Actors often choose to leave behind some of their most iconic roles, and the reasons vary. Some never truly enjoyed the character or the film’s atmosphere, while others feel trapped by the role, fearing they might be typecast.
Regardless of the cause, these actors have decided to move on, even if it means turning down a hefty paycheck. Here’s a look at 16 famous roles where, despite their popularity, the actors who portrayed them have sworn off returning to these characters.
1. Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer
In a 2021 interview with IGN, Dave Bautista hinted that “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” would likely mark the end of his time as Drax. He later reinforced this on Twitter, saying, “Drax isn’t going anywhere.
He just won’t be played by this dude!” Bautista humorously added that by the time the third movie releases, he’d be 54 years old, joking about the inevitability of aging.
2. Zoe Saldana as Gamora
Zoe Saldana, another star from “Guardians of the Galaxy,” also announced her departure from the franchise in April 2023. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Saldana expressed that while the series would continue, her journey as Gamora had ended.
She reflected on her emotional final days of filming, saying it was a “sweet departure.”
3. Chris Evans as Captain America
Chris Evans has portrayed Captain America 11 times in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but he’s moved on to new ventures. In November 2023, during an appearance on “The View,” Evans addressed rumors about returning to the role, stating, “It’s news to me.”
While he wouldn’t completely rule out a comeback, he emphasized that the role is precious to him and would require perfect circumstances to consider a return.
4. Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode
Jamie Lee Curtis made her acting debut as Laurie Strode in the “Halloween” series. However, after the latest installment wrapped up in February 2022, Curtis bid farewell to the role on Instagram, calling it a “bittersweet end” to her involvement in the franchise.
Curtis expressed gratitude for the friendships and collaborations made throughout the trilogy but confirmed that her time as Laurie Strode had concluded.
5. Dylan O’Brien as Stiles Stilinski
Dylan O’Brien’s portrayal of Stiles Stilinski in MTV’s “Teen Wolf” was one of his most significant roles. When Paramount Plus announced a follow-up film, O’Brien revealed to Variety that he wouldn’t be returning.
He explained that while the show was dear to him, he felt it was left in a good place and preferred to leave it there.
6. Henry Cavill as Superman
Henry Cavill began his journey as Superman in 2013, but after some confusion regarding “Man of Steel 2” and a teaser in “Black Adam,” Cavill announced he wouldn’t reprise his role as the Man of Steel.
He took to social media to share the news, expressing sadness but acknowledging the “changing of the guard.”
7. Kristen Wiig as Annie
“Bridesmaids” was a massive success, but Kristen Wiig has no plans to revisit her role as Annie.
During a 2021 SiriusXM interview, Wiig explained that while she loves the movie, she and co-writer Annie Mumolo felt they had told the story they wanted to tell and were excited to pursue other projects.
8. Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter
In various interviews, Daniel Radcliffe has expressed no interest in returning to his iconic role as Harry Potter.
He mentioned that a new series was in the works, and he believed it would be “very weird” for him to be involved. Radcliffe is excited to see the franchise continue but feels it doesn’t need his physical presence.
9. Auli’i Cravalho as Moana
Auli’i Cravalho voiced Moana in the 2016 Disney film and will voice the character again in a sequel, but she won’t be taking on the role in the live-action adaptation.
In a 2023 Instagram video, Cravalho explained that while Moana was a life-changing role, she believes it’s important for casting to accurately represent the characters, and she looks forward to seeing a new actress embody Moana’s spirit.
10. Stanley Tucci as George Harvey
Stanley Tucci’s portrayal of the chilling character George Harvey in “The Lovely Bones” was powerful, but it’s a role he wouldn’t revisit.
In April 2023, Tucci shared with Entertainment Tonight that the character was too challenging, and while the film was wonderful, the experience was tough, leading him to avoid reprising the role.
11. Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump
Tom Hanks once considered a sequel to “Forrest Gump,” but the idea never materialized. On the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Hanks shared that while he never signed a contract requiring a sequel, he didn’t feel the need to revisit the character.
He explained that a sequel would only be worthwhile if there was a compelling reason, not just for financial gain.
12. Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf
“Elf” is a beloved Christmas classic, but Will Ferrell has no interest in reprising his role as Buddy.
In a 2021 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ferrell revealed that he turned down the chance for a sequel because he couldn’t promote a movie he didn’t believe in. Ferrell explained that it was important for him to remain honest, even if it meant passing up a significant payday.
13. Dylan and Cole Sprouse as Zack and Cody
In interviews, both Dylan and Cole Sprouse have made it clear that they’re not interested in reprising their roles as Zack and Cody from “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.”
Dylan mentioned that while reboots can be fan service, they often don’t live up to the original, which is why he’s confident in his decision. Cole echoed similar sentiments, stating that sequels rarely capture the magic of the original.
14. David Boreanaz as Angel
David Boreanaz has no plans to return as the brooding vampire Angel in any “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” reboot.
He mentioned in a 2020 interview with Variety that he’s too old for the role now and joked about how technology could make him look younger, but he’d rather see someone else take on the character.
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15. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen as Michelle Tanner
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen rose to fame playing Michelle Tanner on “Full House,” but they’ve long since left the role behind.
When “Fuller House” was announced, the twins didn’t return, and their co-star John Stamos shared that they were focused on their successful fashion careers, winning prestigious awards, and had moved on from acting.
16. John Rhys-Davies as Gimli
John Rhys-Davies has also ruled out a return to his role as Gimli from “The Lord of the Rings.”
In a 2009 interview with Empire, he shared that while there’s a sentimental part of him that would love to be involved, he doesn’t think his face could handle the makeup and prosthetics again.
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