The esteemed actor, Denzel Washington, is recognized for having one of the most successful acting careers in Hollywood history. Yet, even with such an accomplished body of work that includes iconic roles like the righteous anger in “The Equalizer” and the mesmerizing corruption in “Training Day,” Washington remains haunted by his decision to reject a role in the 1995 David Fincher thriller, “Se7en.” Throughout his illustrious career, Washington has graced our screens with numerous memorable performances. However, among them all, there is one role he wishes he had taken – that of a character in “Se7en.
In the limelight were Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman for the film “Seven”, which saw both critical acclaim and financial success, earning an impressive $327.3 million globally at the box office. The plot unfolds as veteran detective Lieutenant William Somerset (played by Freeman), nearing retirement, partners with the ambitious David Mills (Pitt), a newcomer to the force. Together, they pursue a ruthless serial killer whose crimes are reminiscent of the seven deadly sins. “Seven” gained popularity as a sleeper hit upon its release and its surprising finale twist is often hailed as one of the greatest in cinema history. It’s intriguing to note that Denzel Washington could have starred in this movie if he hadn’t opted out.
Se7en Would’ve Been One Of Denzel Washington’s Best 1990s Movies If He Hadn’t Turned It Down
Washington’s Take On Mills Would Have Been Very Different
In a spontaneous interview with Jamie Foxx for Grey Goose Vodka in 2018, Denzel Washington was posed the question, “Have you ever declined something that you now wish you had accepted?” After a brief pause, he admitted that turning down Se7en was a regret. He explained that the producers wanted him to play the role originally given to Brad Pitt, which would have paired him with Morgan Freeman in the 1995 film. If he had taken this part, Denzel Washington would have portrayed David Mills, the new partner of the disillusioned Detective Somerset, a role that Brad Pitt played in Se7en.
Initially, I felt the script seemed overly demonic. Upon watching the movie, however, I realized my initial assessment was off the mark. Fortunately, everything turned out fine in the end.
Denzel Washington admits that he regrets passing up on the opportunity to star in the movie “Se7en” after watching it, despite earlier doubts about the script being too demonic. He later told Foxx that he had made a mistake. The film follows a serial killer who is fixated on the seven deadly sins, which might explain Washington’s initial apprehension towards its dark concept. Initially, test audiences disliked the movie due to its overly grim ending. However, “Se7en” turned out to be a surprise hit, and the controversial yet iconic finale ultimately solidified its place among the greatest thrillers ever made.
| Denzel Washington’s 1995 Movies | Box Office |
|---|---|
| Crimson Tide | $157.4 million |
| Virtuosity | $37 million |
| Devil In A Blue Dress | $22 million |
Even though Denzel Washington declined the part, Se7en might have turned out to be one of his most memorable films from the 1990s. Had he taken on Brad Pitt’s role, Washington would have undeniably brought a unique interpretation to Detective Mills. His portrayal could have been more forceful and enraged, which would have intensified the character’s tragic end as Wrath. However, Denzel Washington chose other roles in 1995 instead.
Se7en Would Have Faced Stiff Competition From Washington’s Malcolm X
Malcolm X Was A Standout Role For Washington, Despite Its Box Office
It’s unfortunate that we can’t envision Denzel Washington playing the role in Se7en, as his portrayal of Malcom X in the 1992 movie would have provided strong competition for the film. In this biographical drama, Denzel Washington delves into the life of Malcolm X, a character whose story is largely based on Alex Haley’s 1965 book, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X.” Despite its $35 million budget, the movie only managed to earn $73 million at the box office, which is surprising given the critical acclaim it received. In fact, it was even selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 2010.
In my viewpoint, portraying Malcolm X earned Denzel Washington not one, but two Best Actor nominations – for the 65th Academy Awards and the New York Film Critics Circle Award, with the latter being a win for him. This performance, undoubtedly one of his most significant and impactful, set a high bar for any other role he took on. Although it’s fascinating to speculate about how remarkable Denzel Washington’s role in Se7en could have been, it would have certainly faced stiff competition given the profound influence that Malcolm X had on his acting performance. However, it leaves me pondering if Denzel Washington’s role in Se7en might have elevated the film to even greater heights of legend.
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2025-05-10 02:27