The last thing Walt Disney wrote before passing away wasKurt Russell’s name on a piece of paper. As unbelievable as this might seem, it is actually true. It also makes sense when one takes into consideration that Russell was a Disney star, being one of the studio’s top stars in the ’70s.
Many know Kurt Russell as the actor who takes on roles of anti-heroes and tough guys who don’t take crap from anyone else. His performances inThe Hateful Eight(2015), theFast and FuriousFranchise, and the MCU are all quite memorable. However, as it is in the movie business, there are some roles that Russell came very close to taking, but for some reason or another, did not follow through with. Here are 11 major roles that Kurt Russell turned down or did not get:
11Man of Steel (2013)
The first installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU),Man of Steelis a reboot of theSupermanfilm series. The film stars Henry Cavill as Superman and depicts his origin story. Many might be surprised to discover that Kurt Russell was considered for the role of Clark’s adoptive father, Jonathan Kent. When talking about the casting, director Zack Synder stated that the casting of Kent’s adoptive parents was crucial in setting the tone for the overall film. Synder wantedMan of Steelto have a more serious tone and wanted this to be reflected in the casting as well. The role of Jonathan Kent was given to Kevin Costner in the end.
10Django Unchained (2012)
Directed by Quentin Tarantino,Django Unchainedis a revisionist Western film that centers around an enslaved Black man, Django Freeman (Jamie Foxx), who trains under a bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz) and aims to reunite with his long-lost wife (Kerry Washington). Russell was cast for the role of Ace Woody, an antagonistic character who trains slaves for amusement and served as the right-hand man of plantation owner, Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). While Russell did film some scenes for his role as Ace, he ended up departing from the project. It seemed that the role of Ace Woody was cursed from the get-go, as prior to Russell, Kevin Costner was given the role, but left due to scheduling issues. The scenes that Russell shot in the film were cut, and Ace’s character was merged with Walton Goggins' character, Billy Crash.
9The Expendables (2010)
Directed and co-written by Sylvester Stallone,The Expendablesfollows agroup of elite mercenarieswho are hired to overthrow a Latin American dictator, only to discover that the dictator is a mere puppet under the control of an ex-CIA agent who has gone rogue. Stallone reached out to Russell for the role of Mr. Church, the one who decides to hire the Expendables for the mission. According to reports, Russell turned down the roles as he was not interested in ensemble roles. Prior to Russell, the role was also offered to Arnold Schwarzenegger, but he ended up portraying mercenary leader, Trench. The role of Church was eventually taken up by Bruce Willis.
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8I Am Legend (2007)
Based on Richard Matheson’s novel of the same name,I Am Legendisset in post-apocalyptic New York Cityafter a virus has wiped out most of humanity. Will Smith stars as virologist Robert Neville, who rallies together the remaining survivors and tries to find a possible cure. During the initial stages, Kurt Russell was considered for the project, however, it did not develop into anything. It would be interesting to see who Russell would have played in the film. Would he have played Dr. Robert Neville, or perhaps would he have kept his streak of playing anti-heroes and would have portrayed the Alpha Male Darkseeker?
7Basic Instinct 2 (2006)
Sequel to the 1992 neo-noir erotic thriller filmBasic Instinct, Michael Caton-Jones’Basic Instinct 2followsnovelist and suspected serial killer, Catherine Tramell, who is under Scotland Yard’s radar for the crimes she’s committed. Sharon Stone reprises her role as Tramell, while David Morrissey co-stars as Dr. Michael Glass, a psychiatrist and the latest victim of the author’s psychological manipulation. Kurt Russell was offered the role of Dr. Glass, but the actor turned it down. It definitely would have been interesting to see the tables turn on Russell, who usually plays the antagonistic character, as he becomes a victim of Tramell’s manipulation.
Based on US Marine Anthony Swofforrd’s 2003 memoir,Jarheadis abiographical war drama film. It follows Swofforrd’s life story, with a particular focus on his military service in the Persian Gulf War. Russell was offered the role of Lieutenant Colonel Kaziski, one of Swofford’s battalion commanders. The role was eventually taken up by Chris Cooper.
Related:Kurt and Wyatt Russell Officially Join Apple TV+ Godzilla Series
5Batman Begins (2005)
Christopher Nolan’sBatman Beginsis areboot of the Batman film seriesand centers around the hero’s origin story. Word on the street was that Nolan considered casting Russell for James Gordon, the uncorrupted Gotham City police officer who forms a special bond with Bruce Wayne, and by extension with Batman. The role was also offered to Chris Cooper and was eventually taken up by Gary Oldman.
4Paparazzi (2004)
Paparazziis an action thriller that follows Hollywood star Bo Laramie, portrayed by Cole Hauser, after he gets into a car crash caused by four paparazzi tabloid photographers. This film follows the actor as he seeks to get revenge on the photographers for almost killing him and his family. Russell was offered the role of Bo Laramie, which makes perfect sense given the actor’s portfolio of villains and anti-heroes. However, Russell turned down the role.
3Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)
Directed by Robert Rodriguez,Once Upon a Time in Mexicois aneo-Western action filmthat follows El Mariachi (Antonio Banderas) who is hired by CIA agent Sheldon Sands (Johnny Depp) to kill a corrupt general. Russell was offered the role of Agent Sands, the grief-stricken agent who seeks to avenge the murder of his wife and hires El Mariachi for the task. However, the actor turned down the role, and it was offered to Johnny Depp.
2Jumanji (1995)
Those who have watched Joe Johnston’s 1995Jumanjiwill fondly remember Robin Williams’ portrayal of the adult Alan Parish, who returns to a changed world afterbeing stuck in theJumanjigamefor 26 years. Russell was considered for the role of Alan Parrish, given the actor’s past as a Disney star who acted in family movies, the role does seem fitting. In the end, things worked out for the best as Robin Williams took up the role and left the audience with an unforgettable performance.
