15 Actors Who Turned Down Roles That Could Have Changed Their Careers

Hollywood is full of “what if” moments, where actors pass on roles that end up becoming iconic pieces of film history. Whether due to scheduling conflicts, doubts about the script, or simple bad luck, some decisions have left lasting ripples across the entertainment industry.

For some, missing out barely made a dent in their careers. For others, it could have been a defining moment. Let’s take a look at 15 actors who walked away from roles that might have altered their Hollywood journey forever.

1. Will Smith as Neo

At the peak of his late-’90s superstardom, Will Smith was offered the lead role in The Matrix. Instead, he opted for Wild Wild West, a movie that went down as one of his biggest misfires. Meanwhile, Keanu Reeves embraced the role, transforming Neo into one of the most legendary sci-fi heroes ever.

Smith later admitted that he didn’t quite understand the Wachowskis’ vision at the time. If he had taken the role, the face of action cinema in the 2000s might have looked very different.

2. Emily Blunt as Black Widow

Before Scarlett Johansson donned the Black Widow suit, Marvel had already cast Emily Blunt. However, due to contractual obligations with Gulliver’s Travels, she had to walk away. The decision cost her a spot in one of the biggest film franchises in history.

Johansson’s portrayal became a fan favorite, and she went on to appear in nine MCU films. Blunt’s career still flourished with standout performances in A Quiet Place and Oppenheimer, but it’s hard not to wonder how she would have shaped the character differently.

3. John Travolta as Forrest Gump

John Travolta was the first choice for Forrest Gump, but he declined the offer. The role ultimately went to Tom Hanks, who delivered a career-defining performance that won him an Academy Award.

Travolta later admitted that passing on the film was a mistake. Although his career had already been revitalized by Pulp Fiction, playing Forrest Gump could have added another legendary role to his resume.

4. Tom Selleck as Indiana Jones

Before Harrison Ford became synonymous with Indiana Jones, Tom Selleck was set to whip his way through ancient tombs. Unfortunately, his commitment to Magnum P.I. kept him from taking the role.

The film went on to become a blockbuster sensation, with Ford transforming Indy into one of the most beloved adventure heroes of all time. Selleck still thrived in television, but turning down Raiders of the Lost Ark remains one of the biggest missed opportunities in film history.

5. Michelle Pfeiffer as Clarice Starling

When The Silence of the Lambs was in development, Michelle Pfeiffer was offered the role of Clarice Starling, but she ultimately turned it down due to concerns about the film’s dark and disturbing themes.

The part was then given to Jodie Foster, who delivered a chilling yet compelling performance that won her an Academy Award and cemented her place in cinematic history.

Pfeiffer’s decision opened the door for Foster to bring grit, intelligence, and vulnerability to the role, creating one of the most memorable protagonists in thriller history.

6. Al Pacino as Han Solo

Al Pacino was one of the actors offered the role of Han Solo, but after reading the script, he found it too confusing and passed. The part ended up in the hands of Harrison Ford, whose mix of charm, sarcasm, and ruggedness helped shape one of the most iconic characters in cinema.

Pacino later joked that he didn’t regret his decision, but it’s fun to imagine how Han Solo might have sounded with a little more New York grit.

7. Gwyneth Paltrow as Rose

James Cameron originally considered Gwyneth Paltrow for Rose, but she ultimately declined, allowing Kate Winslet to take the role instead. Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio’s on-screen chemistry became legendary, and Titanic cemented itself as one of the biggest films of all time.

While Paltrow went on to have a highly successful career, Titanic could have given her a whole new level of global fame.

8. Matt Damon as Jake Sully

James Cameron personally offered Matt Damon the lead role in Avatar—along with 10% of the film’s box office profits. Had he accepted, Damon would have made around $250 million, one of the biggest paydays in Hollywood history.

Instead, the part went to Sam Worthington, who became the face of the highest-grossing movie ever. Damon has since joked about his decision, saying, “I’ve left more money on the table than any actor in history.”

9. Sean Connery as Gandalf

Sean Connery was offered $30 million plus 15% of the trilogy’s earnings to play Gandalf, but he turned it down, famously stating that he “didn’t understand the script.”

Ian McKellen took the role instead, delivering an unforgettable performance that made Gandalf one of the most beloved fantasy characters ever. Connery’s career was already legendary, but this role could have given him one last epic franchise before retiring.

10. Denzel Washington as David Mills

Before Brad Pitt teamed up with Morgan Freeman for the chilling thriller Se7en, the role of Detective David Mills was offered to Denzel Washington. Washington turned it down, believing the film was too dark and disturbing at the time.

Pitt’s performance became one of his most defining roles, elevating him beyond just a Hollywood heartthrob. Washington later admitted he regretted his decision, especially given how Se7en became a crime-thriller masterpiece.

11. Anne Hathaway as Tiffany Maxwell

Anne Hathaway was initially cast as Tiffany Maxwell, the fiery and unpredictable love interest in Silver Linings Playbook. However, scheduling conflicts forced her to step away, and the role went to Jennifer Lawrence, who delivered a career-defining performance and took home an Oscar.

While Hathaway has had her fair share of acclaimed roles, this one might have given her a fresh edge in the indie film scene. Meanwhile, Lawrence’s electric chemistry with Bradley Cooper turned the movie into a fan-favorite.

12. Joaquin Phoenix as Doctor Strange

Joaquin Phoenix was approached to play Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but he ultimately declined due to concerns about long-term franchise commitments. Instead, the role went to Benedict Cumberbatch, who brought wit, charm, and depth to the character, making him one of the MCU’s most intriguing heroes.

Phoenix, known for choosing unconventional roles, continued on a different path, eventually winning an Oscar for Joker. While his intensity and complexity could have made for an interesting take on the Sorcerer Supreme, Cumberbatch has since made the role his own.

13. Leonardo DiCaprio as Patrick Bateman

DiCaprio was set to play the terrifying Patrick Bateman, but he backed out due to concerns over his image, as he was riding high on Titanic fame at the time. The role went to Christian Bale, whose chilling performance has since become one of the greatest horror portrayals in modern cinema.

DiCaprio’s career didn’t suffer, but American Psycho would have given him a much darker edge early on.

14. Hugh Jackman as James Bond

Before Daniel Craig reinvented James Bond, producers considered Hugh Jackman for the role. Jackman, however, turned it down, feeling that it would limit his range as an actor, especially since he was already committed to playing Wolverine.

Craig went on to star in five Bond films, earning critical acclaim and reshaping the character for a new generation. Jackman, meanwhile, remained an action hero but could have added another legendary role to his repertoire.

15. Molly Ringwald as Vivian Ward

Before Julia Roberts made Vivian Ward a pop culture icon, the role was offered to Molly Ringwald. She passed on the part, believing it wasn’t the right fit for her.

Roberts’ performance helped Pretty Woman become a rom-com classic, launching her into A-list status. Ringwald remained beloved for her ’80s teen roles, but this film could have given her a whole new career trajectory.