Curry Barker initially considering himself for Bear is reported. — Bill Simmons
Cooper Tomlinson temporarily playing Bear during setup is reported. — Bill Simmons
A young Casey Affleck is proposed in a Boston-set version. — Bill Simmons
Austin Abrams is proposed as Bear.
The earlier “Shalamee” proposal and Lucas Hedges remain Bear alternatives. — Bill Simmons

Obsession The Rewatchables July 28, 2026

Timothée Chalamet would elevate the film; Bear never loved or knew Nikki.

In the discussion (6)

Approx. transcript time · 01:21:24Read transcript

Casting the actor transcribed as “Shalamee” as Bear is claimed to elevate the movie dramatically. — Bill Simmons
Lucas Hedges is proposed as an alternative Bear.
Nikki’s lack of close friends who intervene is questioned. — Joanna Robinson
Sarah’s resentment toward Nikki is defended by the group’s romantic entanglements. — Joanna Robinson
Bear is argued never to have loved Nikki; he responds to status and the fulfilled wish rather than knowing her.
Nikki’s writing and shared history are offered as evidence that she has depth. — Joanna Robinson

Den of Thieves The Rewatchables January 7, 2025

Ali Larter; young Nick prequel; keep existing cast

In the discussion (12)

Approx. transcript time · 00:19:01Read transcript

Recasting: Ali Larter's Landman character as Big Nick's ex-wife, with a joke that she would respond less gracefully and might stab him. — Chris Ryan
A prequel about young Nick's football years and entry into Los Angeles policing is proposed after discussing Timothée Chalamet's next role. — Bill Simmons
An earlier proposal would give Butler a funny sidekick played by Dave Chappelle. — Chris Ryan
The Chappelle idea receives immediate objections; the proposer ultimately says he was wrong despite imagining gun training and jokes at Nick’s expense. — Chris Ryan
The existing cast is ultimately retained. — Bill Simmons
A funnier Bosco is proposed, with Flea invoked as a model for someone who could mock Nick. — Chris Ryan
Shane Gillis as Murph is offered as another example of a cop who could supply a few jokes about Nick.
Nicolas Cage would have suited Big Nick in the mid-to-late 2000s but has aged out of that version. — Chris Ryan
Pedro Pascal is a contemporary Big Nick possibility, with physical credibility and apparent behavioral authenticity important to the role. — Chris Ryan
An unspecified Wagner is another possibility; the transcript does not establish a surname. — Chris Ryan
Ben Affleck is proposed for a mid-to-late-2000s version. — Chris Ryan
Liev Schreiber as Big Nick would create a brother-against-brother pairing with Pablo; the audience groans at the idea.

Manchester by the Sea The Rewatchables March 26, 2024

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 01:11:22Read transcript

After Damon could not play the lead, the role was steered to Affleck; using Damon as the brother is proposed as an improvement. — Bill Simmons
Chalamet reportedly auditioned for Patrick and did not get the role.
Hedges is preferred to Chalamet for frame, class background and Massachusetts credibility, despite both actors’ New York backgrounds.
Krasinski is reported as connected to the original idea and initially floated for the role before Lonergan completed the film.
Krasinski remains an uncertain dramatic fit because this kind of acting had not been seen from him, though A Quiet Place is offered as reason not to rule him out; Affleck’s Gone Baby Gone work supplies a contrasting precedent. — Bill Simmons

The Fugitive The Rewatchables February 6, 2024

In the discussion (7)

Approx. transcript time · 01:07:34Read transcript

American Gigolo The Rewatchables November 1, 2022

Julie Christie; Nina van Pallandt; Lange, Close and modern leads also considered

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 01:19:15Read transcript

Nina van Pallandt replacing Hutton is proposed as an older but striking woman plausibly intoxicated by Julian. — Sean Fennessey
Christie remains a preferred Michelle, with her age making the senator marriage more convincing. — Bill Simmons
Lange is favored if casting younger; Glenn Close is another appealing option for a desirous senator’s wife and future erotic-thriller skill. — Sean Fennessey
A current remake considers Bernthal but doubts his age, proposes Miles Teller, and raises Glenn Powell while questioning his smirky quality. — Sean Fennessey
A more bisexual or androgynous Julian suggests Timothée Chalamet; Armie Hammer is raised and rejected jokingly. — Sean Fennessey

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