10 Actors Who Turned Down Star Wars

10. Leonardo DiCaprio - Anakin Skywalker

What on Earth was Leo thinking? Sure, turning down roles like Anakin Skywalker allowed for him to not be pigeon holed or typecast into specific roles. And yes, not appearing in the mediocre prequels may have helped him land roles in critically acclaimed films like The Departed, which lead to him being the most sort after actor on the planet. But this is Star Wars we're talking about!

If we're being perfectly honest, the anguish we feel towards Leo has nothing to do with his own regrets, but how much harm his decision did to the franchise. With all respect to Hayden Christensen, his interpretation of the man destined to be Darth Vader was dreadful, leaving us hating the character for all the wrong reasons. There's no doubt Leo would have smashed this role, which makes his decision all the more agonising.

With DiCaprio in the role, the 'I don't like sand' speech would have rivalled the great speeches of film history. Anakin's transition from nice guy to child murderer in the space of five minutes wouldn't have felt jarring at all with Leo in the role. In fact, the legendary actor's mere presence would have elevated all the dodgy CGI of the films to extraordinary heights.

Instead, Leo must live with the fact that his absence single handedly damned the Prequels, and ultimately instigated the beginning of the end for the Star Wars saga. Damn you Leo, damn you to hell!