Josh Hartnett Explained Why He Turned Down "Brokeback Mountain" And Who Was Going To Star In It With Him

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Brokeback Mountain is a classic, an award-winner, and a truly iconic film. And as it turns out, Ang Lee's 2005 drama almost looked very different.

Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal look in the distance in cowboy outfits
Focus Films / courtesy Everett Collection

In an interview with news.com.au, actor Josh Hartnett — who also recently opened up about stepping away from Hollywood — revealed that he almost starred in Brokeback Mountain, but ultimately had to turn it down.

Hartnett smiles for the camera at an event
Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images

“Unfortunately, I was going to do Brokeback Mountain,” he revealed, "And I had a contract with [The Black Dahlia] that I had to film, so I had to drop out of it.”

Hartnett looks off-camera at an event

The Black Dhalia, which was directed by Brian DePalma (Carrie, Mission: Impossible), came out a year after Brokeback Mountain.

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“It was a different film altogether," Hartnett claimed before mentioning that Joaquin Phoenix was slated to star alongside him in the film. "But they went on to do it with Heath (Ledger) and Jake (Gyllenhaal).”

Phoenix holds an envelope onstage
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“I’ve always wanted to kiss Joaquin, so that’s my biggest regret,” he also joked.

Hartnett looks at the camera
Daniele Venturelli / Getty Images for Dsquared2

Read the entire interview here.