Brokeback Mountain is a film that could have looked very different, as several A-list actors passed on the opportunity to star in it. In a 2018 interview with Indiewire, director Gus Van Sant revealed, “I was aiming for a high-profile cast.” Among those he approached were Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Ryan Phillippe. However, none were interested in taking on the roles.

Reflecting on the casting challenges, Van Sant admitted he might have been too focused on securing big names, saying he was “not ready” to direct the film at that time.

“There was something off with myself, I guess,” Van Sant remarked, suggesting personal uncertainties impacted his casting choices.

Mark Wahlberg was also considered for a role and even met with director Ang Lee. However, as he shared with WENN in 2007, he felt uneasy with the material after reviewing 15 pages of the script, which ultimately led him to decline the project.

Mark Wahlberg later had a meeting with Lee, but told WENN in 2007, per the Advocate, that he got “a little creeped out” by the 15 pages of the script that he read.

“I told Ang Lee, ‘I like you, you’re a talented guy, if you want to talk about it more…’” he recalled. “Thankfully, he didn’t…I didn’t rush to see Brokeback, it’s just not my deal… Obviously, it was done in taste—look how it was received.”