Denzel Washingtonhas had many fertile roles over his long and illustrious motion-picture show career . Still , the player has also had many parts that he either missed out on out of his own volition or because the casting producer wrench him down . Of naturally , that has not slowed him down at all , as seen in his expansive filmography and numerous laurels wins . Few actors are on the same storey as Washington , which essentially allows him to handpick and create the project he wants to be a part of . After starring inThe Equalizer 3 in 2023 , Washington will asterisk as Macrinus inRidley Scott ’s highly anticipatedGladiator II .

Washington won the Academy Award forBest Supporting Actor for his part inGloryand an Oscar for Best Actor for his part inTraining Day . He was also put up for the prestigious honor for his work inCry Freedom , Malcolm X , The Hurricane , Flight , Fences , Roman J. Israel , Esq . , andThe Tragedy of Macbeth . Some ofWashington ’s best moviesincludeThe Pelican Brief , Philadelphia , Much Ado About Nothing , Crimson Tide , Courage Under Fire , Remember the Titans , Man on Fire , Inside Man , American Gangster , andThe Equalizertrilogy . Despite the actor ’s telling calling , he has lose out on a fistful of roles in iconic motion-picture show .

12Furious 7 (2015)

Washington had the opportunity to seem inFurious 7 , the most profitable episode of the monolithic loyal & savage franchise and one of the highest - grossing movies of all time . Washington wrick down the office of playing Mr. Nobody , which went to another legendary actor , Kurt Russell . Mr. Nobody go on to appear inThe Fate of The FuriousandF9 , making him a recurring part of the monolithic action franchise and a decisive member ofFurious 7 . Washington has star in plenty of franchise action film but opted out of the hazard to be a part of one of the most profitable of all time .

11Leave The World Behind (2023)

Washington was initially slated to portray G.H. Scott in Netflix ’s revelatory thrillerLeave the World Behinddirected byMr . Robotcreator Sam Esmail . The role eventually went to Oscar - succeeder Mahershala Ali after Washington step away from the task . Had Washington abide on for the challenging Netflix task , it would have markeda 30 - yr onscreen reunion with Julia Roberts , who last come out in a picture show with Washington in 1993’sThe Pelican Brief .

10A Perfect World (1993)

The 1993 crime play filmA Perfect Worldstarred Kevin Costner as Robert " Butch " Haynes , a inmate who escaped from prison and strike a young son hostage while he was on the run from law enforcement . The movie , which was directed by Clint Eastwood , did not gather a lot of success at the box office , but many critics praise Costner ’s performance . However , Costner was not Eastwood ’s first pickaxe to spiel Butch . Initially , the director wanted Denzel Washington to toy the role , but the actor turned the part down .

9Michael Clayton (2007)

George Clooney star as the titular fictional character inMichael Clayton , which told the story of Michael Clayton , a lawyer and a know " fixer " who unveil corruptness related to one of the client of his law firm in New York City . The movie was a monolithic hit and garnered a lot of aid during awards season in 2007.Michael Claytonwas nominated for seven Academy Awards , and Tilda Swinton won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Karen Crowder . Clooney was also nominated and did n’t win , but the character of Michael Clayton was almost played by Denzel Washington .

Washington receive the script forMichael Claytonand was impressed , but he ultimately turn down the part because it was Tony Gilroy ’s directorial launching . He was nervous about taking that leap . ButWashington after admit that he made a error in passing onMichael Claytonbecause of how successful it was .

8Amistad (1997)

Steven Spielberg ’s 1997 historical dramaAmistadtold the lawful narration of what happen onLa Amistad , a Spanish hard worker ship , in 1839 . The slaves took mastery of the vas , and a battle ensued . Djimon Hounsou played Joseph Cinqué , one of the slaves aboard the ship , andhis execution pierce him into the spotlight in Hollywood . However , the persona almost get going to Denzel Washington , who turn it down because he did not want to flirt a hard worker .

7Hotel Rwanda (2004)

It should arrive as no surprise that Denzel Washington is a hot commodity in Hollywood and has been offer plenty of prestigious role over the year . But in the case ofHotel Rwanda , film director Terry George always want Don Cheadle to play Paul Rusesabagina in the 2004 movie based on the Ruandan racial extermination . The studio bear on back against casting Cheadle , and the executives wanted someone like Washington for the theatrical role . George at long last got his way , though , and Cheadle would go on to get an Oscar nomination for his employment inHotel Rwanda .

648 Hrs. (1982)

Before Eddie Murphy was cast to flirt Reggie Hammond in the 1982 buddy cop film48 Hrs . , the casting manufacturer considered Denzel Washington for the part . They eventually settle on Murphy , so it sounds like they decided not to go with Washington instead of Washington turn down the role . The motion picture revolved around a fuzz ( played by Nick Nolte ) and a inmate ( play by Murphy ) who surprisingly unite force to overhear two criminals , and they only had 48 hours to do so .

5Dreamgirls (2006)

Bill Condon adapted the 1981 Broadway musicalDreamgirlsinto a feature movie in 2006 , and the motion picture secern the fib of a girl radical from Detroit call " The Dreams " and their journey to stardom . Jamie Foxx played Curtis Taylor Jr. , a record executive who get wind the lady friend group and took advantage of them . Although Foxx was chosen for the part , the producers of the musical drama film almost went with Denzel Washington . The actor flex the role down , though , because he ca n’t peach , and Foxx can .

4I, Robot (2004)

Will Smith played the lead quality , Detective Del Spooner , in the 2004 skill fiction activity filmI , Robot . However , before Smith have the part , producers first turned to Denzel Washington to see if he would be concerned in star in the motion picture , which was set in a future where robots are lento but sure as shooting take over the world . The actor turned it down , and the relaxation is history .

3Blade (1998)

Wesley Snipes completely embodied the role of Eric Brooks / Blade in the 1998 superhero movieBlade . Before principal photography took place , the head of the studio produce the film suggested that Denzel Washington be pop the question the part instead . Director David S. Goyer ’s gut tell him to go with snipe , though , and he got his fashion at the conclusion of the day .

Denzel Washington looking intense in Man on Fire

Jackie Chan balancing cups in Drunken Master

Leigh is strangled while sitting inside the car in Christine

Roles Denzel Washington Passed Up or Didnt Get

Custom Image by Simone Ashmoore

Movies

Denzel Washington