10 Stars Who’ve Moved On From Their Most Iconic Roles

Once a role becomes legendary, it’s hard to imagine anyone saying no to it again. But some actors did just that. There’s more to the story than nostalgia and studio calls. These decisions came down to timing, taste, and plain old instinct. Here’s a rundown of ten famous roles that their original stars won’t be returning to.

Chris Evans: Captain America

Despite fan hopes, Chris Evans has no intention of returning as Captain America anytime soon. He believes the character’s story wrapped up in a meaningful way and doesn’t want to risk diminishing its legacy. Instead, Evans is focused on exploring new opportunities.

Daniel Radcliffe: Harry Potter

Grateful for his magical start, Daniel Radcliffe has largely stepped away from “Harry Potter.”  In a 2024 Variety interview, he expressed reluctance to cameo in the upcoming Max series, saying he’s content with the original cast’s closure, and has since embraced quirky roles like a flatulent cadaver in “Swiss Army Man.”

Will Ferrell: Buddy The Elf

Will Ferrell refuses to make an “Elf” sequel, stating he won’t risk ruining the original’s charm. He prefers exploring new comedic roles rather than revisiting past successes, believing that Buddy the Elf should remain a standalone holiday favorite untouched by unnecessary continuations.

Harrison Ford: Han Solo

Harrison Ford had been pushing for Han Solo’s death since “Empire Strikes Back,” believing the character needed a heroic exit. “I’ve been arguing for Han Solo to succumb for 30 years,” he confessed to GQ Magazine with his signature bluntness. When it finally happened in “The Force Awakens,” Ford was so relieved that he practically danced off set, blaster retired for good.

Kate Winslet: Rose DeWitt Bukater

While “Titanic” catapulted Kate Winslet to fame, she admitted to feeling frustrated by the constant presence of “My Heart Will Go On,” the film’s iconic anthem. In a 2012 interview with MTV News, she confessed that hearing it everywhere made her “want to throw up.” Despite this, she’s never outright rejected the idea of revisiting Rose, although the character’s story feels complete.

Jodie Foster: Clarice Starling

Though Clarice Starling became a defining role in her career, Jodie Foster has made it clear she won’t return. She wasn’t fond of the direction “Hannibal” took and chose not to be involved. Foster remains focused on pursuing new challenges, prioritizing artistic integrity over nostalgia, and has permanently left her “Silence of the Lambs” role behind.

Sean Connery: James Bond

“I’ve always hated that damned James Bond,” Sean Connery confessed to The Guardian in 2004, expressing his frustration with being forever linked to the iconic 007 role. Despite the shaken martinis and worldwide fame, the serious typecasting left him feeling boxed in, unable to escape the shadow of Bond.

Dylan O’Brien: Stiles Stilinski

When given the opportunity to reprise his role as Stiles Stilinski in “Teen Wolf: The Movie,” Dylan O’Brien ultimately decided to decline. He called the decision tough, expressing his deep affection for the original series. However, the film’s quick development made it difficult for him to commit.

Christopher Plummer: Captain Von Trapp

Christopher Plummer mocked “The Sound of Music” as “The Sound of Mucus” in a 2011 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, calling the experience “like being hit over the head with a Valentine’s Day card.” Though the film’s beloved status is undeniable, Plummer found the singing captain too saccharine for his sophisticated palate.

Jamie Dornan: Christian Grey

Talk about fifty shades of “never again.” Jamie Dornan was more than ready to leave “Fifty Shades” behind after the trilogy wrapped, openly sharing his relief in later interviews. While the films catapulted him to fame, he quickly sought out more critically acclaimed roles, showcasing his talent beyond the Red Room and proving he was much more than Christian Grey.