Sean Connery is one of the legends of Hollywood thanks to his portrayal of James Bond, which made him a household name in the film industry. However, he could have dramatically increased his fortune and legacy if he had accepted another big role in one of the most successful recent trilogies: Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings.
The Offer of a Lifetime
In the late 1990s, Peter Jackson was assembling the cast for his ambitious adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, his Magnus opera. The role of Gandalf, the wise and powerful wizard, was one of the most critical parts to cast. Jackson had one actor in mind: Sean Connery. One of the biggest names in the industry deserved a big contract. To entice him, the filmmakers offered the Scottish $10 million per film, plus 15% of the box office profits. Had he accepted the proposal, this would have meant a payday of over $450 million for the Scottish actor. Such is the importance of The Lord of the Rings, it has trespassed the movie sector and has become a cultural phenomenon, with its own TV show and online games available at Spin Casino and other platforms.
Even though it wasn’t clear The Lord of the Rings would be that successful, the allure of the offer was important, but, as we already know, Connery declined the offer. His reason? He didn’t understand the script. The fantastical elements and complex narrative of Tolkien’s novel did not resonate with the seasoned actor, leading him to pass the most profitable role of his career.
A Career-Changing Decision
Connery’s decision to turn down Gandalf’s role is one of the most notable missed opportunities in the filmmaking industry. After rejecting it, he went on to star in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003), which was a huge critical and commercial disappointment. The movie was intended to be a blockbuster. Instead, it failed and led to Connery’s retirement in 2005.
The fate of a different actor was very different thanks to Connery’s decision. Ian McKellen ultimately took on the role and received widespread acclaim for his portrayal, becoming synonymous with the character and earning a place in cinematic history, alongside other iconic roles such as Magneto, becoming an absolute cultural icon. Meanwhile, Connery’s decision to pass on the role left him with a career conclusion that wasn’t worthy of his celebrated past in the industry.
All in all, the role of Gandalf went on to be a defining moment in cinematic history, and while Connery’s career remains celebrated, as he’s still considered the best James Bond, the missed opportunity serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Hollywood. Decisions made at the moment can have lasting impacts, and in Connery’s case, the decision to turn down Gandalf became a big mistake for himself and finished a fantastic career with a lackluster film.
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