15 Movie Roles Great Actors Regret Passing On
It's fascinating to think about the "what ifs" and "almosts" that could have made our favorite films look very different.
1. "The Lord of the Rings " Series – Sean Connery as Gandalf
The late, great Sean Connery had a distinguished career, but he might have added "wizard" to his resume had he not passed on the role of Gandalf in Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" series. The films were a monumental success, grossing over $2.9 billion worldwide and capturing numerous Academy Awards. Connery was reportedly offered a whopping $30 million plus 15% of the box office gross, but he declined the role, citing a lack of understanding of the script. Imagine how different the films might have been with Connery's Scottish brogue narrating the journey through Middle-Earth.
2. "Pretty Woman" – Molly Ringwald as Vivian Ward
Before Julia Roberts became America's sweetheart as Vivian Ward in "Pretty Woman," the part was offered to '80s icon Molly Ringwald. Unfortunately, Ringwald turned down the role, a decision she later described as regrettable. With Roberts in the lead, the movie became a defining rom-com of the '90s, making us wonder what a Ringwald version would have looked like. The film, a romantic comedy about a wealthy businessman falling for a charismatic escort, was a box office sensation, grossing $463.4 million worldwide.
3. "The Matrix " – Will Smith as Neo
The year was 1999, and Will Smith, fresh off his success in "Men in Black," was offered the lead role in a groundbreaking sci-fi film, "The Matrix." However, Smith, not fully grasping the film's concept, chose to work on "Wild Wild West" instead. "The Matrix" went on to gross over $460 million globally and spawned a mega-successful franchise. Smith later admitted his regret, but also noted that he believed Keanu Reeves was perfect in the role of Neo.
4. "Titanic " – Matthew McConaughey as Jack Dawson
Would "Titanic" have had the same impact if the King of the World wasn't played by Leonardo DiCaprio? Matthew McConaughey was initially considered for the role of Jack Dawson in James Cameron 's epic. "Titanic" was a cultural phenomenon, smashing box office records with a gross of over $2.2 billion worldwide. McConaughey revealed he even auditioned with Kate Winslet and was disappointed when he didn't get the part. Just imagine McConaughey's drawl echoing through the ship as it descended into the icy Atlantic.
5. "The Silence of the Lambs" – Michelle Pfeiffer as Clarice Starling
Before Jodie Foster took on the role of the young FBI agent in "The Silence of the Lambs," it was offered to Michelle Pfeiffer. However, Pfeiffer was put off by the film's dark subject matter. The film was a massive success, both critically and commercially, grossing over $272 million worldwide and earning Foster an Academy Award for Best Actress. Pfeiffer later admitted her regret, acknowledging the film's significance in cinematic history.
6. "Casablanca" – George Raft as Rick Blaine
Believe it or not, Humphrey Bogart wasn't the first choice to play the suave and cynical Rick Blaine in the iconic film "Casablanca." That honor went to George Raft, known for his gangster roles. However, Raft turned down the part, unimpressed by the script. "Casablanca" went on to become a classic, earning eight Oscar nominations and winning three, including Best Picture. The film grossed an impressive $3.7 million during its original run, a substantial amount in 1942. This could have been the start of a beautiful film career for Raft – but oh well.
7. "Forrest Gump" – John Travolta as Forrest Gump
Tom Hanks may be synonymous with the character of Forrest Gump now, but it was John Travolta who was first offered the part. Travolta turned down the role, a decision he admitted regretting later, especially after the film grossed over $678 million worldwide and won six Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Hanks. We can't help but wonder if the phrase would have been "Life is like a box of chocolates" or "Life is like a slice of pizza" had Travolta taken the role.
8. "The Godfather" – Ernest Borgnine as Vito Corleone
Marlon Brando's performance as Vito Corleone in "The Godfather" is the stuff of legend. However, Ernest Borgnine was one of the front runners for the role. Borgnine lost the part due to his notorious difficulty to work with, a fact he later regretted. "The Godfather" grossed around $250 million worldwide and is often regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. Borgnine, however, never got to make audiences an offer they couldn't refuse.
9. "Die Hard" – Frank Sinatra as John McClane
Yes, you read that correctly. Frank Sinatra, the king of crooners, was first in line to play NYPD officer John McClane in "Die Hard." Due to a clause in his contract for an earlier film, "The Detective," Sinatra had the first option for any sequels. Despite the potential for a very different kind of Christmas classic, Sinatra, then in his seventies, turned it down. The film, of course, became a massive hit, grossing over $140 million and launching Bruce Willis into action movie stardom.
10. "Aliens" – James Remar as Corporal Dwayne Hicks
James Remar was originally cast as Corporal Dwayne Hicks in James Cameron's "Aliens." However, due to personal issues, he was replaced by Michael Biehn after filming had already begun. The movie was a commercial success, earning $131 million at the box office, and Hicks became one of the franchise's most beloved characters. Remar expressed regret over missing out on the role, a missed chance to fight some xenomorphs.
11. "La La Land " – Emma Watson as Mia Dolan
Before Emma Stone danced her way to an Academy Award in "La La Land," the role of Mia Dolan was first offered to "Harry Potter " star Emma Watson. However, Watson passed on the project due to scheduling conflicts with "Beauty and the Beast." "La La Land" was a massive success, earning over $445 million worldwide, and bagging six Oscars.
12. "Raiders of the Lost Ark" – Tom Selleck as Indiana Jones
Before Harrison Ford donned the fedora and whip as Indiana Jones, Tom Selleck was offered the part. However, contractual obligations to the TV show "Magnum P.I." caused Selleck to turn down the role. The film became a huge hit, grossing over $389 million worldwide, and created a franchise adored by fans globally. We're left imagining a mustachioed Indiana Jones chasing after the lost ark.
13. "Gravity" – Angelina Jolie as Dr. Ryan Stone
Alfonso Cuarón's space thriller "Gravity" initially had Angelina Jolie in mind for the lead role. However, she passed on it due to other commitments. The role eventually went to Sandra Bullock. The film was both a critical and commercial success, grossing over $723 million worldwide, and it won seven Academy Awards.
14. "The Bourne Identity" – Brad Pitt as Jason Bourne
Matt Damon's star turn as amnesiac spy Jason Bourne in "The Bourne Identity" could have been Brad Pitt's gig. The film offered a new take on the spy genre and grossed over $214 million worldwide. Pitt had to pass on the role due to scheduling conflicts with "Spy Game." While Pitt has certainly not lacked for success, we're sure he wouldn't have minded adding "memory-challenged super spy" to his resume.
15. "Double Indemnity" – George Raft as Walter Neff
George Raft, it seems, was the king of passing on iconic roles. Raft was originally slated to star in Billy Wilder's classic noir film "Double Indemnity." But Raft turned down the role because he didn't like the script's flashbacks. The film went on to become a classic of the film noir genre and earned seven Academy Award nominations. It's a regrettable pass for Raft, as we missed out on seeing him play the insurance salesman turned murderer.