Colin Farrell has revealed he initially turned down the lead role in his forthcoming movie because he feared his presence might take away from the film.
Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, Farrell said that he felt the producers of 'In Bruges' were making a huge mistake when they asked him to star in the movie.
The star went on to say that he was thrilled to be approached for the film, which also stars Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes, but he became concerned that his reputation would overshadow the quality of the script.
Farrell said he begged the movie's writer and director, Irish Oscar winner Martin McDonagh, to cast an unknown actor in the role. McDonagh however was determined to have Farrell on board.
Farrell told the Hollywood Reporter: "I was chuffed to be part of it. It was just the best thing I ever read. But your public persona, people bring that in. And I met [McDonagh] in New York at the Hilton Hotel one afternoon and I tried to convince him he should cast an unknown in the part ... It was so good, I thought it would be good not to cast me."
'In Bruges', which tells the story of assassins who are forced to hide out in Belgium, will open this weekend's Dublin International Film Festival. It goes on general release from 7 March.
