A screening reportedly paused after audience members fainted during the adrenaline sequence; whether the event was Cannes or New York is uncertain. — Bill Simmons
TriStar reportedly rejected the script as too demented before Miramax financed it. — Bill Simmons
The budget is stated as 8.5 million dollars, including 900,000 for Tarantino to write and direct. — Bill Simmons
Jersey Films reportedly signed Tarantino and Avary; Tarantino wrote in Amsterdam with a 900,000-dollar writing/directing deal. — Bill Simmons
Avary contributed the Butch/Marsellus story plus the missed gunshots and backseat killing; Curdled inspired the cleaner and supplied the cab-driver actress. — Bill Simmons
Keitel’s commitment reportedly helped secure the first 1.5 million dollars. — Bill Simmons
The screenplay/story credit division and reported purchase of Avary ideas remain complicated; their continued friendship and podcast are noted.
Travolta reportedly declined American Gigolo, An Officer and a Gentleman, Manny in Scarface, Splash and Forrest Gump, and unsuccessfully pursued First Blood, Top Gun and Pretty Woman. — Bill Simmons
Tarantino initially pitched Travolta the From Dusk Till Dawn role associated with Clooney while expecting Madsen to play Vincent. — Sean Fennessey
Their long apartment visit included Grease and Welcome Back Kotter board games and a challenge to Travolta’s poor film choices. — Bill Simmons
Madsen’s departure for Wyatt Earp opened the Vincent role. — Bill Simmons
Travolta’s slowed words and exaggerated articulation helped make the role unexpectedly funny. — Bill Simmons
A prior Tarantino interview is introduced to correct the belief that Jules was written for Jackson: Fishburne was the original intended actor. — Bill Simmons
In an archival interview, Tarantino says Fishburne’s representatives advised rejecting Jules to pursue above-title leading roles, despite Fishburne wanting the part. — Bill Simmons
The archival account identifies Bad Company, not Just Cause, as the starring film Fishburne chose instead. — Bill Simmons
Tarantino’s archival account says Die Hard 3 was intended for Fishburne, but stalled million-dollar negotiations let producers choose Jackson after seeing Pulp Fiction at Cannes. — Bill Simmons
Jackson’s initially casual reading allowed Calderón to become a serious contender, requiring a competitive return audition.
A cited oral history says Calderón faltered while Tarantino was late, whereas Jackson’s angry burger-eating audition secured Jules.
Jackson’s reading of the final shepherd speech reportedly convinced Lawrence Bender that the ending would work.
Willis reportedly wanted Vincent and was annoyed at Travolta receiving the more prominent role. — Bill Simmons
Black Mask was reportedly an early title, reflecting the pulp magazine influence. — Sean Fennessey
Individual Keitel, Jackson, Thurman and apparently Travolta character posters accompanied the main campaign, including an earlier planned release date. — Bill Simmons
The film won screenplay and received nominations for picture, director, actor, supporting actor, supporting actress and editing.
An 8.5 million-dollar budget and at least 210 million gross are stated, along with a claim that this was the first independent film to pass 100 million. — Bill Simmons
