Sylvester Stallone, long known for his roles in legendary franchises, has publicly expressed regret over passing on the Harrison Ford Oscar-winning movie, “Witness.” Stallone, whose film choices in recent years have not matched the acclaim of his earlier works, admits that turning down the lead in the acclaimed 1985 film still haunts him, even as he enjoys continued recognition on the small screen.
Stallone’s Film Roles: Shifting Fortunes in Recent Years
Although Stallone remains a familiar name to fans worldwide and stars in a successful streaming series, his recent movie projects have not met box office expectations. Roles such as his voice work in James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad” and his action return in “The Expendables 4” both suffered poor box office performance. Other films like “Samaritan” faced lengthy delays before a modest streaming release, while titles including “Armor” and “Alarum” were released straight to video and met with unfavorable reviews.
The last non-franchise film featuring Stallone that avoided commercial disappointment was “Escape Plan” (2013), which saw him share the screen with his former rival, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Despite the initial excitement, even that film struggled to capture the audience it was expected to draw, marking a shift from the height of Stallone’s cinematic power.
Rejecting Iconic Roles: Career Choices Stallone Remembers
During his prime, Stallone reportedly turned down several now-famous film roles. Among these were the lead in Hal Ashby’s “Coming Home,” which later won Jon Voight an Academy Award for Best Actor, as well as appearances in Quentin Tarantino’s “Death Proof,” “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Romancing the Stone,” and “Face/Off.” These missed opportunities demonstrated the wide array of parts Stallone could have taken during his peak years in Hollywood.
The ‘Witness’ Role: Stallone’s Lasting Regret
One decision Stallone often cites as a profound misstep was saying no to the role of John Book—the determined detective at the center of Peter Weir’s “Witness.” The part eventually went to Harrison Ford, who delivered a performance strong enough to earn his only Oscar nomination for Best Actor. Stallone reflected openly on this regret, telling The Hollywood Reporter,
“Witness killed me, Witness was a mistake.”
The film itself became an awards contender, securing two Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing, plus five more major nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director for Peter Weir.
A Year of Success and Missed Opportunities
Stallone’s decision not to pursue “Witness” coincided with one of his biggest years at the box office. In 1985, he released “Rambo: First Blood Part II” and “Rocky IV” within five months, both of which landed among the year’s highest-grossing titles, just behind “Back to the Future.” These films solidified his bankability but did not offer the critical acclaim that followed “Witness.”
Despite being profitable, Stallone’s sequels drew more criticism than praise. “Rambo: First Blood Part II” earned him a Razzie for Worst Actor, “Rocky IV” brought him the same award for Worst Director, and the script for “Rambo: First Blood Part II,” co-written with James Cameron, landed him Worst Screenplay. Although his movies attracted audiences, Stallone still wishes he had taken on the Harrison Ford Oscar-winning movie that elevated “Witness” to classic status and brought Ford his only Oscar nomination.
The Significance of the Lost Opportunity
Stallone’s public admission highlights the unpredictable nature of Hollywood careers and the difficult choices actors face when selecting projects. While he will always be connected to iconic characters and major franchises like “Rocky” and “Rambo,” the enduring success of “Witness” and Harrison Ford’s standout performance underscore the lasting impact a single role can have. As Stallone continues his journey in entertainment, his reflections on “Witness” serve as a reminder that even the biggest stars feel the weight of paths not taken—and the power of a film that made Oscar history.
