Hollywood stars' roles that initially scared them, but then brought them worldwide fame

Hollywood stars' roles that initially scared them, but then brought them immense fame

Sometimes, the role that seemed to be the biggest success of their career is the one that worries them the most. Even the films that became the basis for today's popular franchises or introduced stars to the world initially worried that they would damage their careers. Actors such as Margot Robbie, Matt Damon, Natalie Portman and Keanu Reeves have experienced this situation.

**Margot Robbie**

It was thanks to this film that she was recognized by audiences around the world. However, Robbie herself was afraid that this role would negatively affect her future career.

“I was worried that people would expect too much from me. I was afraid that if Martin Scorsese invited him to his film, he must be very talented. Instead of surprising people, I was worried that I would disappoint them,” Robbie told Time magazine.

**Matt Damon**

However, the actor once had serious concerns about the premiere of the film.

At that time, Damon’s career was in a period of decline: he did not receive any new offers for six months. In a row, the films “The Invincible Hearts” and “The Legend of Bagger Vance” were released, both of which failed and received negative reviews from critics. He believed that “The Bourne Identity” would not be successful either. But on the contrary, this film opened a new page in his career.

“The premiere of the film was delayed, postponed several times, there were reshoots. Everyone was saying, ‘This film is going to fail,’” the actor recalled.

**Amanda Seyfried**

“The first thing you think is that this role could ruin my career,” she said in an interview with the Sunday Times.

Although the film was not highly appreciated by critics, Amanda’s reputation in Hollywood was not damaged. She continued to star in several films a year and win prestigious awards.

**Natalie Portman**

She played the role of Padme Amidala in the film “The Phantom Menace.” However, the negative reviews from critics almost put an end to her career.

The actress said in an interview with the New Yorker magazine: “Everyone thought I was a terrible actress. I starred in the highest-grossing film of the decade, and no director wanted to work with me.”

Portman's career was helped by director Mike Nichols. In 2001, he invited the actress to the play "The Seagull". Later, he recommended Portman to his colleague Anthony Minghella.

"I vouch for her," Nichols wrote. After that, events continued like a chain: Minghella recommended Portman to director Tom Tykwer. Tykwer invited her to the film "Truth". Later, she was recommended to the creative team of the Wachowskis and starred in the cult film "V for Vendetta".

**Keanu Reeves**

In 2008, Keanu Reeves played the role of Klaatu in the film "The Day the Earth Stood Still". Although the film was a commercial success, it received negative reviews from critics.

Reeves later joked in an interview with Esquire magazine, "Sometimes I call it 'The Day My Career Stopped.' It was like I was trapped in a studio prison. You're always fighting for your career."

The project gave the actor a new lease on life as an action star, which later became a popular franchise.