Denzel Washington is one of the most distinguished actors in Hollywood at present. In a career that has spanned over four decades, Washington has become synonymous with the film industry itself.
Not only has he been a part of several memorable films, but he has also set the benchmark for acting, and in the process, has won numerous accolades and awards. However, to get to where he is in his career now, he has had to make some difficult choices. It worked out in the end for The Book of Eli star and other actors who benefited from Washington giving up a few roles.
Will Smith was one of the beneficiaries of Denzel Washington dropping a role
Denzel Washington and Will Smith are two of the most in-demand actors in the industry at present. Both stars have left an indelible mark on the history of Hollywood, and words alone cannot do justice to their skills.
Smith has starred in several prominent films, and he even won an Oscar for playing Richard Williams, the father of the Williams sisters, in King Richard. His road to fame was not without its share of problems, though.
Washington opened up about how he was offered to play the protagonist in I, Robot. Unfortunately, he had to choose between the action film and The Manchurian Candidate. The two-time Oscar winner chose the latter, a thriller revolving around the kidnapping of an American soldier, and being experimented upon. The lead role in I, Robot ended up in Will Smith’s kitty, and the rest is history.
“I was […] offered I, Robot but I was worried about the robots if they got them wrong. But actually, I would have done it but it came down to a choice between that movie and The Manchurian Candidate,” he said (via Phase 9).
What was Washington’s loss ended up being Smith’s gain. It helped the I Am Legend star cement his status as one of the leading men in action films.
Denzel Washington also helped boost Brad Pitt’s career
The interview with Washington offered an insight into the mind of an actor at the top of their craft. He also made quite a few revelations during the course of the conversation.
I, Robot, was not the only film he had to let go of. Washington also passed up on a chance to star opposite Morgan Freeman in Seven. Brad Pitt ended up nabbing the role of Detective David Mills.
Seven, released in 1995, tells the story of a serial killer, who took inspiration from the seven deadly sins to commit a string of murders. The onus is on Mills, and Detective Sommerset to apprehend the killer.
All three actors are stalwarts of the film industry, and their talents speak for themselves. As long as the trio is around, they are certain to give their best in each role.
