
These Country Stars Could’ve Been Hollywood Legends, BUT They Turned Down the Roles!
By: Brian Zwerner
Mar 3, 2025
What do a blockbuster shipwreck, a high-octane tornado, and a gritty Western series have in common? They all nearly featured some of country music's biggest names. But instead of red carpet premieres, these stars opted for sold-out stadium shows.
Kicking off the list at number three, Cody Johnson reportedly passed on an opportunity to saddle up for season five of "Yellowstone." Series creator Taylor Sheridan sought Johnson's authentic cowboy presence, but the singer's touring schedule took precedence. So, the "Human" singer stayed on the road, while "Yellowstone" continued its drama without him.
Taking the number two spot is Reba McEntire, who was set to play the "unsinkable" Molly Brown in James Cameron's "Titanic." However, production delays caused a scheduling conflict with her tour, forcing McEntire to relinquish the role. Kathy Bates went on to deliver an unforgettable performance, but one can only imagine the "Fancy" singer's take on the character.
And finally, at number one, Garth Brooks reportedly turned down not one, but two major film roles: the original "Twister" and Steven Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan." According to his production partner, Brooks's decision stemmed from a fear of being overshadowed - either by Tom Hanks's acting prowess or the sheer force of a cinematic tornado. While these films went on to become classics, Brooks remained firmly planted in the realm of country music superstardom.
These instances highlight the delicate balancing act that many artists face. While Hollywood offers its allure, sometimes the call of the stage—and the roar of the crowd—is simply too strong to resist.