40 Actors Who Resigned from Major Roles for Absurd Reasons

Every new actor who enters Hollywood hopes to land a significant role in a big-budget film. Actors in need of work would do anything to get the lead part in the upcoming blockbuster. But, for experienced actors who have been in Hollywood for a while, things are a little bit different. Here is a collection of actors that passed up significant opportunities for some very absurd justifications.

Ewan McGregor — American Psycho

If you've seen American Psycho, you're aware that Christian Bale played the lead. You might not be aware of the fact that Ewan McGregor was one of the actors that were considered for this part. While everyone who attended the film's auditions made an effort to get the part, McGregor ultimately made the decision to pass.

Some initially found it difficult to comprehend why Ewan McGregor would pass up such a fantastic opportunity. Eventually, he acknowledged that Bale had phoned everyone and told them to back off because the part was his. McGregor reportedly quit the part following the phone call because he was afraid.