Actors who couldn’t care less about appearing in sequels to their hit movies

Sequels are all the rage in cinema today and most actors happily embrace a quick cash grab whenever it comes down to it.

However, over time and as recently as 2025, there have been instances when some performers have walked away from an offer to reprise their mega hit roles or expressed their disdain for a potential follow up.

Have a look at six of such exceptions:

Kirsten Dunst

Starting off with Kirsten Dunst, the child star turned pro recently confirmed that she has no interest in reprising her role from the hit teen comedy Bring It On, which came out in 2000.

“No. I’m like, leave good things where they are,” she told Entertainment Tonight during a screening of her new film, Roofman.

Kristen Stewart

The actress who was primarily known for her work in multiple franchises before branching out as a formidable force in independent cinema, Kristen Stewart refused to reprise her performance as Snow White for The Huntsman: Winter’s War, when she was offered a cameo.

Notably, she was originally fired from the film due to the cheating scandal with Rupert Saunders, director for 2012’s Snow White and the Huntsman and chose not to accept a half hearted guest appearance for its follow up.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Not really above doing a sequel or two, Arnold Schwarzenegger refused to do one for his 1987 action blockbuster Predator.

Why? The makers did not meet the legendary actor’s salary demands for the movie’s sequel.

Geena Davis

Oscar winner Geena Davis hit a new high with the success of 1986’s The Fly, but that wasn’t enough to bring her back for its sequel.

She refused the offer because her original character, Veronica Quaife, was supposed to die in childbirth during the sequel’s first act itself.

Edward Norton

Edward Norton walked away from what could have been the biggest paycheck of his career when he turned down an offer to return as the Hulk for MCU’s 2012 smash hit The Avengers.

The Fight Club star later revealed that his decision was based on the need to avoid being type cast.

Val Kilmer

The late actor Val Kilmer refused to don the black cape for a second time in 1997’s Batman & Robin, and ended up being replaced by George Clooney.

While his version of the Dark Knight in 1995’s Batman Forever was a stellar success, Kilmer was not eager to reprise the role because he did not enjoy wearing the Bat suit and had a pretty tough time onset while making the first film.