Sandra Bullock and Ashley Judd had reportedly rejected the lead role in "Million Dollar Baby" before it was offered to Hillary Swank.

Swank, who won the best actress award in the 77th Oscars for her tragic role as a female boxer in "Million Dollar Baby" was only the third choice for producer Albert S. Ruddy, reported the New York Post.

Ruddy first approached the "Speed" actress Bullock, who turned down the plum part when she was told she could not pick the director, and then "Twisted" star Judd, who demanded too high a salary.

After Ruddy finally settled on Swank, Bullock's agent reportedly called him and said she would do the picture after all. But the producer said "Too late".