The world of blockbuster film franchises often sees Hollywood’s biggest names making decisions that they later regret. A notable example is Sean Connery, the legendary James Bond star, who astonishingly rejected a jaw-dropping $450 million offer to join the beloved Lord of the Rings film series.
However, Connery isn’t alone in turning down a golden opportunity. Renowned actor Russell Crowe equally shocked the industry by declining a chance to be part of the immensely lucrative $5.8 billion franchise.
Sean Connery Lost $450 Million By Turning Down A Role In The Lord Of The Rings
There were many wasted opportunities and regrettable choices, but one huge mistake with devastating financial consequences stood out.
The legendary actor, Sean Connery famously turned down a role in the iconic film franchise, The Lord of the Rings, costing himself a jaw-dropping $450 million.
The actor, who passed away in 2020, had been the initial choice for the role of Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy world.
Having appeared in multiple films in the James Bond saga and carved his name into cinema history, The 90-year-old declined the offer despite its lucrative nature.
Allegedly, he was offered $30 million per film along with 15% of the box-office profits from the film series. In other words, this decision cost him approximately $450 million.
When asked to clarify his refusal to portray Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Connery simply stated his lack of understanding regarding the role. He said,
“I read the book. I read the script. I saw the movie. I still don’t understand it.”
However, he turned down other significant roles in film history as well, including that of John Hammond in Jurassic Park.
Interestingly, the late artist wasn’t the sole actor to reject this lucrative opportunity, as Crowe also previously declined to be part of the immensely lucrative $5.8 billion franchise.
Why Russell Crowe Left The Lord of the Rings Project
Russell Crowe’s decision to depart from The Lord of the Rings project sparked curiosity among fans and industry insiders, leaving them to wonder about the factors behind his choice.
Peter Jackson’s cinematic adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy world remains a unique and unparalleled cinematic event. While renowned actors like Sir Ian McKellen brought their wisdom to the role of Gandalf, finding the perfect fit for Aragorn proved challenging.
Before Viggo Mortensen ultimately secured the role, the 59-year-old was considered a potential candidate but declined the opportunity.
Crowe confessed feeling uncertain about Jackson’s genuine interest in having him on board, suspecting external pressures influenced the decision.
Despite the potential of portraying an epic hero, he believed that Jackson had someone else in mind for the role, he revealed,
“I didn’t think Peter Jackson wanted me in the film. I think he was forced into talking to me because it was a moment in time when everybody wanted me in everything”.
Ultimately, he respected Jackson’s importance to hire the actor he desired. However, this choice meant losing a substantial salary and a 10% share in franchise royalties.
Source: The Richest
