15 Actors Who Turned Down Million-Dollar Roles

Will Smith 

1

Turned down the role of Neo in The Matrix, a decision that ultimately went to Keanu Reeves.

Sean Connery 

2

Passed on the role of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings, reportedly missing out on a massive payday.

Leonardo DiCaprio 

3

Declined the role of Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode II, allowing Hayden Christensen to step in.

Michelle Pfeiffer 

4

Turned down the role of Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs, which went to Jodie Foster.

Matt Damon 

5

 Refused the lead role in Avatar, walking away from an opportunity worth $250 million.

Tom Cruise 

6

 Passed on the role of Iron Man, paving the way for Robert Downey Jr.'s iconic portrayal.

John Travolta 

7

Declined the role of Forrest Gump, which became one of Tom Hanks’ most iconic performances.

Al Pacino 

8

Said no to playing Han Solo in Star Wars, a role that eventually went to Harrison Ford.

Julia Roberts 

9

 Passed on the lead role in The Proposal, a role that later went to Sandra Bullock.

Denzel Washington 

10

Turned down the role of Detective David Mills in Se7en, which went to Brad Pitt.

Johnny Depp 

11

 Rejected the role of Ferris Bueller in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, leaving the spot for Matthew Broderick.

Hugh Jackman 

12

Passed on the role of James Bond, allowing Daniel Craig to take over the 007 mantle.

Emily Blunt 

13

 Declined the role of Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which went to Scarlett Johansson.

Reese Witherspoon 

14

Turned down the role of Cher in Clueless, a part that became Alicia Silverstone’s defining role.

Gwyneth Paltrow 

15

Rejected the lead role in Titanic, a career-defining opportunity that went to Kate Winslet.