It’s hard to imagine anyone else than Harrison Ford playing Indiana Jones or Keanu Reeves as Neo. But in an alternate Hollywood timeline, someone was supposed to play these iconic roles, but never did. It may be due to different reasons, like creative differences or scheduling conflicts, that led to these stars turning down such an iconic role. Today, we’re bringing you the 10 actors who said “no” to the most legendary roles in cinema history.
10. Molly Ringwald – Pretty Woman
Molly Ringwald was no doubt the queen of the ’80s movies. However, she turned down the role of Vivian in Pretty Woman. The actress felt that the story was “icky,” so Julia Roberts stepped in, and the rest was history. The role ended up being iconic enough that it earned Roberts an Oscar nomination.
9. Burt Reynolds – James Bond and Star Wars
Box office king Burt Reynolds could have been an even bigger legend than he already is. He famously said no to the roles of James Bond and Han Solo. Well, Reynolds has his reasons, but would you even think about him playing these two iconic roles?
8. Matt Damon – Avatar
Matt Damon was offered the lead role for James Cameron’s Avatar, plus a 10% stake of the film’s profits. However, Damon turned it down because of his commitment to the Bourne franchise. Avatar soon became the highest-grossing film of all time, and Damon would have bagged the $250 million.
7. Halle Berry – Speed
Halle Berry was offered the role of Annie in the action-thriller Speed. However, the actress turned it down. The role went to Sandra Bullock instead, who became a household name in Hollywood after the film’s massive success. While Berry’s career is spectacular, she has admitted that she said no to the role.
6. Michelle Pfeiffer – The Silence of the Lambs
Michelle Pfeiffer was the choice for the role of Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs, but she turned it down as she found the film too “evil.” Pfeiffer was uncomfortable with the idea of Hannibal Lecter being set free. With that, Jodie Foster took the role and won an Oscar for her performance. Yup, this cause Pfeiffer a chance to be on one of the most acclaimed thrillers of all time.
5. Emily Blunt – Iron Man 2
Emily Blunt was the first choice to play the role of Black Widow in Iron Man 2. However, Blunt was contractually obliged to star in Gulliver’s Travels. The role went to Scarlett Johansson instead, who became synonymous with the character. Blunt has since admitted that it’s a heartbreaker.
4. Tom Selleck – Indiana Jones
Tom Selleck was chosen by Steven Spielberg to play Indiana Jones. However, Selleck was forced to say no to the role because of his commitment to the TV series Magnum P.I. With that, Harrison Ford was cast instead, and the rest is history. Selleck said he had no regrets, but it was bad timing that cost him a chance to play the iconic action hero.
3. John Travolta – Forrest Gump
John Travolta was actually offered the lead role in Forrest Gump. However, he turned it down to star in Pulp Fiction. Of course, Pulp Fiction became a massive success and revitalized his career. Still, Forrest Gump became a cultural hit that it earning Tom Hanks an Oscar. Travolta said that he didn’t regret his decision, but hey, it’s all done.
2. Sean Connery – The Lord of the Rings
Sean Connery was offered to play Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, along with a big payday that included a percentage of the box office. However, he turned it down as he didn’t understand the script. The role went to Ian McKellen instead, who became an icon to a new generation of fans.
1. Will Smith – The Matrix
Will Smith was offered to play Neo in The Matrix, but he turned it down as he couldn’t understand the Wachowskis’ vision for the bullet time. With that, he chose to make Wild Wild West instead, which he said was a decision he wasn’t proud of. Keanu Reeves took the role, and after that, The Matrix became a sci-fi classic. Smith said he would have messed up the role, which cost him the chance of being a part of something big.