Denzel Washington Regrets Turning Down Iconic Role in ‘Se7en’

NEW YORK — Denzel Washington, one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors, recently revealed one of his biggest career regrets: turning down the lead role in the 1995 thriller Se7en. The film, directed by David Fincher, became a cultural phenomenon, but Washington initially declined the role of Detective David Mills, which ultimately went to Brad Pitt.

In a candid conversation with Jamie Foxx on YouTube, Washington admitted he regretted his decision after seeing the film. “When I read the script, I thought it was too demonic,” Washington said. “But after I saw the movie, I instantly regretted it.” The role of Mills, a young detective paired with Morgan Freeman‘s seasoned Detective Somerset, became one of Pitt’s defining performances.

Se7en follows two detectives as they hunt a serial killer who bases his murders on the seven deadly sins. The film’s grim tone and shocking ending, including the infamous “What’s in the box?” scene, have cemented its place in cinematic history. Washington’s potential involvement in the film has long been a topic of speculation, but this marks the first time he has publicly expressed regret over his decision.

Director David Fincher recently shed light on the casting process during an interview with The Independent. “Denzel’s manager ended up being a producer on Se7en,” Fincher recalled. “But by the time I got involved, Denzel had long passed.” Fincher explained that the script was rewritten multiple times in an attempt to persuade Washington to join the project, but the actor ultimately declined.

Washington wasn’t the only actor to turn down the film. Al Pacino, Gene Hackman, and Ned Beatty were also approached for various roles. Beatty, who was considered for the part of the killer John Doe, reportedly called the script “pure evil.” Kevin Spacey eventually took on the role, delivering a chilling performance that became one of his most memorable.

Despite its dark subject matter, Se7en was a box office success, grossing $327.3 million worldwide. The film’s influence on the thriller genre is undeniable, inspiring countless imitators and earning critical acclaim. It currently holds an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

To celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary, Fincher has overseen a meticulous 4K remastering of Se7en, sourced from the original camera negative. “The goal was to restore the movie to how it looked in its very first inception,” Fincher said. The remastered version is now available in select IMAX theaters and on 4K Blu-ray, as well as streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.

Washington, meanwhile, continues to challenge himself with diverse roles. In February, he will star as Othello in a Broadway production of Shakespeare’s classic play, alongside Jake Gyllenhaal as Iago. Despite his regret over Se7en, Washington’s career remains a testament to his versatility and dedication to his craft.