10 More Movie Storylines Actors REFUSED To Do
These actors weren't having any of it.
In the movie business, actors have to perform scenes that are awkward, emotionally arduous, or dangerous. Although performing sequences like this isn't nice, it's all part of the gig. After all, that's why A-list stars are paid the big bucks.
On occasion, the performers are so adamantly against a specific scene, they flat-out refuse to film it. Although cast members can be labelled as divas for saying no, such demands can be reasonable. If the scene triggers an actor's phobia or goes against their religious beliefs, they shouldn't be expected to simply push through. It's an even easier decision if the scene in question can be cut without impacting the plot.
However, it's a whole other headache when one of the stars takes a hard pass on something that's directly connected to the plot. In situations like this, filmmakers may need to get extremely creative, making last-minute rewrites or editing around the absent actor. Sometimes, these changes end up benefitting the final product in a huge way. Other times, they completely ruin the movie.
If you enjoyed our last list, you'll be happy to know we have ten more movie storylines that actors rejected.
10. Leonard Nimoy And DeForest Kelly Wouldn't Go Evil - Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
While making the original Star Trek series, William Shatner had a clause entitling him to the same terms as his co-star, Leonard Nimoy. Since Nimoy directed the third and fourth Star Trek features, Shatner was allowed to helm the follow-up.
Though Shatner is a great actor, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier suggested that filmmaking may not be his forte. The sequel is let down by a non-sensical story involving Spock's half-brother, Sybok (who Spock never mentioned) taking over the Starship Enterprise so he can find God. Even though Star Trek regularly explored philosophical quandaries, this was going overboard.
However, it nearly went further. In an earlier script, Sybok's argument was so compelling, it urged Spock and McCoy to join forces with the renegade Vulcan.
Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelly shut this idea down immediately, stating their characters would never willingly turn against their captain. Considering Spock's dying words to Kirk in The Wrath of Khan were, "I have been and always will be your friend," such a betrayal would be completely out of character.
Looking back, it's obvious Nimoy and Kelly's decision was the right one. Having said that, it would've been nice if the actors rejected other plot points, considering how badly The Final Frontier turned out.