WHAT IF?

5 HOLLYWOOD ACTORS WHO TURNED DOWN MAJOR ROLES

Published By Moushumi Mahanta | 19 Apr, 2025
Hollywood history is filled with surprising stories of actors who turned down roles that went on to define other stars’ careers.
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Here Are 5 Hollywood Actors Who Turned Down Major Roles:
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Tom Selleck

Tom Selleck was the original cast for Indiana Jones but had to turn it down due to his commitment to Magnum, P.I., causing him to miss out on one of Hollywood’s most iconic roles. 
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John Travolta

John Travolta was originally set to play the role of Forrest Gump, but turned it down. He later admitted it was one of the biggest regrets of his career.
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Burt Reynolds

Burt Reynolds refused the role of Han Solo in Star Wars: A New Hope (1977), which eventually went to Harrison Ford.
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Jack Nicholson

Jack Nicholson turned down the role of Michael Corleone in The Godfather (1972), despite knowing it would be a great film. 
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Will Smith

Will Smith was originally offered the role of Neo in The Matrix (1999), but he chose to star in Wild Wild West instead. The role ultimately went to Keanu Reeves.
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