Hollywood runs on big breaks and even bigger “what ifs.” One casting choice can launch a career-or leave an actor forever wondering what might have happened if they’d taken a chance. Sometimes stars walk away because of contracts, creative clashes, or timing. Other times, they simply follow their instincts… only to later rethink the decision. Here’s a look at ten of the most surprising missed opportunities in film and TV history.
10. Brendan Fraser – Superman in Superman Returns
In the early 2000s, there was serious talk of Brendan Fraser as the Man of Steel in Superman Returns. After it didn’t happen, Fraser later said the role felt like a double-edged sword, an opportunity that could change everything but also one that would ultimately lock him into a single identity forever. He called it a possible “Faustian bargain.” So he bowed out, preferring freedom to explore all sorts of roles. He’s also hinted that studio politics may have played a part in the final decision. Brandon Routh eventually donned the cape, while Fraser continued charting his own unpredictable course.
9. Judy Greer – Claire Dunphy in Modern Family
A free agent at the time, Judy Greer had the opportunity to audition for Claire Dunphy-but the prospect of being locked into the “mom next door” type for ten years didn’t interest her. Not only was Greer not ready to play mom to three kids on a possibly long-running sitcom, but the freedom of film work was more appealing. She would later acknowledge the immense success of Modern Family, but this commitment simply felt too big at the time. Julie Bowen took the part and helped make the show a comedy powerhouse.
8. Viggo Mortensen – Wolverine in X-Men
Before Hugh Jackman unsheathed the claws, the role of Wolverine was offered to Viggo Mortensen. Apprehensive about committing to a multi-film deal, he brought his son Henry to a meeting with Bryan Singer, where Henry quickly pointed out where the script strayed from the comics. Mortensen passed on the project, not wanting to be tied down for so long. Ironically, he soon signed on for The Lord of the Rings, which required an even bigger commitment. As history shows, Jackman became one of the most beloved superheroes ever.
7. Sandra Bullock – Neo in The Matrix
Believe it or not, Warner Bros. was so keen on having Sandra Bullock on board that they were ready to rewrite Neo as a female character. Bullock passed, feeling uncertain about the project. Neo remained male, Keanu Reeves stepped in, and the movie turned into one of the cornerstones of science fiction cinema. One cannot even imagine any other Neo right now.
6. Eric André – Benji in A Real Pain
Eric André was offered the role of Benji in Jesse Eisenberg’s critically acclaimed A Real Pain. He immediately turned it down upon learning how emotionally heavy the story would be, and did not feel like the filming process would be enjoyable. Eventually, Kieran Culkin played the part, receiving universal acclaim and winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. André would later admit he regretted saying no when he saw how beautifully the film turned out.
5. Denzel Washington – Detective Mills in Seven
Denzel Washington was first offered the role of Detective David Mills in Seven. He had read an early draft and didn’t like the script, so he backed out as it developed. Eventually, Brad Pitt took on the role and did one of the defining performances of his career. Washington has publicly said that Seven is one of the few projects he really regrets having passed on.
4. Emily Blunt – Black Widow in the MCU
Before Scarlett Johansson suited up as Black Widow, Marvel’s first choice for the character was Emily Blunt. Sadly, a previous contract forced her into Gulliver’s Travel, and she couldn’t take it. Later, Blunt expressed that not being able to play Natasha Romanoff was “heartbreaking,” especially since that character became such an integral part of the MCU.
3. Madonna – Trinity in The Matrix
She also confirmed that she turned down the role of Trinity in The Matrix-a decision she now wishes she’d reconsidered. She also played Catwoman in Batman Returns, a role she later praised after seeing what Carrie-Anne Moss and Michelle Pfeiffer did with it. She has described those missed opportunities as “some of the biggest regrets of my career.”
2. Matt Damon – Jake Sully in Avatar
James Cameron offered Matt Damon the lead in Avatar, and a stunning 10% of the movie’s profits. Damon turned it down due to Bourne scheduling conflicts. With Avatar going on to be one of the top-grossing films of all time, Damon has been able to laugh about passing up a $250 million payday. Sam Worthington picked up the role instead and became the face of a global franchise.
1. Sean Connery – Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings
Sean Connery was offered Gandalf with a massive pay deal: $30 million upfront plus 15% of the trilogy’s box office. He declined because he didn’t know what the script or the story was about. That role then went to Ian McKellen, who turned in one of the most iconic fantasy performances ever. Connery’s decision is widely considered the most expensive “no” in Hollywood history.
These stories prove that even the biggest stars can misjudge a script or simply be in the wrong place at the wrong time. In Hollywood, turning down a role can change everything… sometimes for better, sometimes for worse, and sometimes forever.