7 celebrities who turned down legendary roles
We all make mistakes in life, and celebrities are no exception. Several celebrities have rejected characters in films that turned out to be resounding box office successes and which brought awards and recognition to the actors who ultimately played the roles.
Either way, some of them found success with other characters, others nonetheless never had another equal opportunity, and still regret their decision.
1. Will Smith - Neo, in "Matrix"
The most iconic film in Keanu Reeves' career was rejected at the time by Will Smith, who argued, among other reasons, that he did not understand the theme of the film and his mistrust in the result of the ambitious special effects.
Instead, Smith chose to make a film that turned out to be a failure: "Wild Wild West."
Ultimately, "The Matrix" was so successful that it became a cult film, and Keanu Reeves played Neo in all three films of the Wachowski brothers' science fiction saga.
2. Gwyneth Paltrow - Rose, in "Titanic"
Gwyneth Paltrow was the first choice to bring the unforgettable Rose to life. However, the actress decided to reject the role because she considered that the argument was cloying.
James Cameron's film became the highest-grossing film in history up to that point and gave English actress Kate Winslet her second Oscar nomination, thus cementing a fruitful career in Hollywood.
3. Matt Damon - Jake Sully, in "Avatar"
The “Jason Borne” star could have been the star of one of the highest grossing films in history: “Avatar,” released in 2009.
Finally it was the Australian actor Sam Worthington who gave life to the soldier who is captivated by Neytiri and the world of Pandora.
He will also star in the following "Avatar" films, which will be four, to be released sequentially, starting in 2020.
The film was nominated for best picture at the Oscars. \
4. Demi Moore - Vivian, in "Pretty Woman"
Demi Moore, who was very popular in the early 90s, did not feel comfortable with the idea of playing a prostitute, so she did not accept the role.
It was finally Julia Roberts who played Vivian, next to Richard Gere, in a character that launched her to fame and who became one of the most loved by the public.
She was nominated for an Oscars for best actress for her role in the romantic film, and won a Golden Globe.
"Pretty Woman" marked the beginning of a long list of hits for Roberts.
5. Michelle Pfeiffer - Clarice in "The Silence of the Innocents"
When the script for this legendary film was offered to a host of stars, it did not cause much interest, due to its controversial and violent plot.
Michelle Pfeiffer was one of the Hollywood actresses who rejected the character of the FBI agent Clarice Starling, which gave her second Oscar to Jodie Foster.
The intriguing film went down in the annals of history, as did Anthony Hopkins, as the fearsome murderer and cannibal Hannibal Lecter, a role that also earned him an Oscar.
6. John Travolta - Forrest, in "Forrest Gump"
John Travolta, who rose to fame in his youth with the movie "Vaseline," has confessed to having regretted turning down the charming role that earned Tom Hanks his second Oscar.
After "Pulp Fiction" Travolta has had no such relevant role. Definitely a mistake not to have seen the potential of the original tape.
"Forrest Gump" is considered one of the best movies of all time.
7. Ralph Macchio - Marty McFly in "Back to the Future"
What would have been the next great success on the big screen for Ralph Macchio, star of "Karate Kid", did not materialize, because the young star at that time, considered that the public would not be interested in seeing a movie about time travel , and rejected it.
Finally, it was Michael J. Fox who gave life to Marty McFly in the successful film and the subsequent saga, from director Robert Zemeckis.
For his part, Ralph Macchio had no other character as iconic and unforgettable as Daniel Larusso in "Karate Kid."
