Fri. Mar 29th, 2024


It’s frustrating when an actor doesn’t win the role they had their eyes on, but it’s another thing entirely when an actor passes on a role in a movie that ends up becoming monstrously successful. Since time machines don’t exist, all one can really do is make peace with the fact that they made the best decision for them, at the time. Most of these actors don’t regret their choices to step away from these now-iconic movie roles, but a few still fondly wish they could have been a part of one of their favorite movies. Especially when those movies are Star Wars movies.

Before Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope launched the epic sci-fi franchise we know today, the movie was considered to be a gamble. Movie stars weren’t exactly flocking to George Lucas’ unconventional space flick, which led to the director taking a chance on some serious young talent. As the years went on, plenty of celebrities were approached to take roles in the Star Wars franchise — but for some reason or another, they didn’t work out.

Another reason an actor might turn down what seems like a great career move is because they simply want to pursue a different career move. Actors who are in demand — such as Leonardo DiCaprio — have to pick and choose their projects. After all, they can’t be two places at once. So although DiCaprio was being courted for the role of Anakin Skywalker, he couldn’t just jump into a lead role in another blockbuster picture. Similarly, Jodie Foster was wanted for the role of Princess Leia, but a scheduling conflict with the production for Taxi Driver prevented her from joining the Star Wars cast.

Below, learn about these high-profile actors who turned down iconic Star Wars roles. Some have learned to think nothing of it, while others regret their decisions, just a tiny bit.

10 Actors Who Turned Down Star Wars Roles

Actors Who Turned Down Major Marvel Roles

Not everyone wants to be a part of the Marvel universe. These actors all got offered high-profile gigs in Marvel movies and turned them down.



By Dave Jenks

Dave Jenks is an American novelist and Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Between those careers, he’s worked as a deckhand, commercial fisherman, divemaster, taxi driver, construction manager, and over the road truck driver, among many other things. He now lives on a sea island, in the South Carolina Lowcountry, with his wife and youngest daughter. They also have three grown children, five grand children, three dogs and a whole flock of parakeets. Stinnett grew up in Melbourne, Florida and has also lived in the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and Cozumel, Mexico. His next dream is to one day visit and dive Cuba.