Like Charlie Hunnam And ‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’ — These 11 Actors Turned Down Famous Roles

Although Jamie Dornan has done a great job in his portrayal of Christian Grey in Fifty Shades of Grey, there was a time when Charlie Hunnam was set to play the lead role in the erotic drama. However, due to a hectic schedule, Hunnam eventually turned down the role. With that in mind, what other actors chose to turn down famous roles?

Will Smith

According to Entertainment Weekly, Will Smith was once considered for the role of Neo in The Matrix. Although the film went on to be a huge success, Smith revealed that he is glad he made the choice to turn down the role because he “would have messed it up.”

Sean Connery

It may be hard to picture, but Sean Connery was slated to play Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings. While the role eventually went to Ian McKellen, Connery admitted that he didn’t take it because he “didn’t understand it.”

John Travolta

Although Tom Hanks is probably the only actor who could have pulled off the lead in Forrest Gump, John Travolta was actually first considered for the role. It was a decision Travolta stated he ended up regretting later in life.

Johnny Depp

In a similar situation as Charlie Hunnam, Johnny Depp turned down the role as Ferris Bueller in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off because of scheduling issues. However, his decision to turn down the role didn’t exactly hurt Depp’s career.

Hugh Jackman

In what would have been a disappointment to many, Daniel Craig’s version of James Bond almost went to Hugh Jackman. The only thing that prevent Jackman from accepting the role was that he was busy filming for X-Men 2.

Dana Delaney

At one point in time, Dana Delaney was first in line for the role of Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. The only reason Delaney turned it down was because she felt like she had already done enough shows centered on sex.

Thomas Jane

Jon Hamm is certainly seen as the face of Mad Men, but Thomas Jane was first offered the role of Don Draper. Jane’s main reason for turning down the role was because he didn’t think AMC would be able to pull off a successful TV series.

Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey, who went to become a comedy legend, was once slated for the lead in Edward Scissorhands. Although it’s hard to imagine anyone but Depp playing the part, Carrey’s take on the role would definitely have been interesting.

Sandra Bullock

Hilary Swank may have won an Oscar for her role in Million Dollar Baby, but the part was original set to go to Sandra Bullock. Bullock backed out because of multiple delays in the production.

Matthew Broderick

Matthew Broderick initially considered taking the part of Walter White in Breaking Bad. Although the role went to Brian Cranston, it is unclear why Broderick decided to walk away from what would become one of television’s greatest dramas.

Gillian Anderson

To many people, Gillian Anderson’s portrayal of Dana Scully on The X-Files is about as good as it gets. However, many don’t realize that Pamela Anderson was once up for the part. According to Style Caster, Anderson stated that producers were looking for “someone bustier, taller, leggier than me.”

Tell us! Who do you think made the biggest mistake by turning down a major role? Charlie Hunnam, Sandra Bullock, or Matthew Broderick? Sound off in the comments below.

[Image Courtesy: Kevin Winter/Getty]