10 Actors Who Were Robbed Of Iconic Movie Roles By Injury

4. George Clooney As Napoleon Solo - The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

The Man From Uncle If you're familiar with The Man From U.N.C.L.E., then the thought of George Clooney playing hero Napoleon Solo is an attractive one. And at one time, this was supposed to be something that was actually going to happen in a movie directed by Clooney's favourite collaborator Steven Soderbergh - that is, until Clooney got himself all banged up and was forced to pull out because he was unable to cope with the excessive stunts that would have gone hand in hand with such a flick. During the filming of Syriana in 2005 then, Clooney injured his back to such an extent that he reportedly contemplated suicide. Yes, Hollywood heartthrob and world's most charismatic man George Clooney hurt himself so badly that he thought about ending it all. Given the circumstances, then, the actor didn't feel ripe enough to commit to a film that would have primarily consisted of action sequences - indeed, who knows what added damage he could have done as Mr. Solo?
Contributor

Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.