In Hollywood, even the most famous actors sometimes say “no” to roles that end up becoming iconic. Maybe it’s the scheduling conflicts, the creative differences, or underestimating the potential of the project, but these rejection decisions can lead to major regrets. Some of the industry’s biggest stars have rejected roles that went on to become hits and cultural cornerstones and left people amazed and actors themselves wondering what might have been. This article explores some of famous Hollywood actors who regret rejecting iconic blockbuster movies.

1. Will Smith – The Matrix (1999)

Will Smith was the first choice to play the role of Neo in The Matrix (1999), but turned it down to star in Wild Wild West. He later admitted on YouTube that he regretted the decision, saying he didn’t quite understand the concept at the time. The role eventually went to Keanu Reeves, and the film became a cult classic and one of the most groundbreaking sci-fi movies in history.

2. Gwyneth Paltrow – Titanic (1997)

Gwyneth Paltrow was director James Cameron’s first choice for the role of Rose DeWitt Bukater in Titanic. The role eventually went to Kate Winslet, and the film became a cult classic and one of the highest-grossing movies of all time. Paltrow has since hinted that turning it down might not have been the wisest decision, especially considering the film’s historic success.

3. Matt Damon – Avatar (2009)

Matt Damon was offered the lead role of Jake Sully in Avatar, along with 10% of the film’s profits. At the time, Damon declined due to The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) scheduling. The role eventually went to Sam Worthington, and the film broke several box office records, including becoming the highest-grossing film of all time.

4. Christina Applegate – Legally Blonde (2001)

Christina Applegate was offered the role of Elle Woods in the comedy-drama Legally Blonde but turned it down, fearing it was too similar to her previous work. Reese Witherspoon accepted the part—and it became a defining moment in her career. Other actresses considered for the role included Charlize Theron, Gwyneth Paltrow, Alicia Silverstone, Katherine Heigl, Milla Jovovich, and Jennifer Love Hewitt.

5. Josh Hartnett – Batman Begins (2005)

Josh Hartnett was once approached to play Bruce Wayne in Batman Begins, but he turned down the offer, fearing that committing to a multi-film franchise would limit his creative freedom. At the time, Hartnett was focused on smaller, character-driven roles and didn’t want to be typecast as a superhero. However, he later admitted that he regretted the decision, especially after seeing how Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy elevated Christian Bale’s career and redefined the superhero genre. Missing out on becoming the iconic Batman is often cited as one of the biggest what-ifs in Hartnett’s Hollywood journey.

6. Emma Watson – La La Land (2016)

Emma Watson was initially cast as Mia in La La Land but dropped out due to her commitment to Beauty and the Beast (2017). Watson reportedly turned down the role due to scheduling conflicts with Disney’s live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, where she played Belle. While Beauty and the Beast was a massive box office success, La La Land became a modern musical masterpiece, earning six Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Emma Stone.

7. Leonardo DiCaprio – Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Leonardo DiCaprio was approached to play Ennis Del Mar in Brokeback Mountain, but he ultimately passed on the role. The part eventually went to Heath Ledger, whose emotionally powerful performance earned critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination. Alongside DiCaprio, other A-listers like Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, and Ryan Phillippe were also considered but declined. The film became a landmark in LGBTQ+ cinema, and many still wonder how different it might have been with DiCaprio in the lead.

8. Halle Berry – Speed (1994 )

Halle Berry was originally offered the role of Annie Porter in the 1994 action-thriller Speed, but she turned it down due to script concerns. The part eventually went to Sandra Bullock, who delivered a breakout performance that catapulted her to stardom. Berry later admitted that she regretted passing on the film after seeing how successful it became. Speed turned into a massive box office hit and remains one of the most iconic action films of the ’90s, making Berry’s decision one of her most notable missed opportunities.

9. Al Pacino – Star Wars (1977)

Believe it or not, Al Pacino was offered the now-iconic role of Han Solo in Star Wars, but he turned it down because he didn’t understand the script. The role, of course, went to Harrison Ford, who became a worldwide sensation and one of the most beloved characters in cinematic history. Pacino has since joked about the decision, acknowledging it as a major missed opportunity.

10. Emily Blunt – Iron Man 2 (2010)

Emily Blunt was the first choice to play Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, in Iron Man 2. Unfortunately, scheduling conflicts with Gulliver’s Travels forced her to turn down the role. Scarlett Johansson stepped in, and the rest is Marvel history. Blunt later expressed some disappointment, admitting she would have loved to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe under different circumstances.

11. John Travolta – Forrest Gump (1994)

John Travolta was offered the lead role in Forrest Gump but declined, and the part went to Tom Hanks instead. Hanks delivered a career-defining performance that won him an Oscar and helped the film become a beloved classic. Travolta has since admitted that turning down the role was a mistake, though he went on to enjoy his own comeback with Pulp Fiction the same year.

12. Hugh Jackman – Casino Royale (2006)

Hugh Jackman was considered to replace Pierce Brosnan as James Bond before Casino Royale began production. However, Jackman turned it down, worried about being typecast in another action-heavy franchise after X-Men. Daniel Craig took the role and brought a grittier, more grounded Bond to life. Jackman later admitted he wondered what could have been, though he has no regrets about choosing creative variety over another long-term commitment.

13. Tom Hanks – Toy Story (1995)

Tom Hanks was originally considered for the lead role of sports agent Jerry Maguire. However, he turned it down, possibly due to scheduling conflicts or feeling he was too old for the part at the time. The role eventually went to Tom Cruise, who delivered a career-defining performance and earned an Oscar nomination. The film became a critical and commercial success, and lines like “Show me the money!” and “You had me at hello” became part of pop culture.

14 Nicolas Cage – The Lord of the Rings Trilogy 

Nicolas Cage was offered the role of Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings trilogy but turned it down, citing family obligations and the long shooting schedule in New Zealand. The role went to Viggo Mortensen, who delivered a legendary performance. Cage later admitted he was a fan of the films and regretted missing the opportunity to be part of such a monumental cinematic journey.

The future is unpredictable, and even actors can’t always foresee whether a film will be a hit or a miss. They make choices based on personal or professional reasons, but the success of the roles they passed on often lingers in public memory. If nothing else, these stories serve as a reminder that even the biggest stars don’t always make the right call — and sometimes, one decision can change the course of cinematic history.