Black Actors Who Turned Down Roles Written for White Stars

Hollywood history is full of near misses where casting could have gone very differently and several Black actors were once in the mix for roles that ultimately went to white stars. These decisions often came down to scheduling concerns script reservations or simple gut feelings at the time. The results changed the trajectories of films and careers in ways audiences rarely see. Here are notable examples where an offer or serious consideration ended with a pass and a white actor stepping into the part.

Will Smith – ‘The Matrix’ (1999)

Will Smith was approached for the lead role of Neo and met with the directors while they were pitching the project. He declined after feeling uncertain about the concept and its ambitious approach to effects and storytelling. The part went to Keanu Reeves whose casting shaped the film’s tone and style. Smith later said he moved on to another project and acknowledged how Reeves’s interpretation became definitive.

Denzel Washington – ‘Se7en’ (1995)

Denzel Washington was offered the younger detective role but passed after reading an early version of the script. He said the material felt too dark at the time which influenced his decision to step away. Brad Pitt took the role and the production kept the bleak ending that became part of its identity. Washington later noted that seeing the finished movie changed his view of the project.

Denzel Washington – ‘Michael Clayton’ (2007)

Before George Clooney signed on Denzel Washington considered the title role in this legal thriller. After meetings about the project he chose not to proceed due to concerns about script development. The film moved forward with Clooney and earned multiple Oscar nominations including one win in a supporting category. Washington later said the story did not feel ready when it came his way.

Halle Berry – ‘Speed’ (1994)

Halle Berry was offered the bus passenger lead and reviewed a draft that focused on a different set piece than the version audiences know. She passed on the role and production continued with Sandra Bullock in the part that elevated Bullock to major stardom. Berry has said the script she saw emphasized an airport sequence which did not appeal to her at the time. The final film became a surprise hit centered on the runaway city bus.

Eddie Murphy – ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ (1988)

Eddie Murphy was courted to play detective Eddie Valiant while the project was in development. He declined because the blend of live action and animation sounded too strange before any proof of concept was available. The role went to Bob Hoskins and the movie became a landmark in hybrid filmmaking. Murphy later joked that he regretted passing once he saw how well the approach worked on screen.

Eddie Murphy – ‘Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home’ (1986)

Eddie Murphy was in talks for a major supporting role while the studio sought to capitalize on his rising box office power. He ultimately passed to focus on another project that aligned better with his comedy schedule. The part was reworked and the film introduced a new character for the story’s contemporary Earth setting. The final version featured Catherine Hicks as a key civilian ally to the Enterprise crew.

Sidney Poitier – ‘Dirty Harry’ (1971)

During early development Sidney Poitier was approached as producers canvassed several leading men for the maverick cop concept. He declined and the project continued to evolve through multiple script drafts. The role went to Clint Eastwood whose portrayal cemented the franchise’s tone and style. The character’s traits were refined further during production as the setting and antagonist were locked in.

Angela Bassett – ‘Killer Joe’ (2011)

Angela Bassett was courted during packaging when filmmakers explored different directions for the family matriarch. She passed after reviewing the material which was shifting toward a more explicit vision. The part went to Gina Gershon following additional revisions that emphasized the story’s gritty approach. The completed film retained the core noir elements while altering character dynamics.

Share other surprising near misses you know about in the comments.