20 Times Actors Turned Down Big Roles & Regretted It

Eric André

“A Real Pain” (2024)

One of the best films of 2024, “A Real Pain” starred Jesse Eisenberg as David and Kieran Culkin as Benji as cousins traveling around Poland in memory of their late grandmother. The film was so well-received that it was nominated for two Oscars, winning Best Supporting Actor for Culkin. However, had Eisenberg, who wrote and directed it, had his way, André might have lifted the golden statue. Speaking on Andrew Santino’s Whiskey Ginger podcast in 2025, the comedian mentioned Eisenberg offered him the role of Benji. However, after hearing the plot and the themes of atrocities during World War II, André thought the experience would be too depressing. His view soon changed with Culkin’s success.

Burt Reynolds

“Diamonds Are Forever” (1971)

A star in the “Smokey and the Bandit” franchise, a multi-Golden Globe winner, and possessor of a celebrated Hollywood mustache, Reynolds could’ve added another iconic feather to his cap. Once George Lazenby quit as James Bond after 1969’s “On Her Majesty's Secret Service,” the search for a new 007 began. Reynolds was offered the lead role for 1971’s “Diamonds Are Forever.” However, due to what Reynolds described as “stupidity,” he believed the part should go to an English actor, not an American. So he turned it down. The producers brought back Scotland’s Sean Connery instead. Fortunately, only a year after Bond’s film, Reynolds starred in 1972's “Deliverance,” starting him on his legendary career.

Emily Blunt

“Iron Man 2” (2010)

Today, Scarlett Johansson is synonymous with Black Widow in the MCU. However, she wasn’t the prime choice to don the suit when the character made her debut in 2010’s “Iron Man 2.” It was Golden Globe-winner Blunt who was the number 1 pick. Unfortunately, she simply wasn’t able to take it on. After performing in 2006’s “The Devil Wears Prada,” Blunt had signed a two-picture deal with Fox. As a result, she was obligated instead to appear in 2010’s “Gulliver's Travels.” In 2021, while a guest on “The Howard Stern Show,” Blunt went into more detail. She stated she didn’t want to be in “Gulliver's Travels,” and having to let Black Widow go was “heartbreaking.”

Michael J. Fox

“Ghost” (1990)

Seemingly, Patrick Swayze wasn’t anywhere near the top of casting picks for the role of Sam Wheat in 1990’s “Ghost.” Many actors were considered, yet for one reason or another, they didn’t work out. One of these was Fox, best known for his work in the “Back to the Future” franchise. In 2023, he appeared on “The View” with “Ghost” star Whoopi Goldberg, who asked him about it. Fox stated that after he read the script, he had his doubts about the film. When “Ghost” was a critical and box office hit, Fox called himself an “idiot” and regretted not working with Goldberg then. He wouldn’t be the only actor to pass on this one.

Halle Berry

“Speed” (1994)

In 1994, “Speed” helped catapult Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock’s careers. Yet somewhere in the multiverse, Reeves had Berry as a co-star instead. Early in her acting career, she was offered the role of Annie Porter, who was set to be a Black paramedic in an early script draft. However, those versions also had a much different plot, which would make the title of “Speed” very ironic. After rejecting it, the plot was reworked into a far more exciting plot of having the bus needing to be kept above a certain speed to stop it from exploding, making Berry regret turning it down.

Madonna

“The Matrix” (1999)

Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity in “The Matrix” franchise is a cultural icon. Yet before she secured the role, many performers were considered for it, including the Pop Queen, Madonna. While on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2021, she confirmed the rumor that she’d rejected the role, a decision she ultimately regretted. The music legend also slipped in another part she regrettably turned down, that of Selina Kyle, AKA Catwoman, in 1992’s “Batman Returns,” a role taken by Michelle Pfeiffer. Madonna squeezed in a compliment by calling Pfeiffer’s work “fierce.”

Denzel Washington

“Seven” (1995)

It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Brad Pitt screaming this iconic line at Morgan Freeman in 1995’s “Seven.” Yet he wasn’t the original plan as detective David Mills. Over the years, Washington has spoken about the parts he regrettably turned down, one of which was this. In 2025, the film’s director, David Fincher, mentioned that Washington was approached long before he was on board to direct. However, the actor didn’t like the script, causing it to be rewritten over 10 times before he pulled out completely. Strangely, Washington’s manager secured himself a producing credit on “Seven,” apparently by implying that he could get his client on board, which didn’t happen.

Gwyneth Paltrow

“Titanic” (1997)

Before she was cast in “Titanic” as Rose DeWitt Bukater, Kate Winslet was slowly carving out her legacy. Afterwards, she had an industry breakthrough, becoming one of the most in-demand performers. Yet if the filmmakers had gotten Paltrow on board, it would’ve been a very different story. While speaking to “The Howard Stern Show” in 2015, Paltrow admitted she turned down “Titanic.” While she tried to remain zen about it, she did wonder why she said no. Fun fact: Winslet returned the favor. She was originally offered the role of Viola de Lesseps in 1998’s “Shakespeare in Love,” but rejected it to do independent films. Paltrow got the part, leading to her winning a Best Actress Oscar.

Billy Crystal

“Toy Story” (1995)

Imagine the beloved “Toy Story” franchise with the role of Buzz Lightyear being voiced by, not Tim Allen, but by Crystal. Well, we nearly had that. The “Toy Story” creators even came up with a test clip of Buzz saying Crystal’s lines in “When Harry Met Sally.” Sadly, Crystal passed on the part before he even saw it. When he appeared on “The Graham Norton Show” in 2024, the actor admitted that if he’d seen the clip, he would’ve grabbed the role before his agent convinced him not to. Crystal called the 1995 film “genius,” and described himself as a “dope” for missing the opportunity. However, his regret of missing a Pixar flick led to him being in 2001’s “Monsters, Inc.”

Sean Connery

“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (2001)

Across 6 films and 4 video games, Gandalf has been fantastically portrayed by Ian McKellen. Yet the role was offered to several other actors before he secured it, including Connery. Best known for his work as Bond and Indiana Jones’s father, Henry, the Scottish actor famously didn’t understand the material. He received an unprecedented contract offer, giving him $30 million outright and 15% of the franchise’s box office. This would’ve secured him around $450 million altogether! Anyone would’ve regrets after that knowledge. Another regretful nearly-Gandalf was Oscar winner Christopher Plummer. Concerned for his age, he turned down spending so long filming in New Zealand in favor of seeing other places before he passed.

Bruce Willis

“Ghost” (1990)

“Ghost” starring Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze was the highest-grossing film of 1990. Swayze was grateful for the part. After “Dirty Dancing” and “Road House,” he was often typecast as a tough guy or a jerk. “Ghost” allowed him to show off his sensitive side and take his career in new directions. He almost didn’t have the chance, though. The role was originally offered to Demi’s husband, Bruce Willis. When asked in 1996 why he turned it down, Willis replied: ‘Hey, the guy’s dead. How are you gonna have a romance?’ Famous last words.” Maybe that lesson was still on his mind when he accepted the lead in “Sixth Sense” a few years later.

Henry Winkler

“Grease” (1978)

Sometimes, actors audition for roles and don’t get cast. Other times, they turn them down. John Travolta, for example, auditioned for Potsie on “Happy Days,” which of course starred Henry Winkler as Fonzie. On the “Rich Eisen Show” in June of 2022, Henry Winkler confirmed a rumor that’d been circulating for years. Ironically, Winkler had been offered the role of Danny Zuko in “Grease.” Afraid of getting stuck playing another ‘Greaser’ character, Winkler said no. Although he admits that his decision was a mistake, there was one small wrinkle: “Grease,” famously, is a musical. Winkler, to his own admission, cannot carry a tune.

Josh Hartnett

“Batman Begins” (2005)

We all tend to look back on the careers of once young stars and starlets and think about what could have been. Do they regret the track their careers have taken? Do they wish they didn’t miss that big payday? For Josh Hartnett, the answer is a little more complicated. The number of actors who turned down superheroes could fill a phonebook. Josh Hartnett is one of the more well-known, having passed on “Batman Begins.” Though Hartnett may have made a great Bruce Wayne, he doesn’t mind. As he tells it, his regret has nothing to do with the part or the money. He wishes that he’d have formed a working relationship with director Chris Nolan. Well, a key role in Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” proves that for Hartnett, it’s never too late.

Eddie Murphy

“Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988)

In the days before ubiquitous CGI, there were only a handful of movies that combined live-action and animation. One of the biggest was 1988’s “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” The film had the animated stars of Disney and Warner Bros. alongside live actors. Back in the mid-80s, the idea seemed insane. At least, it did to Eddie Murphy, who was originally offered the lead role of private detective Eddie Valiant. The concept made no sense to Murphy whatsoever, and he turned the part down. They eventually cast Bob Hoskins, and it became the most recognizable film of his career.

Dustin Hoffman

“Taxi Driver” (1976)

In film, certain actors and directors form bonds that can last for decades. One of the most famous partnerships in Hollywood is that of Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro. They’ve worked together on several films spanning fifty years. It all began with Scorsese’s “Mean Streets” in 1973. It may not have gone any further, though, without the tremendous success of “Taxi Driver.” Originally, De Niro wasn’t supposed to play the now iconic Travis Bickle. The part was first offered to Dustin Hoffman. When Scorsese pitched it, Hoffman had no clue who the director was. According to Hoffman, Marty seemed like a crazy man speaking a mile a minute. It was the first of many hit roles that Hoffman regrets rejecting over his long career.

Christina Applegate

“Legally Blonde” (2001)

Fear of typecasting isn’t limited to male actors. For ten years, Christina Applegate co-starred in the hit comedy “Married with Children” on Fox. After the show ended, she looked to expand her horizons with other film and TV opportunities. A script came her way for a new movie called “Legally Blonde.” Though she appreciated the humor, she ultimately declined. Elle Woods, she thought, was way too similar to her character in “Married with Children.” She admitted in an interview with Andy Cohen that she thinks Reese Witherspoon ultimately crushed it. Though Applegate undersells her own talents, she definitely has a point given the film’s huge success.

Denzel Washington

“Michael Clayton” (2007)

For an actor, working with a young or inexperienced director can be a real crapshoot. Some actors love the process. Others, absolutely refuse. The end product can often be so bad, that stars are left wondering what they were thinking by saying yes. All those questions were in Denzel Washington’s head when he first read the script for “Michael Clayton.” According to Denzel, it was the best material he’d read in a long time. But since it was Tony Gilroy’s first stint in the director’s chair, Washington passed. The film went on to win multiple awards, including a BAFTA and an Oscar for Tilda Swinton. Five years later, Washington confessed to GQ Magazine that he made a mistake.

Michelle Pfeiffer

“The Silence of the Lambs” (1991)

At the end of the 1980s and start of the 1990s, Michelle Pfeiffer was at the height of her career. She was offered dozens of roles she decided to avoid. The biggest, by far, was Clarice Starling in “Silence of the Lambs.” That part would ultimately net Jodie Foster an Oscar, though that’s not the source of Pfeiffer’s regret. The script was great, but, as she put it, there was too much evil in the film. Lecter escaping was too dark of an ending for her. As she put it, she “didn’t want to put that [evil] out into the world.” Having loved working with director Jonathan Demme before, it was a tough decision. She wishes she’d gotten a chance to reunite with him.

Will Smith

“The Matrix” (1999)

All movies start with one thing: The Pitch. For many actors, a decision to pass or move forward is based on the pitch rather than the script. For years, there were rumors and speculation about Will Smith turning down Neo in “The Matrix.” In 2019, Smith put out a YouTube video confirming them. It can be difficult, years later, to imagine the pitch for a modern classic like “The Matrix.” Smith gave us his perspective. The Wachowskis, fresh off of their only film at the time, reportedly didn’t focus their pitch on the story, but on the now famous ‘bullet-time’ action sequence. In 1998, their description made no sense to Smith. He chose to star in “Wild Wild West” instead.

Matt Damon

“Avatar” (2009)

In the late 2000s, James Cameron approached Matt Damon about a new project he was about to start. The film would be a sci-fi feature about blue aliens fighting human colonizers. During the pitch, according to Damon, Cameron was blunt: “I don’t need anybody. I don’t need a name for this, a named actor.” He told Damon that if he turns it down, he would pluck someone out of obscurity for the role. But, were Damon to take it, Cameron would offer him 10% of the box office. Matt Damon turned it down as he was busy at the time working on “Bourne Ultimatum.” Had he accepted, Matt Damon would have raked in around 250 million dollars.

If you could take any acting role in the film industry, what would you select and why? Let us know below!