Casting What-Ifs
Russell Crowe as Vincent earns enthusiasm; Adam Sandler as Max and Edward Norton in either lead are uncertain, while Val Kilmer’s planned Fanning is the painful lost option.
In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:35Read transcript
- Mimi Leder and Janusz Kamiński were attached before Crowe’s interest brought Mann to the project; Spike Lee, Scorsese, and Spielberg were also approached.
- Crowe would make a different but exciting Vincent, while Sandler would make the movie funnier but might prevent viewers from accepting Max.
- Edward Norton was reportedly offered both leads, Colin Farrell Vincent, and Cuba Gooding Jr. Max.
- Val Kilmer withdrew from Fanning because of Alexander, leaving the hosts imagining his facial-hair choices and 80-take phone scene.
- Dennis Farina was the original Bruce McGill possibility.