5 Actors Who Hate Their Iconic Roles: Played Reluctantly and Never Rewatched Their Films

Actors are not always in control of their careers. They don’t always have the luxury of choosing their dream projects, as they often have obligations to studios and producers. Sometimes stars reluctantly agree to roles, but a true professional ensures that viewers never see their dissatisfaction.

Brad Pitt – Troy

The former husband of Angelina Jolie has an impressive filmography that most of his colleagues envy. Among his roles was Achilles in the epic blockbuster Troy. However, Pitt never wanted to take on the part. Unfortunately, the actor had no choice — he was contractually obligated to participate in the project.

After Troy, Brad Pitt began favoring smaller, more intimate films over grandiose action spectacles.

Daniel Craig – Spectre

The James Bond actor grew tired of his iconic character long before filming Spectre. Like Pitt, Craig had to appear in the fourth Bond film due to contractual obligations.

Craig was ready to leave the spy franchise for good, but when offered a staggering $25 million for No Time to Die, he put financial considerations above creative interests and reprised the role for a fifth and final time.

Jennifer Garner – Elektra

The superhero blockbuster Daredevil (2003) was met with lukewarm reception from audiences. Garner played the lead female role in the film. She had no desire to reprise the role of Elektra in the spin-off of the same name, but a contract is a contract.

Jennifer Garner’s concerns were justified, as Elektra flopped at the box office.

Channing Tatum – G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

Following the success of the dance movie Step Up, the young actor had numerous opportunities before him. However, a three-film studio contract tied Tatum’s hands. Reluctantly, he accepted the role in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.

Despite his lack of enthusiasm, the film became a commercial success. Tatum seemed to have changed his opinion of the project, as he agreed to return for the sequel.

Val Kilmer – Top Gun

Unlike the other actors on this list, Kilmer wasn’t persuaded by a studio to audition but by his agent. Initially, Kilmer was skeptical about playing a secondary role to Tom Cruise in another action movie.

Little did Val Kilmer know that his role as the main antagonist would turn him into a new sex symbol.