Will Smith: The Matrix (1999)

Will Smith passed on the role of Neo in sci-fi film The Matrix, later admitting: “You know, The Matrix is a difficult concept to pitch… I didn’t see what they saw. But Keanu [Reeves] was perfect.”

He opted instead for Wild Wild West - which also came out in 1999 - a film that grossed roughly $222 million worldwide, while The Matrix went on to haul in about $463 million globally and win four Academy Awards.