12 Roles actors were too afraid to take (With Pictures)

6. Jeremy Irons – Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs

Before Anthony Hopkins took on the iconic role of Dr. Hannibal Lector, one of the creepiest characters in cinematic history – it was originally offered to another actor, Jeremy Irons. Irons turned it down out of his fear of the dark plot and violence in the film. He had just done a villainous role and also feared being pigeonholed. As we know, Hopkins played the role formidably and went on to win an Oscar for the role.