10 Actors Who Turned Down Iconic TV Roles For Stupid Reasons

Whatever made AMC consider Matthew Broderick for the role of the complex Walter White is a question for the ages. But then again, the same could be said for Bryan Cranston, who up until his turn as the meth kingpin was known as the goofy dad in Malcolm in the Middle.

In any case, Broderick, known for his iconic role in Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) and his many Broadway appearances, was approached for the role of Heisenberg long before Cranston won the role.

However, he turned it down, stating that he wasn't interested in playing a bad guy.

It's a harsh assessment of the character in hindsight, since anyone who's ever seen the show can attest to the fact that Walter White is much more than a simple, run-of-the-mill bad guy, but rather one of TV's most complex, compelling and amazingly written characters.

With Broderick out of the way, AMC gave creator Vince Gilligan's first choice, Bryan Cranston, a chance to make the role his own, which he did without fail.

There was also a rumour that John Cusack was offered the role, but upon hearing the story Cusack Tweeted: "Didn't turn it down. U crazy," which suggests he'd have given the role a more thorough look-over than Broderick if given the chance.