Harrison Ford Missed Out on an Oscar-Worthy Role 20 Years Ago! Here’s Why

Even the biggest movie stars can miss out on golden opportunities. Harrison Ford, a cinematic icon known for his legendary roles, has frequently been approached with significant projects. Typically, he has no regrets about the roles he passes on. However, there is one notable exception.

It’s not uncommon for actors to reject roles that later become iconic. Sometimes it’s a personal choice, other times the production eventually goes with someone else. Despite his storied career, Ford has not been immune to this.

He notably turned down John McTiernan’s offer to play Jack Ryan in “The Hunt for Red October,” a role that ultimately went to Alec Baldwin. Steven Spielberg also suggested he play Dr. Alan Grant in “Jurassic Park”—a role that Sam Neill would eventually fill—during an anniversary screening of “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Ford also passed on the lead roles in “Misery” and “Die Hard,” with Bruce Willis famously portraying the unforgettable John McClane in the latter.

Until now, these decisions seemed not to bother Harrison Ford. But in a 2006 interview with the Irish Examiner, he acknowledged one true regret: declining to star in Stephen Gaghan’s political thriller “Syriana.” The role, which eventually went to George Clooney, earned Clooney an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor that year.

During the interview, Harrison Ford mentioned that he was not convinced by the script presented to him at the time: “I was not sufficiently convinced of the material’s authenticity, and I think I made a mistake,” he admitted.

This regret is particularly poignant as Harrison Ford, despite his impressive career, has never won an Oscar. He was only nominated once, in 1986, for his role in “Witness.” The recognition he has long deserved is still pending, even at the age of 81.

“Syriana” is available for viewing on VOD.