Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Having been around for over four decades,Star Warshas become one of the most popular franchises in Hollywood and has featured some of the biggest stars in the industry. The list of names who have appeared in the franchise over the past decades includes Harrison Ford, Mark Hamil, Carrie Fisher, Samuel L. Jackson, and many more.
However, there is also a list that includes the names of the actors who chose to pass on the offer to star in the $10 billion sci-fi franchise, and it includes some of the most prominent names from Hollywood.
Read More:“Media backlash that still affects my career today”: Ewan McGregor’s Star Wars Co-Star Still Faces Fan Vitriol for Playing a Character from 24 Years Ago
Hollywood Actors Who Turned DownStar WarsRoles
Kurt Russell
The Primetime Emmy nomineeKurt Russellwas among some of the leading men in 1970s Hollywood. He also signed a ten-year contract with The Walt Disney Company during the late 1960s and was the studio’s top star by the 1970s. So when the studio started developing the sci-fi franchiseStar Wars, he became a top choice for multiple roles, including for Luke Skywalker and Han Solo.
However, he decided to accept the offer for another show after filmmakerGeorge Lucascouldn’t give him any specific answer regarding his role inStar Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.“All right, I’m going to go take this Western, and there will be one less guy to think about,”he recalled telling Lucas during an interview withDaily Beast. He then went on to star in the television seriesThe Quest.
Jim Henson
Since he was introduced in the 1980 filmThe Empire Strikes Back, Yoda has been one of the most prominent and popular characters in the franchise. While working on the second installment in the originalStar Warstrilogy, filmmaker George Lucas wanted the puppeteer and animatorJim Hensonto bring the character to life on screen.
Henson was widely known for his work with Muppets characters such as Kermit the Frog at the time. However, he was reportedly busy with other projects at the time and asked the filmmaker to approach Frank OZ.“I think they asked Jim first – but with running a company and everything, he couldn’t do it, so he recommended me,”Frank Oz shared during an interview withIGN.OZ has since voiced the character in several on-screen appearances.
Jodie Foster
BeforeCarrie Fisherwas offered the role of Princess Leia in the 1977Star Warsfilm,Jodie Fosterwas offered the part. The actress had been heavily involved with Disney projects at the time and was offered one of the leading roles in the franchise when she was just around 14 years old.
However, she denied the offer due to the scheduling conflicts with Martin Scorsese’s 1976 psychological thrillerTaxi Driver.And the actress has no regrets about losing the part, as she has said,“I don’t think I’m going to be on my deathbed going, like, ‘Damn! I didn’t do Star Wars,”during an interview with The Empire (as perVogue).
Al Pacinowent on to gain prominence in Hollywood with his work in Francis Ford Coppola’sThe Godfather.After starring in the film series, he was approached for the role of the captain of the Millennium Falcon, Han Solo, in the firstStar Warsmovie. However, he turned down the offer, saying that he did not understand the script.
Talking about some of the movies he rejected, the actor toldThe Guardian,“You know who else I gave a career to?Harrison Ford. I was offered Star Wars, but I didn’t understand the script.”Harrison Ford eventually landed the role of Han Solo in the 1977 film, which earned him worldwide recognition.
Read More:“Why they keep asking me about this Harrison stuff”: Carrie Fisher Had No Idea What Rest of the World Thought About Her Brief Romance With Harrison Ford
Burt Reynolds
George Lucas had a long list of actors for the role of Han Solo in the 1977 filmStar Wars. Apart from Kurt Russell and Al Pacino,Burt Reynoldswas also among some of the contenders to portray the captain of the Millennium Falcon.
Explaining why he refused to star in the movie, he shared during an interview withBusiness Insiderthat he did not“want to play that kind of role at the time.”However, unlike Pacino, Reynolds regrets letting go of the opportunity.“Now I regret it. I wish I would have done it,”he said. He has also called it one of the biggest mistakes of his career.
Tupac Shakur
After he expressed his interest in joining the sci-fi franchise, Samuel L. Jackson was offered a role inThe Phantom Menace. The actor was reportedly offered the role of Lando Calrissian’s father. But, he was later cast as Mace Windu and reprised his role in the follow-up movies under the prequel trilogy.
However, Rick Clifford, an engineer who worked atTupac Shakur‘s label, later shared that the rapper was also up for the role of Mace Windu in the 1999 film. He shared that the late rapper told him that he was supposed to read for George Lucas, who wanted him to portray a Jedi in his upcoming movie.“I’m serious. Samuel L. got Tupac’s part,”he said (as perTime). The role of Jedi master went to Samuel L. Jackson after the rapper passed away in 1996.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCapriowas offered the role of Anakin Skywalker in theStar Warsprequel trilogy after his performance as Jack Dawson in the Oscar-winning film,Titanic. However, DiCaprio didn’t see himself fit into the sci-fi franchise and denied the offer after being approached by George Lucas.
“I did have a meeting with George Lucas about that as well, yes,”he said during an interview withShortlistbefore adding“Again, just didn’t feel ready to take that dive. At that point..”He also talked about turning down the offer to star in several superhero movies at the time.
Read More:“I felt the need to rush back to the gents’ toilets”: Laurie Goode, Doctor Who Star Suspected of Playing Infamous Stormtrooper Who Bonked His Head, Blamed it on ‘Upset Stomach’
Gary Oldman
The final film in theStar Warsprequel trilogy follows Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi on a mission to defeat General Grievous.Gary Oldmanwas offered the role of General Grievous in the 2005 film. However, there was an issue with the movie that prevented him from accepting the offer.
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sithwas a non-Screen Actors Guild film. Being a member of the actors’ union, Oldman denied breaking the Screen Actors Guild regulation known as Global Rule One. The Oscar winner’s manager shared withVarietythat they urged the filmmaker to ask the SAG for“special permission”that would allow him to do the movie. But no such action was taken by the filmmakers.
Benicio Del Toro
Benicio Del Torohas been part of theStar Warsuniverse, as he portrayed the character of an underworld codebreaker, DJ, in the second installment of theStar Warssequel trilogy. However, before that, he was offered a more prominent role in the 1999 filmStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menaceunder the prequel trilogy.
He was all set to portray the villainous character of Darth Maul and even got into costume and the signature black-and-red makeup of the character. But he decided to step down from the role after the film’s director cut out most of his lines. It was later portrayed by actor-martial artist Ray Park, who embodied the character, and Peter Seraf gave Darth Maul his voice.
Rooney Mara
While working on the 2016 film under the franchise, director Gareth Edwards came acrossRooney Mara‘s work, who gained recognition for her work in the mystery thrillerThe Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Soon, she was among some of the contenders for the lead role in the 2016 movieRogue One.
However, she chose to turn down the offer after the director approached her, as she was busy with another project at the time.“I was working, and it wasn’t the right thing for me, so I decided not to read for it. I was on a film,”she stated during an interview withDeadline, as she shared that it would have been impossible for her to work on two projects.
Read More:KOTOR Remake Drama Deepens as Sony Comment with Feeble Excuse
Laxmi Rajput
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3449
Laxmi Rajput is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, with over 3,300 articles published covering film, TV, and pop culture. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism and over three years of experience in content writing, she pivoted to entertainment journalism because let’s be honest, superheroes, sitcoms, and Netflix binges are way more fun. Laxmi frequently covers Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and popular TV shows, offering both fan-first enthusiasm and thoughtful analysis. Her work often dives into Marvel theories, revisits the genius of The Big Bang Theory, or unpacks the Netflix phenomenon of Stranger Things.
More from Laxmi Rajput
The Terminal List: Dark Wolf: Luke Hemsworth Reveals Marvel Link That Sneaks Into His Dark Wolf Role
How Did Mila Kunis Prepare for Black Swan? Harsh 12 Hours Routine Details
When Will Better Late Than Single Season 2 Release on Netflix?
Recommended
Who Is Jasveen Sangha: Ketamine Queen Connected to Matthew Perry’s Death
Sean McLaughlin’s Dad Just Became the Unlikely Villain (or Hero) of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’
Madison Beer’s Boyfriend: Who Is She Dating?
Helldivers 2 X Halo ODST Legendary Warbond Crossover: Complete Rundown
Good Boy Director Explains How He Made His Dog Act in 2025’s Most Inventive Horror Movie
Al PacinoBenicio Del ToroBurt ReynoldsGary OldmanJim HensonJodie FosterKurt RussellLeonardo DiCaprioRooney MaraTupac Shakur
