This article is part of Had I Known, Zikoko’s theme for September 2025, where we explore Nigerian stories of regret and the lessons learnt. Read more Had I Known stories here.
In Nollywood, where more than 3,000 films are produced each year, actors are often overwhelmed with offers. Inevitably, some scripts are declined—sometimes wisely, other times with lingering regret.
For every role passed over as a matter of principle or practicality, there is another that later becomes a hit, reshaping careers and stoking questions of “had I known.” The decision to say no, it turns out, can be as defining as the choice to say yes.
As part of our theme for September, Had I Known, we spoke to 8 Nigerian actors on the roles they regret turning down.
1. Abounce Fawole
I was going through a period where I was being boxed in the industry. At this time, I had rejected a ton of roles. They kept sending me scripts for roles that anyone could play, but I wanted something fresh and challenging.
Then I got a script that met my criteria. I connected with the character. I did the reading, and they liked me for the role. I was very excited. Then we started negotiations, and the money was just not enough. Eventually, we couldn’t get the money to match, so I stepped away from the role.
But I still think of what that role would have been like if I had played it.
2. Baaj Adebule
I regret rejecting two roles in particular. The first one was a very juicy role. I loved the character and would have gone along with it, but the script was in Microsoft Word. That is a red flag in Nollywood.
If you’re not in film, you’ll be like, “What’s the big deal?” But there’s no project where I’ve ever received the script in Microsoft Word that hasn’t turned out to be an absolute nightmare. I might be wrong, but I doubt there’s any actor who will say any different. So, huge red flag. I said no instantly. But it was a really good role, and I sometimes wonder what it would have done to my career if I had said yes.
The other one was more of a scheduling conflict. We had been talking, and it was looking like a project I could possibly do, but nothing had been agreed on yet. At the same time, there was another project I was passionate about, and we were having conversations simultaneously. Finally, the latter got greenlit and kicked off, and I had to end the conversation with the producers of the other film.
It’s something I’ve seen other actors do, and I’m not criticising it by any means. It’s just that I’m not comfortable juggling multiple projects. It just doesn’t work for my process or the way I work. It’s simply a terrible idea for me personally.
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3. Adeoluwa Akintoba
I once had a movie that I had been pursuing for a while. It was a very good role, and the pay was also good. I found the character very interesting. But while production was taking time to start, I accepted another role.
By the time they wanted to start shooting, we had scheduling conflicts. There was no way I could have done it. I even considered returning the money for the one I was already on set for and taking that one, but I couldn’t. Every day, I pray I get another role like that sent to me.
4. Bikiya Graham-Douglas
I wouldn’t call it regret, but sometimes I do think about it. I was supposed to play Salewa in Skinny Girl in Transit. I was offered the role, but we had some disagreements, and it was best to walk away from it. These are not things one wants to revisit, but they did such a good job with the direction they went with it.
5. Riyo David
In my case, it wasn’t exactly a matter of “turning down” a role, because I was already on the project. Rather, it became a case of creative differences. The journey carried me through several phases — from the excitement of landing the job, to getting on set, shooting, then leaving the project prematurely.
That came with its share of heartbreak, disappointment, accountability and, eventually, healing. My regret came from knowing it was a truly beautiful project, one I had invested myself in wholeheartedly, as I do with every role I take on. Creative differences are not uncommon in this industry, but how they’re handled makes all the difference.
What eased the weight for me was finding out that my replacement was a friend, brother, and colleague I deeply respect — someone I trust will deliver the character excellently. That gave me peace. Of course, there are days I wonder what could have been, but I always return to the reminder that nothing happens outside the consent and approval of God. So I believe I’m exactly where I need to be. More importantly, the experience made me stronger.
6. Christian Obi
The role I regret not taking was in Red Circle. When I was approached, I was told I would be playing a conductor. But there was a scene where I was supposed to be beaten up and tied, and I was going to be nude. Because I didn’t want my arse out in public — only on a yacht — I said I couldn’t do it.
Now, colour me regretful. At the premiere, I watched the film and saw the scene, and the actor wasn’t naked at all. I was like, “You could have called me back and told me you’d changed your mind!” I would have taken the role, because I would have been happy to be in Red Circle.
7. Adebola Akinlose
I got a DM from a casting director on Instagram. She said she had been following my content and liked what I was doing. She was an Indian woman, and she told me she was casting for a Bollywood movie. But it was all very discreet. I sent her my WhatsApp number, and we continued talking. I sent her my height, age, and other casting requirements. They even sent me the plot, and I was genuinely interested.
But then they asked if I could act in a “bold scene.” I asked what they meant, and they said, “Are you comfortable kissing?” I said yes. Then they asked if I could be nude for the role. They told me they were paying ₦8 million. I said I would think about it, so I reached out to a director I had worked with for advice.
Soon after, the casting director asked me to send a video of my body in a bikini. That was where I drew the line. I just didn’t feel comfortable with it. I turned down the role, but honestly, I regret the decision for a number of reasons. First, someone who respected my work had recommended me, and I lost that opportunity and their favour. Second, the money.
8. Nimi
For me, the role I regret not taking clashed with another project. We had already started shooting when the offer came in, so I couldn’t be part of it. I had always wanted to work with that director and was really looking forward to it.
It hurt because I knew the film was going to be amazing, the kind that would travel to festivals and go places. So that’s the only one I can truly say I regret, and even then, it wasn’t really in my power.
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