Think about this: recent off Malcolm X and Philadelphia, Denzel Washington might’ve starred in Se7en. However as a substitute, he turned down the function of Detective Mills, and Brad Pitt stepped in, perpetually cementing his place as a number one man in Hollywood. Washington’s reasoning? Easy: he thought the script was “too demonic.” Quick ahead, and whereas Denzel nonetheless regrets passing up the chance, we’re all left questioning what may’ve been.
Washington’s “no” to Se7en wasn’t as a result of he was dodging darkish materials (he’d already taken on heavy roles like Glory). No, it was concerning the depth of the script—the entire seven lethal sins factor simply didn’t sit proper with him. In line with Collider, the story felt too grim for his style. The actor advised Jamie Foxx in a 2014 interview. “I assumed the script was too demonic. I used to be like, man, it’s simply an excessive amount of.” However after seeing the ultimate minimize, he admitted: “I blew it.”
Now, image Se7en with Denzel Washington within the lead. Would the long-lasting “What’s within the field?” scene hit the identical? Pitt’s Mills was this frantic, determined, impulsive man who didn’t maintain again. Denzel, although, tends to carry a quieter depth, a peaceful that may explode when the second calls for it. That scene may’ve had a distinct taste—extra a couple of man at his breaking level moderately than dropping management.
However right here’s the twist: If Washington had taken the function, we might’ve gotten an epic reunion with Morgan Freeman. They have been already a legendary duo in Glory, and Se7en would’ve supplied them the prospect to pair up once more. Their chemistry in Glory was electrical—Washington was the pushed pupil, and Freeman was the clever trainer. In Se7en, we might’ve gotten that dynamic once more, however in a very completely different context. The missed alternative is actual, however that’s Hollywood—all the time filled with “what ifs.”
Whereas Washington might have doubted the film’s darkish vibe, he wasn’t incorrect about Se7en’s potential. David Fincher’s thriller went on to be a masterpiece, with Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Mills setting him up for extra gritty roles like Combat Membership and Inglorious Basterds. Plus, that $327 million field workplace haul? Yeah, it didn’t damage. Washington, who was busy that yr, releasing three motion pictures, didn’t lose an excessive amount of momentum. Nonetheless, the monetary side of lacking out on Se7en isn’t misplaced on him.
However let’s be sincere: Whereas Denzel would’ve nailed the function, Brad Pitt’s efficiency is unforgettable. The pairing of Freeman and Pitt labored completely. Freeman’s calm, seasoned Somerset contrasted brilliantly with Pitt’s fiery, emotional Mills. It wasn’t only a pairing—it was the spine of Se7en. Washington may’ve delivered an analogous take, nevertheless it wouldn’t have been the identical. Pitt introduced one thing particular to the desk, one thing audiences nonetheless keep in mind.
Ultimately, each Se7en and the careers of Pitt and Washington thrived. Denzel’s choice didn’t derail his success, and Brad Pitt bought a defining function. As for Se7en, it stays an iconic thriller, and the “What’s within the field?” line is immortal. So perhaps, simply perhaps, issues labored out precisely how they have been meant to.
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