Denzel Washington reveals the one movie he really regrets turning down
Denzel Washington is undeniably one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, known for his powerful performances in films like Glory and Training Day. However, there was a pivotal moment in the 1990s when he passed on a role that could have added another iconic film to his repertoire: David Fincher’s Seven.
In a 2013 interview with Playboy Magazine, Washington revealed that he was approached to play homicide detective David Mills, a role that eventually went to Brad Pitt. Reflecting on this decision, Washington said, “Seven was brought to me years ago. I said no. Brad Pitt wound up playing the part. Go figure. I blew that one.” This candid admission came after he had just won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Training Day, showcasing a rare moment of regret in an otherwise stellar career.
Released in 1995, Seven was both a critical and box office triumph, grossing over $327.3 million worldwide. The film, centered around the hunt for a serial killer whose murders are inspired by the seven deadly sins, solidified Pitt’s status as a serious actor capable of handling heavy dramatic roles.
While passing on Seven may seem like a misstep, it didn’t hinder Washington’s trajectory in Hollywood. In the same interview, he noted that while he might have missed out on certain roles, his success led to an increase in the quality and frequency of offers. “In general, I’ve never been one to go after stuff. I’m not out schmoozing. There are enough roles out there for me, and they seem to come along regularly enough. Since my recent Oscar win, I’m getting more offers, though there’s a lot of garbage out there, too. It’s always hard to find good material.”
It’s intriguing to think about how different Seven might have been with Washington and Morgan Freeman, who previously starred together in Glory. Unfortunately, that reunion just wasn’t meant to happen, but both actors have continued to leave an indelible mark on cinema in their own ways.
