Close Encounters of the Third Kind poster
Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Casting What-Ifs

Close Encounters of the Third Kind The Rewatchables

Steve McQueen, James Caan, Pacino, Hoffman, Hackman, Nicholson, Streep, Irving, and others are reviewed.

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 01:28:53Read transcript
  • Steve McQueen is reported to have declined because he could not cry on cue despite admiring the script.
  • James Caan, Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino, and Gene Hackman are reported to have declined the lead, while Jack Nicholson had conflicts.
  • Richard Dreyfuss is reported to have lobbied Spielberg persistently before salary demands briefly stalled the deal.
  • Hackman's troubled marriage and reluctance to leave Los Angeles, along with Caan's price, are given as reasons the alternatives failed.
  • Teri Garr wanted Jillian but was cast as Ronnie; Meryl Streep and Amy Irving also auditioned for Ronnie.
  • Hal Ashby is reported to have recommended Melinda Dillon, who was cast only days before filming.
  • Carrie Guffey reportedly lost the chance to play Danny Torrance because he was committed to other films.