo Comic-Con in 2015, Mifune’s daughter, Mika Mifune, explained (via THR) that her father declined because he worried the film might “cheapen the image of samurai,” upon which Lucas based much of the Jedi character and aesthetic. She noted that sci-fi films at the time often looked low-budget, and Mifune valued his samurai “pride.” Reportedly, Lucas also offered Mifune the part of Darth Vader, hoping the mask would alleviate his concerns, but Mifune turned that down too.
23. Emma Watson Chose Beauty over La La Land
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone walking together in a scene from the musical La La Land
Damien Chazelle’s 2016 musical hit La La Land earned Emma Stone an Academy Award for her performance alongside Ryan Gosling. However, the role of Mia was initially linked to another famous Emma: Emma Watson. During a 2017 SiriusXM Town Hall appearance, Watson explained that her prior commitment to Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast made taking on La La Land impossible. She emphasized the extensive preparation required for Belle—including horse training, dancing, and singing—necessitated her full focus in London, preventing her from “parachuting into” another demanding role simultaneously due to scheduling conflicts.
22. Eddie Murphy Busted Criminals Instead of Ghosts
The original Ghostbusters team standing together ready for action
The original concept for Ghostbusters underwent significant changes before filming began. Initially envisioned as a high-concept sci-fi comedy vehicle for Saturday Night Live alumni, the plan included a major role for rising star Eddie Murphy alongside Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. However, Murphy passed on the opportunity, choosing instead to star in Beverly Hills Cop, another film that became a defining classic of the era and cemented his movie stardom. The Ghostbusters script was subsequently rewritten, leading to the iconic lineup of Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, and Aykroyd.
21. Drew Barrymore Opted for a Killer Cameo in Scream
Drew Barrymore's character Casey Becker reacting in terror during a phone call in Scream
Drew Barrymore was instrumental in getting Wes Craven’s meta-slasher Scream made, serving as an uncredited producer. Initially, she was slated to play the lead role of final girl Sidney Prescott (which ultimately went to Neve Campbell). However, as Barrymore explained on her talk show during the film’s 25th anniversary, she proposed a radical idea: playing Casey Becker, the character famously killed off in the opening sequence. Her reasoning was strategic: killing off the biggest star early would subvert audience expectations and establish that “all bets are off,” eliminating the “cliché safety net” and making the film far more unpredictable.
20. Joaquin Phoenix Passed on Doctor Strange
Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange standing within the Sanctum Sanctorum
Years before his Oscar-winning turn as the Joker, Joaquin Phoenix was in contention to play Marvel’s Master of the Mystic Arts, Doctor Strange. In a 2018 interview with Little White Lies, Phoenix confirmed that he had discussions with Marvel Studios about the role, which eventually went to Benedict Cumberbatch. While Phoenix didn’t elaborate on why the talks fell through, he diplomatically stated that “everybody was really happy with how things turned out,” suggesting an amicable parting of ways in this case of actors that turned down famous roles within the superhero genre.
19. Brian Cox Said No to the Iron Throne (Sort Of) in Game of Thrones
Mark Addy as King Robert Baratheon commanding troops in HBO's Game of Thrones
Brian Cox, known for his commanding presence and memorable F-bombs as Logan Roy in HBO’s Succession, revealed in his memoir Putting the Rabbit in the Hat that he was offered a role in another HBO epic, Game of Thrones. He was approached to play King Robert Baratheon, a significant character in the show’s first season. Cox humorously wrote, “…I was supposed to be a king called Robert Baratheon, who apparently died when he was gored by a boar… I know very little about Game of Thrones… I turned it down.” The role went to Mark Addy, while Cox would later find his own iconic HBO patriarch role.
18. Rachel McAdams Took a Break Instead of The Devil Wears Prada
Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly and Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada
Following her breakout success with Mean Girls and The Notebook, Rachel McAdams became one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses. She received offers for high-profile projects like Casino Royale and Iron Man. However, feeling overwhelmed, McAdams decided to take a hiatus from acting and returned to Canada. During this time, the studio behind The Devil Wears Prada was keen on casting her as the lead, Andy Sachs, reportedly offering her the role three times, according to director David Frankel in an Entertainment Weekly interview. Anne Hathaway eventually secured the part. Reflecting on her break in a 2023 Bustle profile, McAdams acknowledged feeling “guilty” but knew stepping back was necessary “to stay sane.”
17. Henry Golding Initially Refused Crazy Rich Asians
Henry Golding as Nick Young standing in a family kitchen setting in Crazy Rich Asians
Jon M. Chu’s Crazy Rich Asians was a cultural phenomenon in 2018, starring Constance Wu and newcomer Henry Golding. Before becoming an actor, Golding was a travel host. When approached for the lead role of the charming and wealthy Nick Young, Golding repeatedly turned it down. As he explained on The View, he felt unqualified, believing the role should go to “someone else who is going to bring the A-game, who is a legitimate actor.” It took persistent convincing from director Chu for Golding to agree to audition, a gamble that paid off handsomely, launching his acting career.
16. Liam Neeson Chose Marriage Over James Bond
Pierce Brosnan looking sharp as James Bond in a scene from GoldenEye
Liam Neeson’s career boasts iconic roles ranging from Oskar Schindler to Qui-Gon Jinn, but the role of James Bond eluded him—by choice. Neeson revealed on Conan O’Brien’s podcast Conan Needs a Friend in 2023 that he was considered for 007 around the time of GoldenEye. While interested, his then-fiancée, the late Natasha Richardson, gave him an ultimatum: “If you are offered James Bond, we are not getting married.” Neeson respected her wishes, understanding her potential discomfort with the role’s demands and co-stars. The license to kill subsequently went to Pierce Brosnan, marking another fascinating entry among actors that turned down famous roles for personal reasons.
15. Harrison Ford Didn’t Dig Jurassic Park
Sam Neill as Dr. Alan Grant holding a flare amidst dinosaurs in Jurassic Park
Harrison Ford, already a cinematic legend thanks to Star Wars and Indiana Jones, had the chance to add another blockbuster franchise to his resume. Director Steven Spielberg revealed during a 30th-anniversary screening Q&A for Raiders of the Lost Ark in 2011 that he first offered the role of paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park to Ford. After Ford jokingly lamented that Spielberg only cast him as Indiana Jones, Spielberg retorted, “Do you know who I offered Jurassic Park to? This guy.” Ford’s specific reasons for declining remain unclear, but the role ultimately went to Sam Neill.
14. Halle Berry Passed on Driving the Bus in Speed
Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock trying to maintain control of a bus in the action movie Speed
The 1994 action thriller Speed propelled Sandra Bullock to stardom alongside Keanu Reeves. However, the role of Annie Porter, the passenger forced to take the wheel of a bomb-rigged bus, was first offered to Halle Berry. In a 1995 interview with Movieline (via Far Out), Berry explained her reasoning: “I turned down Speed because I thought, ‘I don’t want to drive that bus.’” She found the action-heavy script lacking in dialogue and recalled one version where the bus never even left Dodger Stadium. While appreciating the film’s color-blind casting, she also candidly reflected that, as a Black woman at that time, the role likely wouldn’t have provided the same career boost it did for Bullock.
13. Emily Blunt Was Tied Up During Black Widow Casting
Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow striking a characteristic pose in her solo Marvel film
Emily Blunt showcased her action hero credentials in Edge of Tomorrow, but she nearly joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe much earlier. She was the original choice to play Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, starting with Iron Man 2. Unfortunately, a contractual obligation forced her to decline. As Blunt explained to Howard Stern in 2021, “I was contracted to do Gulliver’s Travels. I didn’t want to do Gulliver’s Travels.” Although she spoke positively about the people she worked with on that film, missing out on joining the burgeoning MCU was “a bit of a heartbreaker,” especially given the pride she takes in her career choices. Scarlett Johansson ultimately took on the iconic role.
12. Claire Danes Felt Titanic Was Too Familiar After Romeo + Juliet
Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet embracing as Jack and Rose on the bow of the ship in Titanic
James Cameron’s Titanic became an epic phenomenon, forever linking Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in cinematic history. But the role of Rose DeWitt Bukater was nearly played by Claire Danes. On Dax Shepherd’s Armchair Expert podcast in 2020, Danes confirmed she was offered the part shortly after starring opposite DiCaprio in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet. Feeling exhausted from that “romantic epic” filmed in Mexico City (where Titanic was also set to shoot), the prospect of another intense, tragic romance felt like “a repeat.” At 17, she desired “different creative experiences” and felt she lacked the resources to cope with the immense fame Titanic would inevitably bring.
11. Matt Damon Still Regrets Passing on Avatar
A Na'vi character looking out over the landscape of Pandora in James Cameron's Avatar
Matt Damon has openly discussed turning down the lead role of Jake Sully in James Cameron’s Avatar, a decision he considers financially monumental. In a 2023 interview with Entertainment Tonight, while promoting a campaign alongside Avatar star Zoe Saldana, Damon called passing on the role (which went to Sam Worthington) “the dumbest thing an actor ever did in the history of acting.” He lamented missing out not just on the role but potentially on a significant percentage of the film’s astronomical profits, quipping, “I’ve probably done, like, 50 movies. I’ve never been in a movie that made one billion.” This stands as one of the most financially significant instances of actors that turned down famous roles.
10. Jack Nicholson Declined The Godfather Due to Heritage
Al Pacino seated as Michael Corleone, contemplating his power in The Godfather
Jack Nicholson was already a rising star when Francis Ford Coppola was casting The Godfather. In a 2004 Movieline interview, Nicholson confirmed he was considered for the pivotal role of Michael Corleone, eventually immortalized by Al Pacino. Despite recognizing the project’s potential greatness, Nicholson turned it down. His reasoning was straightforward and principled: “I knew The Godfather was going to be a great film, but at the time I believed Indians should play Indians and Italians should play Italians.” He felt the role belonged to an actor of Italian descent, making this a notable refusal based on cultural authenticity.
9. Superman Cape Declined by Redford, McQueen, and Newman
Christopher Reeve flying as Superman against a city backdrop in the 1978 film Superman
Casting Superman is always a major event in Hollywood. For Richard Donner’s groundbreaking 1978 film Superman, the producers famously took a risk on the relatively unknown Christopher Reeve, who became synonymous with the Man of Steel. Before settling on Reeve, however, the role was reportedly offered to some of the biggest movie stars of the era, including Robert Redford, Steve McQueen, and Paul Newman. While their specific reasons for passing aren’t widely documented, the fact that these Hollywood titans were considered underscores the cultural significance of the character and provides tantalizing alternative casting possibilities.
8. Will Smith Didn’t Choose the Red Pill for The Matrix
Keanu Reeves as Neo dodging bullets in the groundbreaking sci-fi film The Matrix
Will Smith was at the height of his blockbuster fame in the late ’90s when the Wachowskis approached him to star as Neo in The Matrix. In a candid video on his YouTube channel in 2019, Smith explained his reasons for turning down the revolutionary sci-fi film. He admitted he didn’t fully grasp the complex concept pitched by the Wachowskis, finding it confusing compared to the more straightforward premise of the film he chose instead: Wild Wild West. While acknowledging The Matrix‘s brilliance and Keanu Reeves’ perfect portrayal, Smith humorously stands by his decision, even if Wild Wild West didn’t achieve the same cultural impact.
7. Sandra Bullock Was Also Considered for Neo in The Matrix
Neo and Trinity engaging in a virtual reality training program simulation in The Matrix
While Will Smith famously passed on Neo, the casting net for The Matrix was cast wide, even exploring unconventional options. Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura revealed to TheWrap in 2019 that as they struggled to secure a bankable male lead, they considered rewriting the role for a woman and approached Sandra Bullock. “We went to Sandy Bullock and said ‘We’ll change Neo to a girl,’” di Bonaventura recalled. They sent her the script, but she ultimately declined. Bullock also confirmed separately (on NBC’s Today) that she was offered the role of Trinity (which went to Carrie-Anne Moss) but passed on that as well, making her a rare example of an actor potentially turning down two key roles in the same iconic film.
6. Laurence Fishburne Took Issue with Pulp Fiction’s Drug Depiction
Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta, and Harvey Keitel stand together in a scene from Pulp Fiction
Samuel L. Jackson’s performance as Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction is legendary, but Quentin Tarantino initially wrote the part with Laurence Fishburne in mind. Fishburne, however, declined the role. In a 2020 conversation with Vulture, he explained his objection stemmed from the film’s portrayal of heroin use. “I just had a problem with the way the heroin use was dealt with,” Fishburne stated. “I felt like it made heroin use attractive… It wasn’t about my character… It was about the way in which the heroin thing was delivered.” His moral stance on the issue led him to pass on what became one of the decade’s most influential films.
5. Christina Applegate Feared Typecasting Before Legally Blonde
Reese Witherspoon smiling confidently as Elle Woods in the comedy Legally Blonde
Reese Witherspoon embodied the effervescent Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, but the role was first offered to Christina Applegate. Fresh off her long run as the ditzy Kelly Bundy on Married… with Children, Applegate feared being typecast. As she told Vanity Fair in 2023, “I wouldn’t toy with the idea of Legally Blonde because it felt too fresh getting out of Married… With Children. It was very similar on paper.” She candidly admitted this decision was “a big f-cking mistake,” while also humbly acknowledging that Witherspoon was perfect for the role and she likely would have “completely screwed it up.”
4. Clint Eastwood Believed James Bond Should Be British
Roger Moore as James Bond navigating a cave in the film Live and Let Die
Screen legend Clint Eastwood confirmed long-standing rumors in a 2010 L.A. Times interview (via Collider) that he was offered the role of James Bond. The offer came during the transition period after Sean Connery’s departure and George Lazenby’s single outing, likely for the film Live and Let Die (1973). Despite being offered “pretty good money,” Eastwood turned it down. His reasoning, as explained in a 2009 Indie London interview (via The Clint Eastwood Archive), was straightforward: “I thought James Bond should be British… I thought that it should be more of the culture there, and also, it was not my thing.” The role eventually went to Roger Moore.
3. Montgomery Clift Passed on On the Waterfront and Other Classics
Marlon Brando as Terry Malloy looking contemplative dockside in On the Waterfront
Montgomery Clift, alongside Marlon Brando and James Dean, was a leading figure of method acting in the 1950s. While celebrated for roles in films like A Place in the Sun and From Here to Eternity, Clift is almost equally famous for the iconic roles he reportedly turned down. This list includes parts in Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope, Billy Wilder’s Sunset Boulevard, and Fred Zinnemann’s High Noon. Perhaps the most significant role he passed on was Terry Malloy in Elia Kazan’s On the Waterfront. The reasons remain debated, but his refusal opened the door for Marlon Brando to deliver one of cinema’s most powerful performances, forever remembered for the line, “I coulda been a contendah.”
2. Al Pacino Didn’t Understand Star Wars, Turned Down Han Solo
Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia together inside the Death Star in Star Wars: A New Hope
Fresh off his star-making turn in The Godfather, Al Pacino found himself inundated with offers for major Hollywood productions. One surprising offer was the role of the charismatic smuggler Han Solo in George Lucas’s space opera, Star Wars. Pacino recounted to MTV in 2014 that during that period, studios offered him virtually everything, regardless of suitability. Regarding Star Wars, he admitted, “It was mine for the taking, but I didn’t understand the script.” His confusion led him to decline, paving the way for Harrison Ford to embody the iconic scoundrel.
1. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Long List of Passed Roles: Spider-Man, Batman, Star Wars, and More
Leonardo DiCaprio standing amidst a surreal, collapsing cityscape in the film Inception
Leonardo DiCaprio has reigned as one of Hollywood’s premier leading men for decades. Known for his discerning taste, he’s been selective about his projects, even passing on roles in some of the biggest franchises imaginable. His list of declined parts reads like a pop culture convention roster: he famously turned down the opportunity to play Peter Parker in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man (feeling unready for a superhero suit), Robin in Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever, and even Anakin Skywalker in George Lucas’s Star Wars prequel trilogy. Furthermore, he was attached to play Patrick Bateman in American Psycho before Christian Bale secured the role. DiCaprio’s career demonstrates a clear preference for complex dramas over potential franchise commitments, making his history of declined roles particularly fascinating.
These stories of actors that turned down famous roles highlight the unpredictable nature of Hollywood casting. Each “no” set off a chain reaction, leading to the iconic performances and films we know today. While some actors might look back with regret, others stand by their decisions, reminding us that intuition, personal priorities, and sometimes sheer luck play crucial roles in shaping cinematic legacies. These casting what-ifs remain a compelling part of film history, offering endless speculation about how different our favorite movies might have been.
