Denzel Washington Reveals Stunning Regret: ‘I Blew It’ on These Two Movies!

Denzel Washington’s career is one of Hollywood’s most celebrated, marked by nine Oscar nominations and two wins — first for Glory (1989) and later for Training Day (2001). His impressive filmography includes iconic roles across genres, from gritty dramas to powerful action films. Yet even someone with such a remarkable career as Washington can have regrets. As any actor will tell you, it’s an unavoidable part of the job — turning down a role only to see the movie become a critical and commercial success can sting.

For Washington, two films stand out as the roles he regrets not accepting: Seven (1995) and Michael Clayton (2007).

Seven, directed by David Fincher, is widely regarded as one of the best thrillers of the 1990s. Starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman as two detectives hunting a cryptic killer inspired by the seven deadly sins, the film became an instant classic. Washington was offered the role of Detective David Mills, a part that ultimately went to Pitt. At the time, Washington turned it down, opting to work on Crimson Tide, Devil in a Blue Dress, and the lesser-known Virtuosity.

In a 2014 interview with Jamie Foxx, Washington revealed his reasoning for turning down the role. “I thought the script was too demonic. I was like, man, it’s just too much,” he explained. However, as the years went on, he came to regret the decision. “I blew it,” he admitted, acknowledging that he had missed out on a film that has since become a cultural touchstone. Despite receiving only one Oscar nomination for Best Film Editing, Seven is considered a masterpiece, with many critics and audiences hailing it as one of the best thrillers of all time.

Then there’s Michael Clayton, the 2007 legal thriller written and directed by Tony Gilroy, which starred George Clooney in the titular role. Washington had the opportunity to play a key role in the film but ultimately turned it down. The decision, Washington later admitted, was based on his nervousness about working with a first-time director, despite Gilroy’s successful track record as a writer for the Bourne series. In an interview with GQ, Washington admitted, “With Clayton, it was the best material I had read in a long time, but I was nervous about a first-time director, and I was wrong. It happens.” The role went to Washington’s Ocean’s Eleven co-star, Clooney, who delivered an Oscar-nominated performance, and the film was widely acclaimed.

Looking back, Washington now recognizes how trivial his reasons for passing on both roles were. As someone who has worked with some of the best filmmakers in the industry, he acknowledges that even the most successful actors can make mistakes in their decision-making process. However, he seems to have learned from these experiences, and in more recent years, Washington has seemed to embrace a no-regrets attitude when it comes to his career choices.

Despite these two notable regrets, Washington’s career has remained incredibly successful. He has continually delivered award-worthy performances, earning admiration for his versatility and ability to take on complex, compelling roles. From his iconic portrayal of Malcolm X to his electrifying turn in Fences (2016), Washington has proved time and again that his instincts as an actor are impeccable.

As for Seven and Michael Clayton, both films are regarded as masterpieces in their own right. Yet, in reflecting on his own career, Washington’s regret only adds to the sense that even the most seasoned actors are constantly learning and growing in their craft. And while he may have missed out on these roles, there’s no doubt that his body of work is far from defined by a couple of missed opportunities.