Casting What-Ifs
Ronstadt; Fisher; Dey; disputed Osmond; Arnaz; Winkler; Presley; Ford/Lamas; Reems/Caesar
In the discussion (10)
Approx. transcript time · 01:09:23Read transcript
- Travolta reportedly suggested both the director and Newton-John.
- Ronstadt was seriously considered and is regarded as capable of Sandy, though with a different energy.
- Fisher and Susan Dey were reportedly considered for Sandy.
- The story that Marie Osmond rejected Sandy over the transformation is explicitly doubted as retrospective association with the hit.
- Lucie Arnaz allegedly lost consideration for Rizzo after Lucille Ball objected to a screen test; Channing is described as Carr’s client.
- Winkler reportedly declined Danny to avoid repeating the Fonz and later regretted it; his casting is judged much worse despite his enormous television fame.
- Presley was reportedly considered for Teen Angel before his death; his presence would have made the scene irresistible even to its critic.
- Lamas reportedly replaced Steven Ford after Ford developed stage fright.
- Ford is recognized and checked as Sally’s boyfriend in When Harry Met Sally.
- Harry Reems reportedly signed to play Coach Calhoun before Paramount replaced him with Sid Caesar, ending a hoped-for mainstream crossover.