When it comes to roles she didn't get, Nia Long has a long history.
The star of "You People" admitted she felt "passed over" for certain roles in the past, and wondered why she wasn't considered for certain roles, such as the co-head in James Cameron's blockbuster film "Avatar" before Zoe Saldaa was cast.
“It’s been felt out of touch on things, for sure.” Long asked in a cover story for The Cut. “I think Zoe is amazing. But I wasn’t even a topic of discussion, you know?”
Long continued, "A lot of times, to be fair, directors know who they want in their heads. It's happened to me, and it's not happened to me."
"I'd love to do a film like 'Avatar,'" the actress said. "I'd even do a supporting role in a film like that because it's so magical and beautiful, and there are so many lessons and a connection to Mother Nature, humanity, and race."
Long stated that while she hasn't been asked to audition for roles in a while, she'd be open to it if an audition meant being part of "Avatar 5" in some capacity.
Long said, “If it was something that someone thought I wasn't right for, I would do it,” she said.
The "Best Man" actress isn't the only person to miss out on being in the first historical film to feature in "Avatar."
Prior to Sam Worthington's casting, Matt Damon rejected the lead role (and ten percent of the box office profits).
Damon said in 2019, "Jim Cameron offered me 'Avatar,' and when he offered it to me, he says, 'No, please.' Because the movie does not really need you, I'll find an unknown actor and give it to him. I'll give you ten per cent if you do."
Cameron invited Damon to take part in the sequels in hopes that the "world is in equilibrium again."