20 Actors Who Turned Down Major Movie Roles
9. Benicio Del Toro - Khan (Star Trek: Into Darkness)
When J. J Abrams announced a follow to the ridiculously fun Star Trek, fans were pumped for what the director had in store. And though the reveal that the mysterious new villain was Khan was both predictable, it was still a let down. Benedict Cumberbatch was great in the role, mind, but he almost wasn't cast at all.
In fact, Abrams' first choice for the role was still-underrated Oscar winner Benicio del Toro. As the casting sessions began, del Toro bowed out of the role, reportedly due to issues over the salary. After him, Edgar Ramirez and Jordi Molla were both considered before Cumberbatch swooped in and took the role.
Of all the actors on this list, del Toro is one of few who would have been a better choice than what we got. Though Cumberbatch was still very good, thinking about del Toro as Khan just makes sense.
That being said, he has since stated that the rejection of the role led him to Sicario, so I guess there's always a silver lining.