Denzel Washington, known for his powerful performances and remarkable legacy in Hollywood, revealed that he regrets turning down a leading role in the 1995 film Se7en. Reflecting on his decision during an interview with Jamie Foxx in 2018, Washington explained that he was approached to play the part that eventually went to Brad Pitt but chose to pass after finding the script too dark. Despite the career-defining projects he took on during the same period, Washington admitted that missing the opportunity to be part of Se7en remains a standout regret in his accomplished career. The revelation highlights a unique moment in Hollywood history, where a casting decision could have altered the course of an iconic thriller and potentially changed the trajectory of Washington’s filmography.
Se7en, directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, became a landmark movie in the crime thriller genre and achieved widespread critical and commercial success. The film follows detectives Somerset and Mills as they pursue a serial killer whose murders are inspired by the seven deadly sins. Released in 1995, Se7en grossed over $327 million around the globe, and its devastating conclusion has often been cited as one of the most memorable in modern cinema. Washington’s admission that he nearly took the part only adds to the intrigue surrounding the film’s storied production and enduring popularity.
During the OFF SCRIPT interview, Jamie Foxx asked Denzel Washington if there was ever a role he turned down that he later wished he had accepted. After a brief pause, Washington responded,
He went on to clarify that seeing the finished film caused him to rethink his earlier assessment:
This moment of candor offered fans insight into Washington’s decision-making process and the unpredictable nature of choosing roles in Hollywood.
The film’s script initially made Denzel Washington apprehensive, with its bleak tone and disturbing subject matter. Se7en’s narrative delves into the psyche of a killer obsessed with sin and retribution, aspects of the story that led Washington to ultimately pass on the role. Interestingly, the film faced early resistance from test audiences, who considered the ending excessively morbid. However, the bold storytelling and shocking final sequence later helped Se7en gain recognition as one of the greatest psychological thrillers, regularly inspiring debate and discussion among cinephiles and critics alike.
Had Denzel Washington accepted the part, he would have starred as Detective David Mills, the passionate and impulsive partner to Morgan Freeman’s seasoned Detective Somerset. The chemistry between the two leads is now considered a hallmark of Se7en, yet Washington’s unique acting style would likely have delivered a distinctly different dynamic. Some speculate that his interpretation of Mills might have drawn more on stubbornness and controlled rage, attributes Washington is celebrated for in roles such as Training Day and The Equalizer. The evolution of Mills into the embodiment of Wrath at the film’s conclusion would have taken on new dimensions with Washington’s presence, potentially influencing the movie’s tone and emotional resonance.
Despite passing on Se7en, Denzel Washington’s impressive 1995 was marked by leading roles in several high-profile productions. That year, he starred in the submarine thriller Crimson Tide, which earned $157.4 million at the box office, and appeared in Virtuosity and Devil In A Blue Dress. Although none of these films reached the cultural or financial heights of Se7en, Washington’s diverse performances further established his place among the most talented and respected actors in the industry.
Looking at Washington’s career during the 1990s, another defining moment was his portrayal of Malcolm X in the 1992 biopic directed by Spike Lee. The film, based on Alex Haley’s The Autobiography of Malcolm X, presented a challenging and deeply personal story, securing Washington a Best Actor nomination at both the Academy Awards and the New York Film Critics Circle, where he won the latter. While Malcolm X’s box office performance—$73 million against a $35 million budget—did not rival the commercial success of Se7en, its importance was forever solidified in American film history when it was added to the United States National Film Registry in 2010. The role remains one of Washington’s most celebrated, showcasing his ability to immerse himself in complex, transformative characters.
The contrast between Se7en’s box office dominance and the critical achievements of Denzel Washington’s other projects sparks questions about what might have been had he accepted the offer. The possibility of Washington sharing the screen with Morgan Freeman in Se7en, playing a detective grappling with moral ambiguity and relentless violence, tantalizes film fans with thoughts of an alternate cinematic history. The casting choice would not only have affected Washington’s legacy but might also have altered how audiences and critics remember the film itself.
The story also highlights a broader reality within the film industry: even the most successful actors face decisions that influence the direction of their careers and the movies they help create. Denzel Washington’s wistful acknowledgment of his choice underscores the role of risk and instinct in the creative world. His openness about regretting the missed opportunity lends authenticity to his persona and connection to fans, who continue to celebrate both his hits and the memorable “what-ifs” of his career.
As the years pass, Denzel Washington’s legacy as a two-time Academy Award-winning actor continues to grow, yet his reflection on Se7en remains a poignant reminder of the impact that a single decision can have on both an individual and an industry. The enduring success of Se7en, combined with Washington’s candid regrets, will likely remain a topic of fascination for movie enthusiasts. While the possibility of seeing Washington in one of the most gripping roles of the 1990s is forever closed, his revelation contributes to the ongoing appreciation of the risks, challenges, and triumphs that shape the world of film.
