Sean Connery lost millions rejecting Lord of the Rings, a decision that cost him not only cinematic glory but also an estimated $447 million. When approached to play Gandalf by Peter Jackson, Connery passed up the opportunity, a choice that would become one of the most significant regrets of his Hollywood career.
Turning Down Middle-earth: Connery’s Costly Choice
In one of Hollywood’s most surprising decisions, producers approached Sean Connery to star as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The offer was substantial: $30 million up front, plus 15% of worldwide profits. Despite the faith that Peter Jackson and the film’s backers had in his ability to bring the wizard to life, Connery remained unconvinced by the material.
“I read the book. I read the script. I saw the movie. I still don’t understand it,”
—Sean Connery, per the New Zealand Herald
This wavering led Ian McKellen to ultimately take on the role, sealing Gandalf’s legacy in fantasy cinema. The films went on to earn nearly $3 billion worldwide, making Connery’s missed percentage worth around $447 million—a sum that dwarfs most actors’ lifetime earnings. Meanwhile, Connery focused elsewhere, taking the lead in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, which would become his final film role before his retirement.
Missing Other Iconic Roles: A Pattern of Instinct
The Lord of the Rings was not the only major project Connery turned away. Producers also sought him for roles such as John Hammond in Jurassic Park, the Architect in The Matrix, and Sybok in Star Trek V, but he declined them as well. These missed opportunities show a pattern where he favored scripts that immediately resonated with him, regardless of projected box office success or the reputation of directors involved.
Despite these refusals, Connery maintained a reputation for unforgettable performances and a unique career trajectory. His intuition, rather than industry pressure or hype, guided his decisions time and again—a stance that set him apart in the competitive world of film.
Connery’s Unshakable Legacy Beyond Blockbusters
Connery’s legacy persists far beyond the roles he declined. His portrayal of James Bond set the template for all that followed, and his performances in The Untouchables (which won him an Oscar), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Rock, and Finding Forrester cemented his status as one of cinema’s most compelling figures. In working with directors like Alfred Hitchcock, Sidney Lumet, and John Huston, Connery demonstrated a versatility that few of his peers matched.
Knighted for his contribution to the arts, honored internationally, and celebrated among fans and filmmakers alike, Connery’s career stands as a testament to his commitment to instinct and individuality. Yet, the magnitude of money lost—and the cultural moment missed with The Lord of the Rings—remains a remarkable footnote in his story, showing that even the greatest stars sometimes turn down history.
Had Connery accepted the Gandalf role, not only would his career earnings have soared, but the character’s legacy, and even the film’s tone, might have looked dramatically different. For fans and industry watchers, his decision stands as an enduring reminder of the high stakes behind seemingly simple choices in Hollywood.
