Goldman’s novel and rights, Reiner and Lear’s support, Wright and Elwes’s careers, exact casting, Andre’s wrestling schedule and physical limits, and Goldman writing Fezzik with Andre in mind
Rob Reiner directed the film from William Goldman’s 1973 novel, and the grandfather framing preserves the book’s asides and genre commentary.
20th Century Fox paid Goldman $500,000 for the rights in 1973 but did not make the movie; Goldman later bought the rights back.
Norman Lear produced the film and is credited with signing off after Rob Reiner selected the lead actor.
Reiner wanted Carrie Elways after Lady Jane, while Robin Wright’s late audition is described through the story of her appearing backlit at Goldman’s door.
Andre the Giant was the first choice, but an apparent Tokyo wrestling commitment initially made him unavailable.
Andre’s back surgery required the production to rig Robin Wright, use a masked double for impact, and put Carrie Always on a box for close shots.
Kareem Abdul-Jibar, Lou Forigno, a Scottish strongman, and the actor known from Twin Peaks were considered while Andre was unavailable.
Robin Wright’s post-film career discussion highlights Forrest Gump, House of Cards, She’s So Lovely, the film rendered “white old Leander,” and Wonder Woman.
The actor rendered Carrie Always is described as an ideal fairy-tale lead whose later career moved through spoofs and villain roles.
The Crush and Clueless discussion traces Alicia Silverstone’s career around the Aerosmith-video period.
The production contacted the WWF because Andre’s wrestling bookings controlled his availability.
Andre’s availability is compared with the Michael J. Fox and Back to the Future scheduling story.
William Goldman was a wrestling fan who reportedly wrote the novel with Andre in mind and asked casting to find someone like him.
