In 1998, ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and ‘The Thin Red Line’ were released five months apart. Only one actor turned them both down

In 1998, Steven Spielberg’s *Saving Private Ryan* and Terrence Malick’s *The Thin Red Line* competed for audiences and major awards as two prominent Second World War dramas. Edward Norton was the only actor described as having turned down roles in both films, making different choices for each.

Norton declined Spielberg’s offer to play the title character, choosing *American History X*, which earned him a second Oscar nomination; Matt Damon took the role. He later accepted a part in Malick’s film but withdrew before filming in Australia after his mother died, saying he needed to stay with his family. Jim Caviezel replaced him. *Saving Private Ryan* earned more than $480 million and won five Oscars, while *The Thin Red Line* received no awards despite several shared nominations.