Casting What-Ifs
Dice Clay; Belushi, uncorroborated; Bracco; Davis; Will Smith
In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 01:01:49Read transcript
- Andrew Dice Clay was reportedly the studio’s original preference until an offensive exchange with an executive removed him from consideration; the group doubts the film would work as well with him.
- Jim Belushi reportedly regretted turning down Vinny, though the discussion questions whether anyone else corroborated an offer.
- Lorraine Bracco reportedly passed on Mona Lisa.
- Carol Davis reportedly passed on Mona Lisa; the name remains as transcribed.
- Will Smith auditioned for Stan, prompting astonishment and initial enthusiasm about improving the performance.
- A dissent argues that a Black man’s wrongful arrest in Alabama would fundamentally alter the film’s unusually gentle racial setting; colorblind casting as the Jewish character is jokingly proposed and rejected.