Before all the accolade and success that the LOTR franchise got around the world during its release, the movie was considered risky as its $281 million budget was the most expensive movie franchise of all time back then. Add to the fact that director Peter Jackson was relatively unknown and no A-list star was to be seen on the cast list, it was a no-brainer as to what could possibly happen to its success.
The film's producers originally wanted him, and wanted him desperately at that. They pulled out all the stops to get him to sign the deal, but to no avail. An additional $10 million per film salary, they also offered Connery 15% of the box office for all three movies. The celebrated actor didn't take the part because he "did not understand the script".
Though Sean Connery's net worth already had $300 Million to his name, his turning down the role almost caused him to retire from acting all together. Connery still appeared in 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' hoping it would match the success of 'LOTR', but unfortunately it earned just just $66 million off a $78-million budget. The failure and the 'LOTR' mistake was apparently too much to handle.
Sean Connery net worth over US$300 Million: Apparently not enough because turning down the $450 Million role in 'Lord of The Rings' caused him to retire from acting completely in 2005.
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