Denzel Washington‘s filmography speaks for itself, but that’s not to say he has made all the right moves in selecting roles, as shown by his regret in turning down a 2007 thriller Since starting his acting career in 1975, Denzel Washington has starred in many acclaimed roles, and some of his most career-defining movies include Malcolm X (1992) and The Equalizer (2014). He is also one of the actors who holds the record for most combined Oscar nominations across his career, having won twice out of 10 nominations.

Denzel Washington has proved his skills throughout pretty much every genre, and that includes action. He has the powerful ability to step into the role of the leading man in any action-thriller. Denzel Washington’s wide range of action movies. But despite having one of the most successful Hollywood careers, he regrets turning down one action-thriller in 2007.

Why Denzel Washington Turned Down Michael Clayton & Why He Regrets It

Washington Was Considered To Play The Lead Before George Clooney Was Cast

In 2007, Denzel Washington was offered the lead role in the legal thriller Michael Clayton. Written and directed by Tony Gilroy, the movie follows the тιтular character serving as a lawyer in New York City when he is called by his firm to retrieve one of their senior partners, Arthur Edens after they’ve suffered a nervous breakdown while dealing with a prominent lawsuit. Clayton must deal with Edens’ mental struggles and get the lawsuit back on track, while also dealing with loan sharks threatening his life. Michael Clayton earned $93 million worldwide and received seven Oscar nominations in 2008.

In an interview with GQ, Washington revealed that he considered the movie’s script to be “it was the best material [he] had read in a long time,” but admitted that he had apprehensions about working with a first-time director and decided not to accept the part. George Clooney later accepted the role; Michael Clayton has since been ranked as one of George Clooney’s best movies and earned him an Oscar nomination. Washington admitted that he regretted turning down the movie, after seeing its critical success and Oscar nominations.

Michael Clayton Isn’t The Only Thriller Denzel Washington Regrets Turning Down

He Turned Down The Role Of Detective Mills In Se7en

While Denzel Washington regards Michael Clayton as one of the biggest regrets of his career, he also admitted that “he blew it” by turning down another thriller that became a cult classic. In 1995, Washington was offered the role of Detective David Mills in Se7en. In an interview on Grey Goose Vodka, Washington revealed to Jamie Foxx that he ultimately rejected the role as he felt the script was “too demonic” as it focused on a serial killer who commits crimes based on the seven ᴅᴇᴀᴅly sins. Upon seeing Se7en, Washington regretted turning down the movie.

The role of Detective David Mills was later given to Brad Pitt, whose determined and headstrong performance in the movie launched his acting career. Had Washington not turned down the role, Se7en would have been a very different movie, as he potentially would have portrayed Mills completely differently from Pitt’s wild performance. Washington admitted that he believed “it worked out alright” as he found great success in other projects. While Denzel Washington missed out on a potential Oscar with Michael Clayton, his acclaimed performances as other iconic characters certainly made up for his regrets.

Sources: GQ, Grey Goose Vodka