Top 10 Actors Who Made the Wrong Choice

“Michael Clayton” (2007) & “Seven” (1995)
A rookie director doesn’t necessarily equate to rookie work. Denzel Washington saw that reality take form with Tony Gilroy’s “Michael Clayton,” a film that he turned down. The legal thriller would wind up being nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The actor later admitted that he let his doubts about a first-time feature director get in the way and was ultimately wrong to not take the part. Besides “Michael Clayton,” Washington has expressed regret about turning down the 1995 crime thriller “Seven” after reading the script, which he called “too demonic.” Instead of Washington in a starring role as detective David Mills, it was Brad Pitt.

“Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988) & “Rush Hour” (1998)
Even when expressing regret, Eddie Murphy can convey it in a hilarious way. He did just that when talking about turning down a starring role in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” Cartoon animation and humans combined in one? We sort of get what you’re saying, Eddie, particularly given the time when this movie came out: the late eighties. But, Murphy clearly figured out later that it can work — and really well. “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” was a financial hit and won several Oscars. Murphy also turned down the role of Detective Carter in “Rush Hour.” Of course, Chris Tucker nailed that part instead. Murphy opted for a film that would turn out to be a colossal box office failure: “Holy Man.”

“Speed” (1994)
One of Sandra Bullock’s biggest hits early in her career was “Speed.” But her character, Annie, had previously been offered to someone else. Halle Berry had a chance to pounce on the opportunity earlier in the process. At the time, the script wasn’t what it ultimately became. Could you imagine the bus in “Speed” not even leaving the parking lot? Well, that parallel film universe is what Berry thought she was signing up for. Looking back years later, she expressed some lighthearted regret about her decision. However, she eventually did get to share the screen with Keanu Reeves in another action flick.

“Grease” (1978)
Many know him as The Fonz from “Happy Days.” Henry Winkler mastered that role to such an extent that he was bumped up to be a main character. The people wanted more Fonzie, and they got him. Winkler could’ve also played a too-cool greaser in the 1978 musical rom-com “Grease.” But it wasn’t in the cards. He rejected the opportunity to play Danny Zuko, and the part later went to John Travolta. It turned out to be an iconic role in an iconic film. Winkler described his worry of being typecast and went on to call himself a “fool” for not taking the part.

“Legally Blonde” (2001)
Playing the character Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde” just didn’t seem like the right route to Christina Applegate following the conclusion of the sitcom “Married... with Children.” After reading the script, she viewed it as too similar to her previous work. Although she stated the role was never directly offered to her, she did end up missing out — “Legally Blonde” ended up being something of a cultural phenomenon. However, this is thanks in large part to Reese Witherspoon’s efforts as the main character. Applegate was classy about the way things unfolded, praising Witherspoon in an interview and making some funny comments on “Watch What Happens Live.”

“Ghost” (1990)
When given a chance to star as Sam Wheat in the supernatural romance film “Ghost,” Bruce Willis’s sixth sense was telling him something wasn’t right. A dead guy involved in a romance seemed peculiar to him. The role went to Patrick Swayze. “Ghost” turned out to be the third-highest-grossing film ever, at the time of its release. It was nominated for several Academy Awards as well. Willis later labeled himself a “knucklehead” for turning it down. Before the turn of the century, another film involving similar supernatural elements was on the table: “The Sixth Sense.” Willis seized the opportunity that time.

“The Matrix” (1999)
Keanu Reeves was the benefactor of Will Smith turning down the role of Neo in “The Matrix.” The science fiction film became hugely influential, as well as garnering critical praise and commercial success. But Smith wasn’t moved by the unique special effects that the Wachowskis pitched when discussing the fresh prince’s potential involvement in the movie. So what did he do instead of “The Matrix?” Far from his most notable work — he opted for “Wild Wild West.” But he wasn’t the only big name to turn down the role of Neo. Brad Pitt did as well. “The Matrix” also could've had Madonna, but she turned down the role of Trinity.

“The Lord of the Rings” franchise (2001-)
Turning down the role of Gandalf meant Sean Connery missed out on a big-time film series — and a whole lot of money. With an alleged $30-million-per-film offer, plus a cut of the box office, the James Bond actor could have reportedly earned more than $400 million dollars by playing Gandalf. Obviously, Connery had built an impressive career already, and didn’t need to be Gandalf to make his stamp on the industry. But, for many people, it’s safe to say that if they could wave a magic wand and earn the opportunity to play Gandalf for that kind of money, they’d do it.

“Avatar” (2009)
James Cameron offered a lucrative deal to Matt Damon in hopes that the actor would agree to play the starring role of Jake Sully in his epic science fiction film “Avatar.” Damon opened up about why he turned it down, citing his filming schedule for the Bourne franchise. In terms of just how much money Damon missed out on, we’re taking in the hundreds of millions. Instead of Damon, it was Sam Worthington who assumed the role of Jake, and found himself as an integral part of a blockbuster series.

“Star Wars” franchise (1977-) & “James Bond” franchise (1962-)
Being offered roles in two of the most iconic film franchises of all time in “Star Wars” and “James Bond” is no small feat. That’s what happened to Burt Reynolds — but he turned down both opportunities. With a chance to play Han Solo, Reynolds just figured science fiction wasn’t up his alley. As for Bond, an opportunity to play the title character was on the table. However, he felt like he wasn’t the right fit given he was American, not British. Later in his life, Reynolds expressed some regrets about his decisions, but hey — his career wasn’t too shabby without them.

Is there an actor's decision that you wish went differently? Let us know in the comments!