10 Strangest Reasons Actors Turned Down Famous Movie Roles
8. Jason Momoa Didn't Want To Be The Quiet, Shirtless Guy Again - Guardians Of The Galaxy
The Role
The outrageously literal, vengeful warrior Drax the Destroyer, as has been played so memorably in two Guardians of the Galaxy films and the last two Avengers films by Dave Bautista.
But several other actors were considered for Drax, with Jason Momoa actually being offered the part outright. Hell, things got far enough that official concept art of Momoa as Drax was even commissioned, and later made its way online.
Why He Turned It Down
Momoa had grown tired of playing the brutish, shirtless man-of-few-words after doing so in a litany of movies and TV shows such as Stargate: Atlantis, Game of Thrones, and Conan the Barbarian, and so opted to take himself out of the running. He said:
"It didn't really fit in my time because I've done so many things where I don't say much and I'm colored up and I have my shirt off again... I was on Stargate: Atlantis for four years playing a similar character called Ronon, who was an alien who didn't say much and grunted. I've been there and done that, whether people have seen it or not. You want to stretch."
Given that Momoa still hasn't really ventured far outside of that archetype - Aquaman's barely a stretch - it's tough to feel like his desire to branch out has really been reflected in his career choices.
All the same, he has nothing but kind words to say about Bautista in the role. "I think it's perfectly cast... Dave is perfect for that role, for Drax."