Denzel Washington once divulged to GQ that he turned down roles in both 1995's "Se7en" and 2007's "Michael Clayton." David Fincher's film, "Se7en," ultimately starred big name actors Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman. Meanwhile, heartthrob George Clooney starred in "Michael Clayton," and Tony Gilroy directed. Washington explained to the magazine his reasoning for rejecting "Michael Clayton." "With 'Clayton,' it was the best material I had read in a long time, but I was nervous about a first-time director, and I was wrong," Washington revealed. "It happens."
For some people and in some careers, such a misstep could have disastrous consequences. However, for the multi-award-winning Washington, they represent missed opportunities rather than career-ending blunders. In fact, Washington starred in "American Gangster" the same year "Clayton" was released. And, as it is, you might have a difficult time imagining Washington starring in either "Michael Clayton" or "Se7en." It's even possible that — even though he's a star in his own right — if Washington had taken the parts, the movies may have wound up completely different.
