Casting What-Ifs
Glenn Close’s casting challenge; Sharon Stone and other Alex candidates; Christopher Reeve; Andie MacDowell; Brian De Palma; John Carpenter
In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 01:09:45Read transcript
- The producers doubted Close’s sexual suitability until her hair and chemistry with Douglas helped establish the role.
- Stone auditioned and was passed over; the panel argues Alex should be Douglas’s contemporary. Field, Alley and Thompson are reported as considered, with uncertainty.
- Elisabeth Shue’s candidacy is doubted because of her age; Carrie Fisher is mentioned, and Field’s ability to play Alex is debated through Sybil.
- Reeve reportedly declined Dan; the panel doubts his fit for spontaneous moral compromise. MacDowell was considered for Beth.
- MacDowell is described as a later market replacement for Archer, with hypothetical Archer roles in Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Groundhog Day and Short Cuts.
- De Palma reportedly wanted Douglas replaced; Carpenter then declined over similarities to Play Misty for Me and objections to the original ending.