10 Questionable Reasons Why Actors Turned Down Big Roles

8. Gwyneth Paltrow - Titanic

gwyneth James Cameron's production of Titanic was a world-wide phenomenon, launching the careers of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet into the stratosphere (as well as creating a really adorable friendship between the two which has lasted over a decade and a half). But when the film was pitched to Paltrow, she declined, saying it simply wasn't her cup of tea. This is understandable. I too hate success and fame. Seriously, though, how could you look at the script for Titanic and not realize that it was going to be a blockbuster hit? Sure, you maybe wouldn't have anticipated it becoming quite as big as it was, grossing over 1.8 billion dollars, but it never looked like it was going to be a failure. I'm not saying that she was wasting her time filming Sliding Doors or Great Expectations, but Titanic will be remembered forever, and it's got to be hard not to kick yourself for failing to get your name on it.
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Contributor

Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.