Jake Gyllenhaal reportedly turned down the lead role in James Cameron’s Avatar in 2009, before Sam Worthington was cast. The film’s ambitious premise, groundbreaking 3D technology and extensive use of CGI may have made it difficult to assess, although Cameron said he had already set his sights on Worthington and suggested the subject matter might have influenced the decision.

Avatar ultimately became a major critical and commercial success, making the rejected opportunity extremely valuable in hindsight. The article also notes that Matt Damon declined the role to appear in Invictus, later saying the decision cost him millions, while Cameron defended Worthington’s casting despite the project’s uncertain beginnings.