18 Actors Who Would Soon Regret Turning Down That One Role

Hollywood history is full of near-misses, and some of the most iconic characters of all time were almost played by completely different actors. No matter the reason for the recasting, it becomes clear just how wildly different the entertainment landscape might’ve looked had these actors said yes.

All of the roles on this list helped define entire genres, and might've even launched billion-dollar franchises. Some actors admit their regrets. Others stand by their choice. Either way, the contrast between what might’ve been and what actually happened is endlessly fascinating, which is why 247 Tempo decided to do a deep dive into these casting decisions and the actors who regret them.

This list was compiled from multiple sources, including interviews, casting reports, and entertainment industry deep dives from outlets like Entertainment Weekly, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Collider, Vanity Fair, and Insider. Let's check out these stars and the roles they could've had now.

Will Smith turned down the role of Neo in The Matrix to star in Wild Wild West instead. He later admitted he didn’t fully understand the script and just didn’t get the concept. Meanwhile, The Matrix became a revolutionary sci-fi film and launched a billion-dollar franchise. Keanu Reeves stepped in and made Neo iconic. Wild Wild West? Not so much. Smith called it a smart career move... for Keanu.

Emily Blunt was originally cast as Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, in Iron Man 2. Unfortunately, scheduling conflicts with Gulliver’s Travels forced her to back out. Scarlett Johansson took over the role, and the rest is Marvel Cinematic Universe history. Blunt later admitted it was frustrating to miss out. At least Gulliver’s Travels was... a movie that existed.

Sean Connery was offered the role of Gandalf and a massive percentage of box office profits. He said no because he didn’t understand the script or the fantasy genre. The trilogy made nearly $3 billion, and Ian McKellen became the beloved wizard. Connery would have made over $400 million had he said yes. That's one 'you shall not pass' he probably regretted.

Christina Applegate turned down the chance to play Elle Woods because she didn’t want to get typecast as another ‘dumb blonde.’ Reese Witherspoon said yes, and it launched her into rom-com superstardom. Legally Blonde became a cult classic and a career-defining hit. Applegate later admitted she regretted it. We object to that missed opportunity.

John Travolta passed on playing Forrest Gump, reportedly in favor of Pulp Fiction. While that movie was a hit, Forrest Gump won Best Picture and turned Tom Hanks into America’s sweetheart. Travolta later admitted it was a mistake. Life is like a box of roles you probably shouldn't turn down.

Matt Damon turned down the lead in Avatar due to scheduling conflicts with the Bourne franchise. James Cameron even offered him 10 percent of the profits, which would’ve netted Damon around $250 million. Sam Worthington got the role, and Avatar became the highest-grossing film of all time. Damon called himself 'the dumbest actor ever.' At least he's honest.

Gillian Anderson was offered the role of Cora Crawley, the matriarch in Downton Abbey. She turned it down to work on a lesser-known project. Meanwhile, Downton Abbey became a global phenomenon and a hit with critics and audiences alike. The role went to Elizabeth McGovern, who earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Sometimes prestige period drama waits for no one.

Hugh Jackman was approached to play James Bond but felt the scripts were becoming too unrealistic. He passed, and Daniel Craig stepped in with Casino Royale, giving the franchise a gritty reboot. Craig became a fan favorite and starred in five Bond films. Jackman has since said he felt like it wasn't the right time. Still, who turns down Bond?

Michelle Pfeiffer was offered the role of Clarice Starling but turned it down because the script was too dark. Jodie Foster accepted, and her performance earned an Oscar. The film became a psychological thriller classic. Pfeiffer later said she struggled with the tone of the film. No word if fava beans and Chianti were involved in her decision.

Tom Cruise was once in talks to play Tony Stark but passed for a variety of creative and timing reasons. The role went to Robert Downey Jr., whose portrayal became legendary and launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Cruise may be a box office king, but Iron Man brought RDJ back from the brink. That’s some super-heroic irony.

Sarah Michelle Gellar was offered the lead in Clueless but couldn’t make it work with her schedule on All My Children. Alicia Silverstone stepped in and became the queen of ‘90s teen flicks. Clueless became a pop culture landmark. Gellar went on to star in Buffy, but we’re totally buggin' about what could’ve been.

Al Pacino was offered the role of Han Solo but turned it down because he didn’t understand the script. Harrison Ford ended up with the part, and the rest is space opera history. Pacino later joked, 'I gave Harrison Ford a career.' That’s a bold move for someone who didn’t want to travel to a galaxy far, far away.

Josh Hartnett was approached to play Batman but declined, wanting to avoid superhero roles. Christian Bale swooped in and turned Batman Begins into a dark, stylish reboot. The trilogy made billions and redefined comic book movies. Hartnett later said it was a strategic move that maybe didn’t pan out. Holy missed opportunity, Batman.

Eric Stoltz was actually cast and began filming as Marty McFly. After several weeks, producers realized it wasn’t working and replaced him with Michael J. Fox. The change made movie history. Back to the Future became a classic, and Fox’s performance was unforgettable. Stoltz’s version remains a fascinating Hollywood what-if.

Denzel Washington passed on playing Detective Mills in Se7en, feeling the script was too dark. Brad Pitt took the role and helped make Se7en a chilling box office success. Washington later admitted he regretted it after seeing the final film. What’s in the box? Apparently, not Denzel.

Reese Witherspoon was considered for the lead role in Scream but passed, reportedly not wanting to do horror at the time. Neve Campbell took over and became a scream queen overnight. The film revived the slasher genre and led to a long-running franchise. Witherspoon did just fine, but this one could’ve been killer.

Jack Nicholson turned down the role of Michael Corleone because he thought a real Italian should play the part. Al Pacino got the role, and the rest is cinematic legend. The Godfather won multiple Oscars and became a cornerstone of film history. Nicholson's reason was noble, but he passed on an all-time great role.

Paul Giamatti was reportedly offered the role of Michael Scott in The Office but declined. Steve Carell stepped in and turned it into one of the most beloved sitcom characters ever. The Office became a cultural juggernaut. Giamatti’s loss was Carell’s gain. That's what she said.