Billy Bob Thornton reveals two legendary villain roles that he declined and explains his reasoning.
Billy Bob Thornton recently shared details about some iconic movie roles he turned down, offering fans a glimpse into his decision-making process as an actor. Known for standout performances in films like Bad Santa, Monster’s Ball, and Sling Blade—the latter of which earned him an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay—Thornton is now headlining the Paramount+ series Landman.
Roles He Declined
In a conversation on The Playlist’s “Bingeworthy” podcast, Thornton revealed he passed on two major roles:
- Green Goblin in the original Spider-Man movie, a role that ultimately went to Willem Dafoe.
- Owen Davian, the villain in Mission: Impossible III, which was later played by Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Why He Said No
Thornton explained his reasons for rejecting the high-profile parts:
- For Spider-Man: “I didn’t feel like getting up at 4 a.m. for five or six hours of makeup,” he admitted, referring to the extensive prosthetics and special effects work required for the character.
- For Mission: Impossible III: “I didn’t want to be the guy trying to kill Tom Cruise. If you’re the bad guy in a big movie like that, audiences remember it forever. I prefer to keep things looser and less predictable.”
Thornton’s Career Philosophy
These choices reflect Thornton’s preference for roles that allow him to explore his creative instincts without being tied to blockbuster archetypes. While these opportunities could have added significant commercial appeal to his resume, Thornton has consistently prioritized roles that align with his personal and artistic values.
Viral Buzz for Landman
Thornton is currently making waves with his role in Landman, where a particular scene has gone viral, reigniting interest in the actor’s unique ability to captivate audiences.
Thornton’s decision to turn down iconic roles in favor of creative freedom underscores his commitment to storytelling and his distinctive approach to acting.
