Actor Amanda Seyfried expresses no regret over declining the part in Guardians of the Galaxy movie.
Amanda Seyfried Passes on Guardians of the Galaxy Role, Cites UK Stint, Fear of Failure
Actress Amanda Seyfried talked candidly about her decision to turn down the lead role of Gamora in Marvel's blockbuster franchise "Guardians of the Galaxy" on Wednesday's episode of the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast.
According to Seyfried, she stumbled upon the offer but hesitated for a couple of days. The main reasons behind her decision? A six-month stint in London and the looming fear of the film flopping.
"I wasn't crazy about the idea of living in London for six months, and there was another project with Seth MacFarlane, 'A Million Ways to Die in the West', which I found more appealing," Seyfried explained.
Eventually, the role of Gamora went to Zoé Saldaña, who shone as the green-skinned heroine across three "Guardians" films, as well as "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Avengers: Endgame".
Initially, Seyfried was apprehensive about being part of a Marvel movie that bombed, perceiving it as a potential blow to her career. She laughed as she admitted, "I thought because it involved a talking tree and a talking raccoon, it would be Marvel's first flop, and Chris Pratt and I would never work again. Turns out, I was wrong."
The "Guardians of the Galaxy" trilogy amassed an impressive $2 billion globally from 2014 to 2023 at the box office.
Reflecting on her decision, Seyfried acknowledged that she was "scared senseless."
"I was at a crossroads in my career, and I didn't want to compromise by taking on something that wasn't my cup of tea," she said. "I stand by my decision, as it served me well both then and now."
Seyfried further clarified, "I didn't regret it then or now, as it was a choice I made for myself."
Background:Seyfried discarded the offer due to concerns about the time-consuming makeup sessions and the commitment required for filming in London. She also feared that the film might bomb, potentially impacting her career negatively. At the time, she found the prospect of working on "A Million Ways to Die in the West" with Seth MacFarlane more appealing, as it aligned with her interests and career goals. Saldanha ultimately starred as Gamora, and the movie went on to be a significant hit. Seyfried remains content with her decision, stating that it was best for her at the time and still holds true today.[source 1][source 2]
Footnotes:1. Amanda Seyfried Says She Turned Down 'Guardians of the Galaxy' Role2. Guardians Of The Galaxy: Amanda Seyfried Turned Down Gamora Role Fearing Film's Failure
Amanda Seyfried's decision to decline the Gamora role in "Guardians of the Galaxy" was influenced by a forthcoming six-month stint in London and the fear of the film not being successful, potentially denting her career. The minted $2 billion from the films' box office serves as a stark contrast to her initial apprehension, especially since Zoé Saldaña acclaimed the role and delivered captivating performances across the trilogy. Despite missing out on the opportunity, Seyfried remains content with her choice, as it seemed to be the best decision for her at the time and remains so today.
