9 Actors Who Quit Major Film Roles

5. David Boreanaz -€“ Batman

Mutant Enemy/Warner Bros.

This one's a slight cheat, because David Boreanaz didn't turn down Batman because of the Batman fans. No, urban legend goes that he turned down Batman for fans of his TV work, as he felt happy and appreciated where he was. In the filmic equivalent of winning the lottery and turning down the money, Boreanaz claimed he was busy with TV work, when in fact he totally wasn't €“- Angel had wrapped up in 2004, and all he was doing was keeping himself busy with minor supporting roles on the box.

Yet apparently, Boreanaz didn't fancy being part of one of the most critically-acclaimed film series' of all time, a role that would be absolutely anyone's big break, George Clooney aside. In the end, the role obviously went to one-man crazy-bastion Christian Bale, and Boreanaz consoled himself with the lead in Bones. Look, I'm not saying that Bones is terrible show. In fact, I think it's rather good, and something doesn't tend to run for nine seasons without being pretty damn compelling. But still, it's not Batman, and regardless of how much we at WhatCulture seem to give the Caped Crusader a kicking, he's still pretty damn awesome, and Boreanaz opted not to ride that cowl all the way to the bank.

He later spoke out about the story, claiming ignorance and saying it was started by his manager. I really hope it wasn't, because I really want this monument to decision-making idiocy to stand true for the ages.

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Contributor

Durham University graduate and qualified sports journalist. Very good at sitting down and watching things. Can multi-task this with playing computer games. Football Manager addict who has taken Shrewsbury Town to the summit of the Premier League. You can follow me at @Ed_OwenUK, if you like ramblings about Newcastle United and A Place in the Sun. If you don't, I don't know what I can do for you.