The legendary 1973 movie Jane Fonda flat-out rejected: “There’s enough anxiety in the world”

Jane Fonda turned down the role of Chris MacNeil in William Friedkin’s 1973 horror film *The Exorcist*, despite its later success and cultural impact. She said she disliked horror films and felt there was already enough anxiety in the world.

Accounts differ over how Fonda explained her decision: Friedkin recalled receiving a telegram dismissing the film as a capitalist rip-off, while author William Peter Blatty said Fonda denied sending that message. Blatty said she had instead told him, “I don’t believe in magic.” Ellen Burstyn ultimately played MacNeil and received an Oscar nomination for the role.