Actors Who Regret Turning Down Roles That Went On to Win Oscars

Even experienced Hollywood actors sometimes struggle to choose the right roles. It’s not uncommon for a famous actor to pass on a part, only to see another actor win major awards for it. These decisions often lead to speculation about how things might have turned out differently. Here are some actors who turned down roles that later earned Academy Awards for the performers who took their place.

John Travolta

John Travolta was originally considered the perfect fit for the lead role in ‘Forrest Gump,’ but he turned it down to star in ‘Pulp Fiction.’ Tom Hanks ultimately played the part and won an Oscar for his performance. Travolta has since said he regrets missing out on the opportunity, and it’s become one of the most talked-about casting decisions in Oscar history.

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson was originally going to star in the movie ‘Lincoln,’ but he ultimately decided he was too old to play the part. Daniel Day-Lewis then took on the role and won an Academy Award for his performance. Neeson has since praised Day-Lewis’s work, saying the finished film was perfect.

Burt Reynolds

You know, it’s always fascinating hearing about roles actors turned down. I was reading about how Burt Reynolds was actually offered Jack Nicholson’s part in ‘Terms of Endearment’ – Garrett Breedlove, if you remember. Can you believe he said no? Nicholson absolutely killed it in that role and even won an Oscar for it! Burt apparently later said it was one of his biggest career regrets. He always wanted that critical acclaim, and he thought that role could have finally gotten him the respect he deserved. It just goes to show, sometimes the roles you pass on can haunt you!

Gene Hackman

I’ve always been fascinated by the story of ‘The Silence of the Lambs.’ It’s incredible to me that Gene Hackman actually owned the rights to the book and initially planned to direct and play Hannibal Lecter himself! He ultimately decided it was too violent for him, which I respect, even though it’s hard to imagine him not in that role. Then Anthony Hopkins came along and delivered such an iconic performance, winning an Oscar with surprisingly little screen time. I can only picture Hackman watching the film become a huge hit – a true classic – and being asked about his decision ever since. It’s just a remarkable piece of movie history.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford was initially considered for a role in the movie ‘Syriana,’ but he turned it down because he wasn’t fully engaged with the story. George Clooney ended up playing the part and won an Oscar for his performance. Ford later said he regretted his decision, recognizing the film’s high quality and appreciating its intricate plot and important themes.

Al Pacino

Al Pacino was first offered the role of Ted Kramer in the moving film ‘Kramer vs. Kramer,’ but he declined. Dustin Hoffman ultimately took on the part and won an Academy Award for his compelling performance as a single father. Pacino has often playfully mentioned the successful movies he’s turned down over the years. ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ is still considered a key film in defining Hoffman’s career.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson was initially considered to play the main role of Maximus in the film ‘Gladiator,’ but he turned it down, feeling he was past his prime for such a physically challenging part. Russell Crowe ultimately took on the role and won an Oscar for his performance. The movie was a huge success worldwide, earning numerous awards. Gibson has since said that Crowe was ideally suited for the part of the legendary warrior.

Matt Damon

Matt Damon initially helped develop the movie ‘Manchester by the Sea’ and was supposed to star in it, but scheduling issues forced him to withdraw. His friend, Casey Affleck, took over the role and won an Oscar for his performance. Damon stayed involved as a producer and was thrilled with the film’s success, having believed in the script’s potential from the start.

Dustin Hoffman

Dustin Hoffman was originally offered the lead role in the epic film ‘Gandhi,’ but he chose to star in the comedy ‘Tootsie’ instead. Ben Kingsley then took on the role of Gandhi and won an Academy Award for his performance. While Hoffman was nominated for an award for ‘Tootsie,’ he didn’t win. Both actors gave iconic performances that continue to be analyzed by film students.

Bill Murray

Bill Murray was considered for the demanding role of Raymond Babbitt in the film ‘Rain Man’, a moving story about a man with autism. Ultimately, he turned down the part, and Dustin Hoffman took on the role. Hoffman’s performance was highly acclaimed, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor, and the film itself won the Oscar for Best Picture. Murray has later thought about other serious roles he could have played around that time.

Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra was initially selected to star as Terry Malloy in ‘On the Waterfront’ and began preparing for the part. However, the filmmakers ultimately chose Marlon Brando, who went on to win his first Best Actor Oscar for a performance now considered legendary. Sinatra was reportedly disappointed by this change. The film itself became a landmark achievement in social realism cinema.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone was initially offered the lead role in the moving drama ‘Coming Home,’ but he declined it to pursue other opportunities. Jon Voight ultimately played the part and received an Academy Award for his performance. The film powerfully depicted the challenges faced by Vietnam War veterans returning home, and Stallone later recognized the film’s significant impact.

Paul Newman

Let me tell you, ‘Coming Home’ could have had Paul Newman at its center, but he actually turned down the lead! It’s fascinating to think about, because that role ultimately became Jon Voight’s ticket to an Oscar. Knowing Newman, with his strong commitment to social issues, I bet he really connected with the film’s message even though he wasn’t in it. The movie itself was incredibly powerful and handled a tough topic with real sensitivity. It’s rare to see a star of Newman’s caliber pass on a role that went on to win an Academy Award – it really stands out in his filmography.

Jeremy Irons

Jeremy Irons was considered for the role of Hannibal Lecter in ‘The Silence of the Lambs,’ but he declined. He’d recently played a similar, dark character and didn’t want to play another one so soon. Anthony Hopkins then took on the role, winning an Academy Award for his performance. Irons later admitted he thought Hopkins did an excellent job portraying the terrifying character. The film was unusual for a horror movie, earning several major awards at the Academy Awards.

Mickey Rourke

Mickey Rourke turned down the opportunity to star in ‘Rain Man’ with Tom Cruise, a role that ultimately went to Dustin Hoffman, who won an Oscar for his performance. Though Rourke was enjoying a high point in his career, he later admitted he regretted passing on the part. ‘Rain Man’ became a huge hit, proving the impact of a well-developed, character-focused story, and Rourke has said he didn’t foresee just how successful the film would be.

Sean Connery

When the movie ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ was being cast, Sean Connery was the first choice to play Hannibal Lecter. However, he thought the script was too disturbing and unpleasant. Anthony Hopkins then took on the role and won an Oscar for his performance. While Connery continued to have a successful career, he didn’t become part of that iconic film, showing how personal preferences play a big role in an actor’s choices.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio was first offered the part of Ron Woodroof in the movie ‘Dallas Buyers Club,’ but he couldn’t take it. Matthew McConaughey ended up playing the role and dramatically changed his appearance, ultimately winning an Academy Award for his performance. DiCaprio later won his own Oscar and remains a major movie star. The role is widely considered to have been a career breakthrough for McConaughey.

Paul Bettany

As a huge film fan, I always found it interesting to learn that Paul Bettany was originally offered the role of King George VI in ‘The King’s Speech.’ He actually turned it down, wanting to prioritize family time after a really demanding year of work. Of course, Colin Firth stepped in and delivered an absolutely stunning performance, winning the Best Actor Oscar! Bettany has since said he regretted that decision, and honestly, who wouldn’t? The film was a massive success, and it even took home the Best Picture Oscar – a truly deserving win for a beautiful movie.

Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant was initially considered for the main role in ‘The King’s Speech,’ but ultimately the part went to Colin Firth. Grant chose not to participate, meaning he missed out on the opportunity to win an Oscar for the role. Firth’s performance as the king with a stammer was widely praised. Grant has continued to thrive as an actor, appearing in both funny and serious films. ‘The King’s Speech’ remains one of the most popular and successful British films ever made.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise once considered playing Ray Charles in a film about the musician’s life. Ultimately, the role went to Jamie Foxx, who gave an incredible performance and won an Academy Award for it. The movie was highly acclaimed for its realistic depiction of Ray Charles’ life and challenges. Despite not playing Charles, Tom Cruise has continued to be a major movie star.

John Cusack

John Cusack was considered to play the iconic role of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, but he decided against it. The part ultimately went to Anthony Hopkins, who won an Oscar for his performance. Hopkins’ portrayal of Lecter became a cultural touchstone and redefined the psychological thriller genre. While Cusack has starred in many different types of films, he’s never played a character as menacing as Lecter. This casting choice played a significant role in establishing Lecter as one of cinema’s most unforgettable villains.

James Caan

James Caan was originally offered the lead role of Ted Kramer in the film ‘Kramer vs. Kramer,’ but he declined it. This allowed Dustin Hoffman to take on the part, ultimately winning his first Academy Award for Best Actor. ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ became a significant film, capturing the evolving nature of families in America at the time. Caan often thought about the roles he’d passed up during his most famous years. Hoffman’s performance in the film remains highly regarded as a standard for powerful acting.

Montgomery Clift

Montgomery Clift was first offered the leading role in ‘On the Waterfront,’ but he turned it down. This meant he missed out on being in one of the decade’s most important films. Marlon Brando ultimately took the part, winning an Oscar and revolutionizing acting in Hollywood. While Clift was a well-regarded actor, he pursued other significant roles, and ‘On the Waterfront’ remains a classic of American cinema.

Cary Grant

Originally, Cary Grant was offered the lead role of Colonel Nicholson in the film ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai,’ but he declined. Alec Guinness then stepped in and brilliantly played the part, winning an Academy Award for his performance as the determined British officer. Grant was famous for comedies and thrillers, so he likely would have approached the role differently. The movie itself was a huge success, earning a total of seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Laurence Olivier

Laurence Olivier, a famously talented actor, was considered for the main role in ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai,’ but he had other acting projects at the time. Alec Guinness ultimately played the part and won an Oscar for his performance. The film is now celebrated as a classic and one of the best war movies ever made. Even though Olivier didn’t star in it, he remained a highly respected and influential actor throughout his career.

Charles Bronson

Charles Bronson auditioned for a key part in ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai,’ but the role ultimately went to Alec Guinness, who later won an Oscar for his performance. At the time, Bronson was rising to fame as an action star. ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ was a large-scale film requiring a substantial time commitment from its actors, and it went on to win numerous awards at the Oscars.

Spencer Tracy

Director David Lean wanted Spencer Tracy to star in ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai,’ but Tracy declined. The role ultimately went to Alec Guinness, who won an Academy Award for his performance. Tracy was already a celebrated and award-winning actor, and the film itself was a major critical and commercial triumph. ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ is still considered a classic film and a career highlight for those who worked on it.

Richard Burton

Richard Burton was among the famous actors who turned down a role in ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai.’ Alec Guinness ultimately played the part and won an Academy Award for his performance. Burton was a renowned actor, famous for his strong voice and captivating stage and screen presence. ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ offered a nuanced portrayal of the human mind during wartime and remains highly acclaimed for its direction and the quality of its acting.

Robert Montgomery

Robert Montgomery was offered the starring role in the war film ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai,’ but he turned it down. Alec Guinness ultimately played the part, a performance that earned him an Academy Award. Montgomery enjoyed a successful, lengthy career in Hollywood as both an actor and director. ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ was known for its epic scope and well-developed characters, and it’s still considered one of the best films of the 1950s.

Henry Fonda

Henry Fonda was first offered the main role in the Western film ‘High Noon’, but he declined. Gary Cooper then took on the part of the upright marshal and won an Academy Award for his performance. Fonda went on to achieve success in other Westerns and dramatic films, and ‘High Noon’ is now celebrated as a landmark movie in the genre.

Gregory Peck

Gregory Peck turned down the lead role in ‘High Noon’ because he thought it was too similar to a character he’d played before. Gary Cooper stepped in, brilliantly portraying the isolated lawman and winning an Academy Award for his performance. Peck would later earn his own Oscar for a different, memorable role. ‘High Noon’ is still considered a classic film, known for its suspense and strong moral message.

Daniel Day-Lewis

Daniel Day-Lewis was initially considered for the lead role in ‘Philadelphia,’ but he declined it. Tom Hanks then took on the part and won his first Best Actor Oscar for a powerful performance. Day-Lewis later made history as the only actor to win three Best Actor Academy Awards. ‘Philadelphia’ was also significant as one of the first widely-seen films to address the AIDS crisis.

Robert Duvall

Robert Duvall was considered for the role of Hannibal Lecter, but he turned it down. Anthony Hopkins ultimately played the part and won an Oscar for his performance, creating a truly memorable character. While Duvall has enjoyed a highly successful and award-winning career, the Lecter role stands out as one of the few he didn’t take.

Jack Nicholson

Early in the making of ‘The Silence of the Lambs’, Jack Nicholson was considered for the role of Hannibal Lecter, but he declined. Anthony Hopkins then took on the part and went on to win an Academy Award for his performance. The film was a huge success. Nicholson was already a very famous actor at the time and has since won several Oscars for a variety of other iconic roles.

Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas was initially considered to play the chilling character of Hannibal Lecter, but he turned down the role. This opened the door for Anthony Hopkins, who ultimately won an Oscar for his performance. The film was quite different from the types of roles Douglas usually took, and it went on to win five major Academy Awards. This casting decision played a key part in establishing the film as a classic of the psychological horror genre.

Kevin Costner

When Kevin Costner was a major star, he was considered for the role of Hannibal Lecter, but he declined. Anthony Hopkins then took on the part and won an Academy Award for his performance. Costner was focused on his own successful projects at the time. The film was a huge critical and commercial success, and the casting choice remains famous in movie history.

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg was initially going to be the main actor in ‘Manchester by the Sea,’ but he later decided to just produce the film. Casey Affleck took over the role and won an Oscar for his performance. Wahlberg was pleased with the movie’s success and how it resonated with viewers. The film is well-known for its honest and moving depiction of grief and family relationships.

Ralph Fiennes

Ralph Fiennes was strongly considered for the main role in the intense war film ‘The Pianist’, but he ultimately turned it down. The part then went to Adrien Brody, who won an Academy Award for his performance as a survivor in Poland during the war. Directed by Roman Polanski, the film was highly praised by critics. Fiennes has since continued to star in many successful and well-regarded movies.

Richard Gere

Richard Gere was originally considered for the part of Gordon Gekko in the movie ‘Wall Street,’ but he turned it down. Michael Douglas ultimately played the role and won an Oscar for his performance. Gekko became a well-known representation of excessive greed in the 1980s, and Gere went on to star in many other popular films.

John Lithgow

I remember reading years ago that John Lithgow was actually up for the role of Hannibal Lecter! Can you believe that? Ultimately, the part went to Anthony Hopkins, who absolutely nailed it and won an Oscar – totally deserved. Lithgow’s always struck me as an incredibly versatile actor, equally brilliant in funny and serious roles. And, of course, The Silence of the Lambs became a huge deal, a real game-changer for thrillers and a massive awards winner. It’s no surprise he’s picked up a lot of accolades for his other work too – he’s a fantastic performer.

Jeff Bridges

Jeff Bridges was offered the part of the elegant serial killer in ‘The Silence of the Lambs,’ but he turned it down. That role ultimately earned Anthony Hopkins an Academy Award. Bridges later won his own Oscar for his performance in ‘Crazy Heart.’ He’s been a steady and successful actor for many years, and this situation is a great example of how one role can truly make an actor’s career.

Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro was a top contender to play Hannibal Lecter, but ultimately didn’t take the role. Anthony Hopkins went on to deliver the award-winning performance. De Niro is a highly acclaimed actor, known for his many Oscar wins, and the film itself was a huge success with fans. By choosing not to play Lecter, De Niro opened the door for Hopkins to create an iconic villain.

Share your thoughts on these major casting what ifs in the comments.

2026-02-24 05:59