Denzel Washington is one of Hollywood’s most prominent and prolific actors. The actor who has won two Academy Awards boasts an impressive resume of films and iconic roles at this point in his career, and both fans and critics adore him. He had finished more than 60 projects, but he still had a few films he really wanted to be in.
Well, can you picture someone denying Washington the opportunity to audition for a movie? We can’t, of course, but that happened to him when he wanted a role in Full Metal Jacket, one of Stanley Kubrick’s best films.
Full Metal Jacket, a 1987 war drama directed and produced by Kubrick, was more darkly comedic than the typical war movie. But its depiction of war was just as shocking, terrifying, and depressing as you will find in any other film in the genre.
Full Metal Jacket was an instant classic that mesmerized audiences. It was praised by modern critics for its intricate themes, stunning visuals, and potent performances. In addition to this, The Equalizer actor aspired to be in another war movie released in 1986.
Denzel Washington’s Full Metal Jacket Audition Was Rejected
Even though he is one of the greatest actors of all time, Denzel Washington does not always get his way. Given that he has starred in some of the most acclaimed films ever, it goes without saying that many directors would give their right arm to have such actors in their films.
Nevertheless, there are a few films Washington wishes he had been a part of.
The actor, 68, could have played the lead in two of the best war films, but the opportunity to play the roles he desired was never given to him. Washington was questioned by GQ during a conversation about his rumored desire to star in Oliver Stone’s 1986 war film, Platoon. He responded:
“That and Full Metal Jacket. They were like, ‘Well, [Kubrick] doesn’t send out his scripts.’ I was like, ‘Well, then what do you want me to do?’ Platoon, I wanted to play the part Willem Dafoe played.”
Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket won praise from critics, made $120 million against a $16 million budget, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Meanwhile, Oliver Stone’s Platoon, which had a $6 million budget, made $138.5 million domestically and became a box-office success.
Denzel Washington’s Equalizer 3 Draws an Epic Labor Day Weekend Haul
According to multiple outlets, Denzel Washington’s The Equalizer 3 had the second-highest domestic box office performance of any Labor Day weekend with an estimated $42 million earned over the course of the four-day holiday.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings from Marvel Studios, which made $94.6 million over the holiday weekend two years ago, continues to hold the record.
Washington portrays Robert McCall in the third installment of The Equalizer, who established a peaceful life in Southern Italy before coming into conflict with local mafia members.
After working together on 2004’s Man on Fire, Dakota Fanning and Washington are reuniting for the third installment of The Equalizer franchise under the direction of Antoine Fuqua.
According to Fuqua, 58, who recently spoke to PEOPLE, fans “come up to me all the time” to express their gratitude for the action series he has made.
“They love Robert McCall [Denzel Washington]. I think it has to do with justice. People, they want justice, and obviously in a movie you get to see that happen.”
The Equalizer 3 (which was released on September 1) received favorable reviews and has amassed a global revenue of more than $68 million. It is currently playing in theaters.
Meanwhile, Platoon is streaming on Max, and Full Metal Jacket is available on DIRECTV.
