Denzel Washington has established a remarkable legacy in the film industry since embarking on his acting career in 1975. Over the decades, he has delivered powerful performances in iconic films such as Malcolm X (1992) and The Equalizer (2014). His exceptional talent is underscored by an impressive tally of Oscar nominations—ten in total, with two wins. However, his journey through Hollywood hasn’t been without its missed opportunities, one notable example being his regret for declining a role in a significant 2007 thriller.
Renowned for his versatility, Denzel Washington has excelled across a multitude of genres, particularly in action and thriller films. Despite an illustrious career, he reflects on one particular decision during the early years of the 21st century with a sense of regret.
Why Denzel Washington Turned Down Michael Clayton and Why He Regrets It
Washington Was Considered for the Lead Before George Clooney Took the Role
Back in 2007, Denzel Washington was presented with the opportunity to star as the lead in the legal thriller Michael Clayton, a film written and directed by Tony Gilroy. The plot revolves around the character Michael Clayton, a lawyer based in New York City, who is tasked with managing a crisis involving one of his firm’s senior partners, Arthur Edens. Faced with emotional challenges and external threats, Clayton’s journey unfolds amid high-stakes legal drama. The film not only grossed $93 million globally but also garnered seven Oscar nominations in 2008.
In a candid interview with GQ, Washington expressed that he regarded the script as “the best material [he] had read in a long time.”Nevertheless, he harbored concerns about collaborating with a first-time director, leading him to turn down the role. Following this decision, the iconic George Clooney stepped in, delivering a performance that would earn him an Oscar nomination and cement the film’s reputation as one of his best works. Washington later admitted he regretted missing out on Michael Clayton, particularly after witnessing its success and critical acclaim.
Michael Clayton Isn’t the Only Thriller Denzel Washington Regrets Turning Down
He Turned Down the Role of Detective Mills in Se7en
Beyond Michael Clayton, Washington has acknowledged other roles he regrettably passed on, including a major part in the cult classic Se7en. Offered the role of Detective David Mills in 1995, he ultimately chose to decline, citing that the script’s focus on a serial killer driven by the seven deadly sins felt “too demonic.”In a discussion with Jamie Foxx for Grey Goose Vodka, Washington later admitted that upon watching Se7en, he felt he had “blew it.”
The role eventually went to Brad Pitt, whose portrayal of Mills became iconic and significantly shaped the film’s dynamic. Washington reflected that his interpretation of the character would have likely been distinct from Pitt’s intense performance. While he recognizes the success he found in other ventures, he cannot ignore the potential acclaim he could have achieved with these roles, especially with respect to the Oscars.
Sources: GQ, Grey Goose Vodka