Bruce Willis Regrets Rejecting Villain Role in Classic Clooney Film

Bruce Willis Reflects on Missing Out on Iconic Villain Role in George Clooney’s Movie

Bruce Willis, an enduring icon of Hollywood, had a remarkable run leading up to 2001. Known for his vigorous work ethic, he often gravitated toward a mix of hits and misses, though his successes during this period were notable. After the disappointing reception of “Last Man Standing” in 1996 and setting aside the animated success of “Beavis and Butt-Head Do America,” Willis celebrated a series of blockbuster successes with “The Fifth Element,” “Armageddon,” “The Sixth Sense,” and “Unbreakable”—making quite an impression at the box office.

However, 2001 was a turning point. With numerous offers likely on the table, Bruce found his focus narrowed down to just one film, Barry Levinson’s caper comedy “Bandits,” alongside Billy Bob Thornton and Cate Blanchett. The film, while charming, didn’t resonate with audiences, grossing just $67 million against its hefty $75 million budget. This marked the end of Willis’s remarkable streak, but it could have culminated in a different way.

In an intriguing revelation during a 2007 Q&A on Ain’t It Cool News, Willis shared his regret over turning down a coveted role in a star-studded film headlined by George Clooney. When asked about roles he wished he had taken, Willis reflected on his decision to pass on the character of Terry Benedict in “Ocean’s Eleven.” He revealed, “I really wanted to work with George Clooney and thought this could be my only chance. Unfortunately, when I read the script, the Terry Benedict character wasn’t fully developed at that point, so I chose to decline. It turned out to be another poor choice, but Andy Garcia absolutely nailed the role, and the rest is history.”

While Bruce certainly had no need for “Ocean’s Eleven,” considering his successful track record, one can’t help but wonder how the dynamic of Clooney against Willis would have added a unique flavor to the film. It’s a delightful thought that lingers for fans. Interestingly, Willis did manage to enter Clooney’s world later, making a cameo appearance as himself in “Ocean’s Twelve.”

Reflecting on career choices, it’s plausible that participating in “Ocean’s Eleven” might have altered the trajectory of his 2002 lineup, which included “Hart’s War” and “Tears of the Sun”—films that didn’t quite capture the magic of his earlier hits. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember the legacy Bruce Willis has built throughout his career. His contributions to film have left an indelible mark, and audiences are grateful for the joy he brought to the silver screen for as long as he was able to share that remarkable presence.