10. Mark Wahlberg and Joaquin Phoenix In Brokeback Mountain
Both Wahlberg and Phoenix were approached by director Ang Lee to play gay cowboys in the critically acclaimed 2005 film, but Wahlberg rejected the role, later saying he was โcreeped outโ by the graphic script. This comment obviously created some controversy and doubts about his range as an actor, but heโs since admitted that he has no regrets about passing up the part (the roles eventually went to Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.)
11. Denzel Washington In Michael Clayton
Washington passed on the lead role in 2007โs โClayton,โ but has since has admitted it was a mistake. โWith Clayton, it was the best material I had read in a long time, but I was nervous about a first-time director, and I was wrong. It happens,โ. The part went to George Clooney in the end. Washington turned down Brad Pittโs role in 1995โs โSe7en as well.
12. Leonardo DiCaprio In Boogie Nights
Take a moment just to imagine the fangirl explosion that would have followed if Leo had immediately taken up Jack Dawson with Dirk Diggler in Paul Thomas Andersonโs porn epic. Apparently he was in love with the role, but in the endโ the rubber appendage went to Mark Wahlberg.
Chevy Chase is NEXT