Bruce Willis: Ghost
Bruce Willis regrets turning down the lead role in Ghost (1990), which was played by Patrick Swayze. The actor didn’t think the idea of a romantic relationship between a ghost and a living person would work on screen, and passed on it. He regretted it when the film was released and was a box-office hit, grossing more than $500 million. In addition, Willis regrets not being able to work with his then-wife, Demi Moore, who played the female lead.
Denzel Washington: Michael Clayton
The role of Michael Clayton, a «fixer» for a major New York law firm, was intended for Denzel Washington. But he turned it down and it went to George Clooney. Denzel Washington regretted turning down the role. He said the script was the best material he had read in a long time, but he was afraid to shoot with a first-time director. The actor said that if he could go back in time, he would agree to play Michael Clayton in the film.
Matt Damon: Avatar
Matt Damon turned down the lead role in Avatar, which would have earned him more than $200 million, and regrets it. The actor preferred to continue with the Bourne saga and did not want to commit to the Avatar sequels. Sam Worthington was chosen to work with the famous director James Cameron in the film that has become a cult classic.
Madonna: Matrix
The «Queen of Pop», Madonna, was offered the role of Trinity in the Matrix, but she turned it down. At first, she thought the script was too bad. Despite having a music career that is unmatched by many, Madonna regrets turning down the role. Now, Madonna believes that the Matrix is one of the best movies ever made, and she still hasn’t forgiven herself for passing up a role in the film.
Josh Hartnett: Batman Begins
Josh Hartnett turned down the role of Batman in Christopher Nolan’s film and regretted it. The actor said his decision negatively affected his career. While Batman Begins was a box office success, the films Hartnett chose instead, Lucky Number Slevin and The Black Dahlia, were not. In addition, Hartnett lost the opportunity to have a good relationship with Nolan, a prestigious director.
Christina Applegate: Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde is a 2001 American romantic comedy film that was a huge box office hit. Christina Applegate turned down a role in the film because she was tired of playing dumb blondes. The role went to Reese Witherspoon, who became famous because of it. Applegate regretted her decision when she saw the success and affection for the film among fans of the genre.
Kevin Costner: The Shawshank Redemption
Kevin Costner turned down the role of Andy Dufresne in the film The Shawshank Redemption (1994), which was played by Tim Robbins. The actor was busy shooting Waterworld (1995), a film that turned out to be a box office failure. Life Imprisonment, on the other hand, was a critical and public success, and received seven Oscar nominations. It has also become a cult classic over the years. Costner has admitted that he regrets his decision.
Eddie Murphy: Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Eddie Murphy regrets turning down the lead role in Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988), which was played by Bob Hoskins. The film was a box-office and critical success, and was noted for its original blend of live action and animation. It also won three Oscars for its visual and sound effects. Eddie Murphy, on the other hand, is famous for other films such as Beverly Hills Cop , Shrek and Coming to America.
Sean Connery: The Lord of the Rings
Sean Connery played the British secret agent James Bond in seven films between 1962 and 1983. However, he turned down the role of Gandalf, the wizard who fights Sauron in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. In doing so, he lost more than $400 million, as he was offered $30 million per film and fifteen percent of the box office profits. Sean Connery regretted it so much that he apologized for not accepting the role.
Lindsay Lohan: The Hangover
The movie Hangover in Las Vegas was directed by Todd Philips and was the first part of the Hangover trilogy. The film was a box office success, grossing $469.3 million on a budget of $35 million. The director managed to make a memorable film with few resources, but Lindsay Lohan turned down the role she was offered because she didn’t see the potential.
