Denzel Washington’s career is filled with remarkable decisions and missed opportunities, but few choices resonate quite like his rejection of the role of Detective Mills in the 1995 psychological thriller, Se7en. Having recently risen to stardom through powerful performances in Malcolm X and Philadelphia, Washington had the chance to join the film, which would become iconic over the years. Instead, he opted out, and Brad Pitt stepped in, transforming both men’s careers forever.
Washington’s reasoning? He felt the script was 'too demonic.' The narrative, revolving around the seven deadly sins, struck him as overly grim. According to Collider, Washington confided to Jamie Foxx during a 2014 interview, 'I thought the script was too demonic. I was like, man, it’s just too much.' He later reflected on this decision, admitting, 'I blew it' after seeing the film's final cut.
This leaves fans pondering how different Se7en might have been with Washington as Mills. Pitt’s character is frantic and impulsive, providing one of the film’s most memorable performances alongside Morgan Freeman, who played the seasoned detective Somerset. If Washington had taken the role, audiences might have witnessed a similarly deep performance but with Washington’s characteristic calm intensity playing out against darker themes.
The chemistry between Washington and Freeman has already proven electric, as seen in Glory, where Washington portrayed the driven student and Freeman the wise mentor. Their potential reunion on the set of Se7en could have delivered a fresh take on their dynamic, albeit in much darker circumstances. While it’s intriguing to speculate, Washington didn't lose much ground with his choice; he managed to release three films the same year, ensuring his stardom remained intact.
Hollywood often operates on “what ifs,” and the financial success of Se7en, which grossed $327 million, is not lost on Washington. That said, it’s hard to deny Brad Pitt’s performance has left its mark on cinematic history. The mixture between Freeman’s restrained Somerset and Pitt’s erratic Mills yielded not just tension but complex character developments, encapsulating themes of morality and consequence.
Outside of movie roles, Washington has shown his playful side, too. Jeffrey Wright recently shared how Washington attempted to pull a prank on him about his son Elijah’s audition for the upcoming film Highest 2 Lowest. Although the joke didn’t land successfully, it offers another glimpse of Washington’s personality beyond the screen.
Washington’s career highlights and unique anecdotes provide insight not only to his choices but also to the actor himself—a blend of serious talent with a dash of humor. The missed opportunities like Se7en do not overshadow the numerous impactful roles he has crafted but rather serve as reminders of how each decision adds to the fabric of his legacy.
While some may still wonder how different Se7en would have been with Washington at the helm, it’s clear he has maintained not just his footing within Hollywood but also contributed significantly to its ever-evolving narrative.
With performances across genres, Washington remains one of the most respected actors, his legacy cemented by choices both daring and considered. Amidst the rollercoaster of his decisions, there’s comfort knowing the industry continues to thrive on stories inspired by such remarkable talents.
