"The Lord of the Rings" producers offered Sean Connery the role of "Gandalf", but he did not take it. He was also offered a part in "The Matrix" films, but rejected the role. In 2003 he starred in the film "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" and was an audience favourite. It was to be his final appearance on the big screen, as he turned his back on Hollywood at the end of 2003 and so retired after an unbelievably successful career.