Actors Who Turned Down Oscar Winning Roles

Finding the right actors for a movie is a tricky process, often relying on good timing and gut feelings. It’s happened many times that well-known actors turned down famous roles, only for the actors who did take them to win an Oscar. These rejections usually happen because of busy schedules or a lack of interest in the story. Here’s a look at some performers who missed out on roles that later brought someone else an Academy Award.

John Travolta

John Travolta was originally considered the frontrunner to play Forrest Gump in the 1994 film. However, he chose to star in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Pulp Fiction’ instead, which ended up competing against ‘Forrest Gump’ at the Academy Awards. Tom Hanks then took on the role and won an Oscar for his performance. Travolta has said turning down ‘Forrest Gump’ was a big career regret, as the film became a huge success and helped establish Tom Hanks as a Hollywood icon.

Burt Reynolds

I always thought it was a crazy story that Burt Reynolds turned down the part of Garrett Breedlove in ‘Terms of Endearment’! He chose to do ‘Stroker Ace’ instead, and honestly, that movie didn’t really work out. Then Jack Nicholson came in and absolutely nailed the role – he was so charming and even won an Oscar for it! Burt himself said later that passing on ‘Terms of Endearment’ was a huge mistake, and you can totally see why. The way Nicholson and Shirley MacLaine played off each other was just magic and really made that movie special.

Michelle Pfeiffer

Director Jonathan Demme initially wanted Michelle Pfeiffer to play Clarice Starling in the 1991 film ‘The Silence of the Lambs,’ but she turned it down, finding the story too unsettling. Jodie Foster really wanted the part and successfully campaigned for it, ultimately delivering a highly praised performance. She won an Oscar for Best Actress, and the film was a major success that year, earning numerous awards. Ultimately, Pfeiffer’s choice allowed Foster to deliver one of the most iconic performances by a woman in film history.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts was initially offered the starring role in the 2009 film ‘The Blind Side,’ but she turned it down because she wasn’t drawn to the story. Sandra Bullock then took on the role and won an Oscar for her performance. The film was a huge hit in theaters and proved Bullock’s talent for dramatic roles. Ultimately, Roberts passed on a critically acclaimed and award-winning biographical drama.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock was originally considered for the lead role in ‘Million Dollar Baby’ (2004), and she even tried to make the movie happen sooner. However, due to timing issues, she had to withdraw from the project. Hilary Swank then stepped in and convincingly portrayed the dedicated boxer, completely transforming her physically. Swank’s powerful performance earned her a second Academy Award for Best Actress. While Bullock eventually won an Oscar herself, this role proved to be just out of reach.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson was originally offered the starring role in the movie ‘Gladiator’ (2000), but he declined, feeling he was too old to convincingly play the physically demanding part. Russell Crowe then took on the role and became a worldwide star thanks to his powerful performance. He even won an Academy Award for Best Actor. ‘Gladiator’ was a huge success, winning Best Picture and bringing renewed popularity to historical action films.

Matt Damon

Matt Damon was initially going to direct and star in the 2016 film ‘Manchester by the Sea,’ but scheduling issues with ‘The Martian’ (2015) forced him to withdraw. He then suggested his longtime friend Casey Affleck take over the lead role. Affleck gave a powerfully moving performance as a grieving man, which won him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Damon stayed involved as a producer and helped support Affleck during the awards season. Many consider the film a modern dramatic masterpiece, largely due to Affleck’s central performance.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway was initially chosen to play Tiffany Maxwell in the 2012 film ‘Silver Linings Playbook,’ but she left the project because she and director David O. Russell had different ideas about how the character should be portrayed. Jennifer Lawrence then took on the role, bringing a captivating performance that impressed both viewers and critics. Lawrence’s performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress when she was only 22 years old. Interestingly, Anne Hathaway also won an Oscar that same year, but for her supporting role in another film.

Sean Connery

Sean Connery was first offered the role of the chilling Dr. Hannibal Lecter in the 1991 film ‘The Silence of the Lambs,’ but he found the script disturbing and turned it down. Anthony Hopkins then took on the part and delivered a truly iconic and terrifying performance as the villain. Despite being on screen for a relatively short time, Hopkins won an Academy Award for his portrayal. Ultimately, Connery’s decision not to take the role allowed Hopkins to create a character that has become a lasting part of popular culture.

Al Pacino

Al Pacino was initially offered the part of Ted Kramer in the 1979 film ‘Kramer vs. Kramer,’ but he didn’t feel the script resonated with him and declined. Dustin Hoffman then took on the role and delivered a powerful performance as a father navigating solo parenthood, earning him his first Best Actor Oscar. Pacino has later admitted that he likely should have taken the part.

Chevy Chase

Chevy Chase was initially offered the lead role of Lester Burnham in the 1999 film ‘American Beauty.’ However, the comedian decided not to take the part of the troubled suburban father. Kevin Spacey then took on the role and gave a powerful performance that became central to the film’s dark humor. Spacey’s performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, and the film itself won Best Picture. Chase ultimately passed up a unique opportunity to be recognized for his dramatic acting skills.

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver was originally offered the lead role in ‘The Piano’ (1993), but she decided to take some time off from acting and focus on her personal life. Holly Hunter then took on the role of the silent pianist, and impressively learned to play the piano for the film. Her powerful, non-verbal performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Ultimately, Weaver’s choice opened the door for Hunter to deliver a critically acclaimed performance that became one of the most celebrated of the decade.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson was originally going to play Mia in the 2016 movie ‘La La Land,’ but discussions fell apart due to scheduling and other issues, leading her to take the role in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (2017) instead. Emma Stone then stepped in and shared a fantastic connection with her co-star, Ryan Gosling. Stone’s performance earned her an Academy Award, and the vibrant film received widespread critical acclaim and was a major topic during awards season.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone was originally offered the main role in the 1978 film ‘Coming Home,’ but he turned it down to focus on other work. Jon Voight then took on the part of the paralyzed Vietnam veteran and gave a powerful, moving performance. He even won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his work in the film. Ultimately, Stallone lost out on the opportunity to star in this touching story about life after the war.

Bette Midler

Bette Midler famously turned down the role of Annie Wilkes in the movie ‘Misery’ (1990) because she didn’t want to portray a violent villain. Kathy Bates then took on the part and delivered a truly terrifying performance, becoming a horror icon. Bates won an Academy Award for her chilling portrayal. Later, Midler admitted she regretted passing up a role that ultimately became career-defining for Bates.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett was initially offered the role in the 2001 film ‘Monster’s Ball,’ but she declined it because she felt the script’s sexual scenes were degrading. Halle Berry then took on the part and gave a powerful, emotional performance. Berry’s work was historic, as she became the first African American woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress. Despite the film’s success and Berry’s win, Bassett remained firm in her decision about the script’s content.

Steve McQueen

Steve McQueen was originally considered for the lead role in the 1975 film ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,’ but he turned it down. This opened the door for Jack Nicholson, who delivered a powerful and rebellious performance that is now considered one of the best ever. Nicholson won his first Oscar for Best Actor for the role. By declining the part, McQueen missed out on starring in a film that won five Academy Awards.

Cary Grant

Cary Grant was offered the lead role of Professor Henry Higgins in the 1964 film ‘My Fair Lady,’ but he turned it down. He was so insistent that the role go to Rex Harrison – whom he greatly admired – that he said he wouldn’t even watch the movie if anyone else was cast. Harrison, who had originally played the part on stage, brought his characteristic elegance to the film and won an Oscar for his performance. Grant’s strong preference ultimately ensured that the original stage actor received the recognition he deserved.

Paul Newman

Paul Newman was first offered the main role in the 1959 epic film ‘Ben-Hur,’ but he declined. He didn’t want to wear a similar costume again after previously appearing in another biblical movie. Charlton Heston then took on the part and successfully led the large-scale production. Heston won an Academy Award for his performance, and the film went on to win more Oscars than any other movie up to that time. By turning it down, Newman missed out on being part of one of the biggest box office hits in history.

Richard Gere

Richard Gere was first offered the part of Gordon Gekko in the 1987 film ‘Wall Street,’ but he turned it down. Michael Douglas then took on the role and became famous for his portrayal of the ruthless character, which perfectly captured the spirit of the 1980s. Douglas won an Oscar for his performance, and the role gave us some of the most memorable lines in movie history – an opportunity Gere ultimately missed.

Bill Murray

Bill Murray was initially considered to play the lead role in the 1988 film ‘Rain Man,’ but Dustin Hoffman ultimately took on the part. Hoffman thoroughly researched the role of the autistic savant and his performance was critically acclaimed, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor. While Murray didn’t get the part, ‘Rain Man’ became a huge success and is still remembered as a defining drama of its time.

Liam Neeson

For several years, Liam Neeson was originally going to play Abraham Lincoln in Steven Spielberg’s 2012 film. However, he ultimately decided he was too old for the role and stepped away from the project. Daniel Day-Lewis then took on the part, fully immersing himself in it with his well-known acting technique. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Lincoln. Many now believe casting Day-Lewis was the perfect choice, and Neeson’s withdrawal made it possible.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford initially turned down the role of Bob Barnes in the 2005 film ‘Syriana.’ The part then went to George Clooney, who physically transformed himself – gaining weight and growing a beard – to fully embody the character. Clooney’s performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Ford later admitted he wished he hadn’t passed on the opportunity, as he found the film’s subject matter compelling.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman was initially cast as Hanna Schmitz in the 2008 film ‘The Reader,’ but she had to withdraw when she became pregnant. Kate Winslet stepped in and gave a compelling performance, portraying the character across many years. Winslet had been nominated for an Oscar several times before, and this role finally earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Dustin Hoffman

I remember when ‘My Left Foot’ came out – everyone was talking about it! Apparently, Dustin Hoffman really wanted the role of Christy Brown, which is amazing because he’s such a fantastic actor. But Daniel Day-Lewis ended up getting the part, and wow, he became Christy Brown. I heard he stayed in a wheelchair the entire time they were filming, completely immersing himself in the role. It was an incredible performance, and he rightfully won his first Oscar for it. It’s a shame Hoffman didn’t get the chance, but Day-Lewis’ dedication was just legendary.

Michael Keaton

Michael Keaton was originally considered for the lead role in the 1993 film ‘Philadelphia,’ but he turned it down. Tom Hanks ultimately played Andrew Beckett, a lawyer fighting a discrimination lawsuit while also dealing with AIDS. Hanks’ performance was incredibly moving and earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor, followed by another the next year. By declining the role, Keaton missed out on being part of a significant film that helped change how people viewed the HIV/AIDS crisis.

James Caan

James Caan was one of several actors who passed on the chance to play Randle McMurphy in the 1975 film ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,’ saying he wasn’t impressed with the script. Jack Nicholson ultimately took the role and delivered a performance that perfectly captured the rebellious mood of the time, winning an Oscar. Caan, meanwhile, missed out on what could have been a hugely successful and memorable role. The film is celebrated as a rare winner of all five major Academy Awards.

Meg Ryan

Meg Ryan was initially considered to play Clarice Starling in the 1991 film ‘The Silence of the Lambs,’ but she declined the role because she found the content too disturbing. Jodie Foster then took on the part and delivered a powerful performance as the character, connecting with viewers and winning an Academy Award for Best Actress. This cemented Foster’s reputation as a serious dramatic actress, while Ryan continued to star primarily in romantic comedies, missing out on a chance to showcase her dramatic range.

Daniel Day-Lewis

Daniel Day-Lewis was first offered the lead role in the movie ‘Philadelphia’ (1993), but he decided to work on ‘In the Name of the Father’ (1993) instead. Tom Hanks then took the part and won an Oscar for his performance. That same year, Day-Lewis was also nominated for an Oscar. Both actors gave outstanding performances, but Day-Lewis chose a film connected to his Irish roots over the American courtroom drama.

Chloë Sevigny

Chloë Sevigny was initially offered the main role in the 1999 film ‘Boys Don’t Cry,’ but she turned it down. She did, however, agree to appear in a supporting role. Hilary Swank ultimately took on the lead and gave an incredible performance that brought her widespread recognition. Swank won the Academy Award for Best Actress, and Sevigny was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. This win helped establish Swank as a prominent dramatic actress.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Let us know in the comments which of these casting decisions you believe had the most significant effect on the history of film.

2025-11-23 02:18