Billy Bob Thornton, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in Bad Santa, Monster’s Ball, and Sling Blade (for which he won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay), has opened up about turning down iconic roles in blockbuster films. Now leading the Paramount+ series Landman, the 69-year-old actor shared his thoughts on rejecting some major offers during an appearance on The Playlist’s “Bingeworthy” podcast.
Roles He Passed On
Thornton revealed that he turned down the role of Green Goblin in the original Spider-Man film and arms dealer Owen Davian in Mission: Impossible III. These roles ultimately went to Willem Dafoe and Philip Seymour Hoffman, respectively, both of whom delivered memorable performances.
Why He Said No
Thornton cited a lack of interest in such roles, explaining, “With the Green Goblin, I didn’t feel like getting up at 4 a.m. for five or six hours of makeup.”
As for Mission: Impossible III, Thornton admitted he was reluctant to take on the part of the antagonist. “I didn’t want to be the guy trying to kill Tom Cruise,” he said. “If you’re the bad guy in a big movie like that, audiences remember it forever. I prefer to keep things looser and less predictable.”
Thornton’s Approach to Acting
Thornton’s decision to avoid these high-profile roles reflects his preference for more unconventional, character-driven projects. He’s carved out a niche in Hollywood by choosing roles that align with his creative sensibilities, even if it means stepping away from potentially career-defining blockbusters.
Landman Buzz
Thornton is currently gaining attention for his performance in the Paramount+ series Landman. A scene from the show has recently gone viral, further proving that the actor continues to captivate audiences with his unique style and talent.
Thornton’s choices have always prioritized his love for storytelling over commercial appeal, and these revelations offer a glimpse into his thoughtful approach to his career.
