Key Takeaways:
– Denzel Washington’s career decisions led to some significant roles for Brad Pitt and Will Smith.
– Washington had to pass on roles in “I, Robot” and “Seven,” which ultimately boosted Pitt and Smith’s careers.
– Despite the missed opportunities, Washington continues to be a stalwart in Hollywood.
Veteran actor Denzel Washington, a revered name in Hollywood, has had a remarkable career spanning over four decades. Known for his powerful performances and the accolades he has bagged, Washington’s contribution to the cinema is unparalleled. But, it’s interesting to note that some of his career decisions have ended up catapulting other actors like Will Smith and Brad Pitt to major roles.
In a recent conversation, Washington disclosed how his choice between an action movie “I, Robot” and a thriller “The Manchurian Candidate” significantly impacted Smith’s career. Washington admitted that he would have taken the lead role in “I, Robot”, had it not clashed with “The Manchurian Candidate”, which he ultimately opted for. This career choice paved the way for Will Smith, who took over the role and featured in one of his most memorable performances to date.
The story was similar for the film “Seven”, in which Washington was initially considered to star opposite Morgan Freeman. Washington having passed on the role opened the door for Brad Pitt to step in as Detective David Mills. This opportunity significantly fortified Pitt’s career in the movie industry.
How Washington’s Choices Shaped Other Actors’ Careers
With his formidable skills and passion for the craft, Washington could have brought a unique perspective to both “I, Robot” and “Seven”. However, his decision to withdraw from these films allowed Will Smith and Brad Pitt the chance to shine.
In the case of “I, Robot”, the lead role eventually landed with Smith, leading to one of his fantastic performances. The action-packed film undoubtedly uplifted Smith’s status as one of the leading men in action films in Hollywood.
On the other hand, “Seven” was another missed opportunity for Washington. This film gave Brad Pitt a golden chance to be recognized in the role of Detective David Mills. The gripping narrative revolving around the pursuit of a serial killer who was inspired by the seven deadly sins became a cult classic, with Pitt at the helm.
Washington has had a hand, albeit indirectly, in shaping the careers of these two legendary actors. His decisions and the roles he turned down created opportunities for others, making them a significant part of industry folklore.
The Continued Reign of Washington, Smith, and Pitt
Despite the missed opportunities, Washington’s career continues to thrive, validating his choices. Washington stands head and shoulders above his contemporaries, with numerous international awards underscoring his acting prowess. Similarly, Smith and Pitt continue to be in-demand actors, establishing their dominance in the industry.
While it would be mind-boggling to imagine how these films could have turned out has Washington taken the roles, one cannot deny that these decisions reshaped the career trajectory for both Smith and Pitt. It also inadvertently showcases Washington’s impact on Hollywood, not only through the roles he portrayed but also through the roles he let go.
In the end, the story serves as a testament to Washington’s discerning mindset and his ability to make difficult choices that have stood the test of time. It also sparks interest in the interconnected paths of these three leading actors: Denzel Washington, Brad Pitt, and Will Smith, whose careers have been inexorably linked by decisions made many years ago.
To this day, the trio continues to charm audiences worldwide with their performances, proving that they always bring out the best in whatever roles they undertake. Their stellar acting prowess maintains the allure of Hollywood, thus defining their indelible contribution to the film industry.
