Overview

• Christopher Nolan first offered the lead in Inception to Brad Pitt, who declined within 48 hours before approaching Will Smith and then Leonardo DiCaprio.
• Smith revealed he passed on the role of Dom Cobb because he “didn’t get” the film’s nested dream structure when it was pitched to him.
• He noted that movies exploring alternate realities can be difficult to sell at the script stage and said the decision still “hurts too bad to talk about.”
• Inception went on to gross $839 million worldwide and became one of Nolan’s most acclaimed and influential blockbusters.
• The actor also expressed regret over turning down The Matrix and Django Unchained, highlighting how pivotal creative pitches can shape careers.