Actors Who Turned Down Legendary Roles

Actors are constantly being offered and turning down roles that have made other stars household names. Who was offered the role of Vivian in “Pretty Woman” and turned it down? Which star was offered the part of “Ferris Bueller” and said no? Could Magnum PI have played Indiana Jones? Keep reading to find out who said no and yes to roles that made them mega movie stars.

Will Smith - Neo in 'The Matrix'
Will Smith was originally offered the role of Neo in 'The Matrix,' before turning it down to make the notorious flop 'Wild, Wild West' alongside Kevin Kline. The huge success of the franchise hasn't seemed to bother Will all that much. Will has said, “You know, 'The Matrix' is a difficult concept to pitch. In the pitch, I just didn’t see it. I watched Keanu’s performance – and very rarely do I say this – but I would have messed it up."

Johnny Depp - Ferris Bueller
Johnny Depp was originally offered the lead in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' before Matthew Broderick ended up landing his career-defining role.

Molly Ringwald - 'Pretty Woman' and 'Ghost'
Believe it or not, 80s "it girl" Molly Ringwald of 'Pretty in Pink,' 'Sixteen Candles,' and 'The Breakfast Club' fame, was offered the leads in both 'Pretty Woman' and 'Ghost.' Ringwald's decision to pass on both of those roles certainly didn't help her career, but those decisions helped to make Julia Roberts and Demi Moore breakout Hollywood stars.

Tom Selleck - Indiana Jones
Harrison Ford was not the first actor that Steven Spielberg and George Lucas pursued for the role of Indiana Jones in 'Raiders of the Lost Ark.' 'Magnum P.I.' star Tom Selleck was offered the genuinely iconic role first, but he had to decline due to scheduling conflicts with his hit TV show.

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