In the discussion (13)
Approx. transcript time · 00:02:42Read transcript
- Rob Reiner directed the film from William Goldman’s 1973 novel, and the grandfather framing preserves the book’s asides and genre commentary. — Juliet Litman
- 20th Century Fox paid Goldman $500,000 for the rights in 1973 but did not make the movie; Goldman later bought the rights back. — Juliet Litman
- Norman Lear produced the film and is credited with signing off after Rob Reiner selected the lead actor. — Juliet Litman
- Reiner wanted Carrie Elways after Lady Jane, while Robin Wright’s late audition is described through the story of her appearing backlit at Goldman’s door. — Juliet Litman
- Andre the Giant was the first choice, but an apparent Tokyo wrestling commitment initially made him unavailable. — Juliet Litman
- Andre’s back surgery required the production to rig Robin Wright, use a masked double for impact, and put Carrie Always on a box for close shots. — David Shoemaker
- Kareem Abdul-Jibar, Lou Forigno, a Scottish strongman, and the actor known from Twin Peaks were considered while Andre was unavailable. — Juliet Litman
- Robin Wright’s post-film career discussion highlights Forrest Gump, House of Cards, She’s So Lovely, the film rendered “white old Leander,” and Wonder Woman. — Juliet Litman
- The actor rendered Carrie Always is described as an ideal fairy-tale lead whose later career moved through spoofs and villain roles. — David Shoemaker
- The Crush and Clueless discussion traces Alicia Silverstone’s career around the Aerosmith-video period. — Juliet Litman
- The production contacted the WWF because Andre’s wrestling bookings controlled his availability. — David Shoemaker
- Andre’s availability is compared with the Michael J. Fox and Back to the Future scheduling story. — David Shoemaker
- William Goldman was a wrestling fan who reportedly wrote the novel with Andre in mind and asked casting to find someone like him. — David Shoemaker