While most famous actors working today have dabbled in at least one follow-up film in their time, many others, fromLeonardo DiCaprioto Forest Whitaker, steer clear of sequels entirely. They may have joined a film franchise within a respective sequel, for example, but after that, they were done. The performers on this list prefer to tackle new roles as opposed to reprising them.
You’ll undoubtedly recognize the majority of names on the list, but with international actors included, a few may appear unfamiliar. Rest assured, they’re all among the finest talents of their generation, and much of that acclaim can be attributed to the range they’ve showcased in tackling various roles. These are 20 actors who don’t do sequels.
20William H. Macy
After his role inFargo(1996) garnered acclaim, American actorWilliam H. Macybegan appearing in big-budget movies likeAir Force One(1997) andPsycho(1998). And even before his essential work with Joel and Ethan Coen, this revered performer appeared in other critical darlings, such asHouse of Games(1989) andHomicide(1991). But throughout all those titles, Macy has never been one for sequels.
He’s Joined a Couple of Franchises
Although Macy has appeared in franchise films likeJurassic Park III(2001) andKingdom of the Planet of the Apes(2024), he’s never actuallyreprised a role in film. He’s played an ongoing character on television — Frank Gallagher inShameless(2011-2021), of course — but never on the silver screen.
19Ben Foster
Although he played Warren Worthington (also known as Angel) inX-Men: The Last Stand(2006), fan-favorite actorBen Fosterdidn’t appear in the trilogy’s prior two entries. That’s one of the films that put him on the map, along with others such asThe Punisher(2004),Alpha Dog(2006), and3:10 to Yuma(2007). But even if those were supposed to have follow-up films, Foster likely would have steered clear.
Foster’s Hollywood Trajectory
Since his rise to prominence, Foster’s only appeared in one movie that’s even likely to get a sequel:Warcraft(2016). However, director Duncan Jones has essentiallystated that another entryhas been scrapped, and even then, Foster was never even in talks to reprise his role. He likely never will be.
18Pam Grier
For contemporary audiences, the most famousPam Grierrole goes to the eponymous character inJackie Brown(1997). It’s based onRum Punch, a novel by Elmore Leonard, who created a character that has appeared in multiple movies. Ray Nicolette was portrayed by Michael Keaton inJackie BrownandOut of Sight(1998), but as for Jackie — she’s only been in one.
Grier’s Blaxploitation Films
With several starring roles, Grier made a name for herself in the 1970s by working inthe Blaxploitation genre. FromCoffy(1973) andFoxy Brown(1974) toSheba Baby(1975) andFriday Foster(1975), many of Grier’s movies of that ilk solidified her as a bona fide action star. A few of those titles had sequel potential, but any possibilities were canceled before they truly got off the ground.
17Emile Hirsch
Who’s down for a spin-off ofMilk(2008), starringEmile Hirschas Cleve Jones? It’s one of his greatest performances, after all. Of course, no one is asking for that, even if it’d likely be amazing. If Gus Van Sant can’t direct, just get Sean Penn. The latter is perhaps Hirsch’s greatest collaborator, having cast Emile in the year prior withInto the Wild(2007).
Other Emile Hirsch Hits
Killer Joe(2011),The Autopsy of Jane Doe(2016),Once Upon a Time in Hollywood(2019) — in the 2010s, Hirsch appeared in several critical darlings. That’s not even accounting for underrated movies likePrince Avalanche(2013) andNever Grow Old(2019). But no matterhow well Hirsch performsin a given film, it’s unlikely he’ll reprise the role.
16Taraji P. Henson
With a sundry array of characters under her belt,Taraji P. Hensonis always searching for a fresh role. Credits inHustle & Flow(2005) andThe Curious Case of Benjamin Button(2008) put Henson on the map, and she provided more underrated performances during that time inSmokin' Aces(2006) andTalk to Me(2007). Of course, none of those films got sequels.
Henson’s Next Challenge
For her performance inBenjamin Button, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards, and she received further acclaim in the following decade thanks toHidden Figures(2016). Two entirely different films, showcasing Henson’s true range. With her latest performance inThe Color Purple(2023), fans are eager to watch Henson take on her next challenge.
15Ricardo Darín
Perhaps the greatest actor in Argentina’s history,Ricardo Darínappeared in a couple of movies throughout the ’80s and ’90s. However, it wasn’t untilNine Queens(2000) at the turn of the century that he was truly put on the map. Since, he’s portrayed several well-written characters that have rendered himan all-time great actor.
Darín’s Critical Darlings
American audiences may recognize this Argentine legend for his starring roles inThe Secret in Their Eyes(2009) orArgentina, 1985(2022). Both were nominated at the Oscars for Best International Feature Film, and, spoilers, it’s not like Darín’s characters die. Technically, they could have sequels. Alas, they’re one-off films, and that’s how Darín has remained relevant. He only appears in original films, which will always be the case.
14Forest Whitaker
One of the manyFast Times at Ridgemont High(1982) cast members who soon after found superstardom,Forest Whitakerhas stayed away from comedies ever since. For the most part, at least. Since that famous debut, he’s appeared in war movies, thrillers, sports movies, and sci-fi stints. Some fan-favorite genres, but none of the movies have gotten sequels.
Whitaker’s Blockbusters
Films likeGhost Dog: The Way of the Samurai(1999) andThe Last King of Scotland(2006) were never meant to get sequels. If they did, Whitaker wouldn’t have appeared. Follow-up films just aren’t his thing, evident in franchises likeStar Warsand the MCU. The actor at hand appeared in one film a piece, but he’ll likely never be back.
13Katie Holmes
Like some other names on the list,Katie Holmesmarks a famous (or infamous, depending on perspective) instance of a high-profile actress leaving a fan-favorite franchise. In Christopher Nolan’s superhero trilogy, the role of Rachel Dawes was recast from Holmes inBatman Begins(2005) to Maggie Gyllenhaal inThe Dark Knight(2008). While the latter performed brilliantly, many fans questioned the decision.
Two Other Franchises
Nolan’s trilogy is easily the most famous series to feature Holmes. However, she also appeared inMuppets from Space(1999), along with a horror film calledBrahms: The Boy II(2020). They both marked Holmes' first appearance in the respective franchises, but rest assured: she’ll never reprise the roles.
12Diego Luna
Famous performerDiego Lunawas put on the map by co-starring with Gael García Bernal inY tu mamá también(2001). Directed by Alfonso Cuarón from a script he co-wrote with his brother Carlos, it’s perhaps the greatest film by everyone involved, even all these years later. It helped land Luna a spot in the ranks of Hollywood up-and-comers, and soon, he was appearing in big-budget titles.
Transitioning to Hollywood
BothOpen Range(2003) andThe Terminal(2004) featureprominent performances from Luna, withMilk(2008) solidifying his popularity. He’s perhaps best known today for portraying Cassian Andor in theStar Warsuniverse, both on television withAndor(2022-present) and in film withRogue One(2016). But don’t expect his Cassian in the latter medium again.
11Gael García Bernal
Right before he co-starred inY tu mamá también, Mexican actorGael García Bernalappeared inAmores Perros(2000). Directed by Alejandro Gonzaláles Iñárritu, it technically has two spiritual sequels:21 Grams(2003), andBabel(2006). The latter also featured Bernal, albeit in a different role. And besides: spiritual sequels hardly count, in this case.
Joining the MCU
WithWerewolf by Night(2022), a television special, Bernal joined the famous ranks of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He’s not likely to portray that character on film, though, and if he did, it would just be for one movie. Gael García Bernal is too talented for movie sequels — you expect those to test his range?
