20 Things You Didn't Know About No Country For Old Men

20. The Coens Wanted Heath Ledger In The Movie

Josh Brolin’s performance as Llewelyn Moss in No Country For Old Men is considered by many to be his breakout role, but apparently he wasn’t the Coens’ first choice.

Reportedly, Joel and Ethan were keen for Heath Ledger to play the part of Moss, but the Australian actor turned down the opportunity. Ledger’s reasoning for his decision was that he needed to take some time off.

This may seem like a decision that Ledger would regret after seeing the huge success of the film, but turning down this role did free him up to take on the most iconic role of his career.

Ledger went on to play the unforgettable role Joker in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight before his tragic and untimely death in January 2008.

Heath Ledger was posthumously awarded the Academy Award for ‘Best Supporting Actor’ in 2009, twelve months after No Country For Old Men took home four Oscars at the previous year’s ceremony.