Casting What-Ifs
Hanks; Ryder; Harrelson; Dorothy finalists; Foxx; Jackson; uncertain Lane
In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 00:19:01Read transcript
- Gooding reportedly auditioned early and remained the benchmark despite later auditions including Jamie Foxx. His voluntary decision to undress for an audition scene is corrected after a misunderstanding that he was required to.
- Gooding receiving his Oscar from Mira Sorvino is noted because she reportedly lost Dorothy when her agents requested too much money.
- Crowe reportedly wrote for Hanks and Winona Ryder; Hanks passed after the long writing process to make That Thing You Do!, and Ryder with Cruise seemed too sibling-like. Woody Harrelson reportedly rejected an offer because audiences would not care about an agent; his hypothetical casting is considered inferior to Cruise.
- Gwyneth Paltrow's reading with Cruise reportedly reminded Crowe of Annie Hall. Janeane Garofalo reportedly lost weight as requested for Dorothy but was then told she was too old.
- Jennifer Lopez auditioned, but Connie Britton was reportedly the final alternative to Zellweger. Britton's height theory and reportedly disastrous screen test are discussed without settling the reason.
- Jamie Foxx's Rod audition is revisited as a plausible different version of the role, with Willie Beamen later giving him a sports-film showcase.
- Janet Jackson reportedly auditioned and accepted Marcee before the deal fell through; Regina King replaced her and the film helped move her toward major Hollywood roles.
- Diane Lane as Avery is an uncorroborated casting rumor that excites interest; Preston's death is distinguished from Lane, who is alive.