Actor Brian Cox turned down the opportunity to play the Governor in the inaugural Pirates of the Caribbean film, citing concerns that the character lacked sufficient depth and that the role would demand excessive time from his schedule. Jonathan Pryce eventually took the part, which appeared across the franchise's run.

Reflecting on the choice, Cox expresses no regret, noting that his decision to pass on the Disney contract allowed him to pursue seventeen other projects during the trilogy's production window, including notable works such as Zodiac and The Bourne Supremacy. By declining the role, he prioritised maintaining artistic variety and selective project choices over the financial rewards the franchise would have delivered, a pattern that characterised his approach to work during this phase of his career.