In the Line of Fire The Rewatchables
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In the Line of Fire

Casting What-Ifs

Hoffman, Redford, Hackman, Jones or Connery as Frank; De Niro, Harris or Dafoe as Mitch; Close or Stone as Lily

In the discussion (11)
Approx. transcript time · 01:06:02Read transcript
  • Hoffman reportedly was originally attached as Frank with Michael Apted directing; the script had circulated since around 1987.
  • Redford is a reported Frank possibility.
  • Hackman is a reported Frank possibility.
  • Tommy Lee Jones is a reported Frank possibility.
  • Connery is a reported Frank possibility.
  • De Niro reportedly was offered Mitch after Eastwood joined but was making A Bronx Tale; the discussion imagines overlap with his other sinister roles.
  • Glenn Close reportedly declined Lily.
  • Sharon Stone reportedly declined Lily.
  • Ed Harris reportedly was considered for Mitch.
  • Willem Dafoe reportedly was considered for Mitch.
  • Both alternatives are thought capable, but neither would reproduce Malkovich’s particular performance.