John Malkovich’s Missed Shot at ‘Unforgiven’
When we talk about iconic cinema, Clint Eastwood’s 1992 Western ‘Unforgiven’ often comes to mind. But, did you know actor John Malkovich could have been playing the lead role of William Munny? Yep, the original rights of the story were in the hands of ‘The Godfather’ director, Francis Ford Coppola. Malkovich was his choice for the lead role. This switch could have sent the film spinning in another direction.
Coppola’s ‘Unforgiven’ Dreams Crumble
But in the 1980s, Coppola hit a financial rough patch. He was having a tough time securing money for ‘Unforgiven’. Eventually, he had to give up the rights. Eastwood took the reins, starring in the film with other legendary actors: Gene Hackman and Morgan Freeman. Even though he didn’t become the star of the show, Malkovich was not upset. In fact, he felt a sigh of relief that he didn’t wear the cowboy boots in the end.
Malkovich’s Take on the Change in Plans
Malkovich talked openly about not being right for the role of William Munny. He felt relieved not to be picked for the part. In his opinion, he wouldn’t have been able to give the character life as Eastwood did. He firmly believed that Eastwood’s take on Munny was key to the film’s success.
A Screenwriter’s Take on Eastwood’s Unbeatable Portrayal
David Peoples was the one who put pen to paper for ‘Unforgiven.’ He fully agreed with Malkovich. According to him, no one could have made Munny come to life as Eastwood did. Eastwood gave the movie weight and a certain gravity that’s hard to picture under another actor’s direction. Peoples did say that Coppola would have made a great movie. But, he was sure it wouldn’t be the same without Eastwood at its helm.
The Magic of ‘Unforgiven’
‘Unforgiven’ made waves with its straightforward telling of a raw story. It became an overnight success, hailed as one of the greatest films ever. When it scooped up four Oscars, it cemented the fact that the right people indeed were on board. This tale serves as a gentle reminder that sometimes, celebrities rightfully admit when a role is better suited for someone else. Malkovich demonstrated this kind of grace and humbleness beautifully.
Despite not boarding the ‘Unforgiven’ train, Malkovich has kept giving unforgettable performances in different projects. He has secured a well-deserved spot in the glow of Hollywood’s lights. Now you can watch ‘Unforgiven’ on Prime Video and maybe imagine a different Munny with Malkovich in the lead.
The Plot Twist of the Century
So, there you have it. An interesting twist in the making of ‘Unforgiven.’ It could be different, but we’re glad it played out the way it did. Eastwood’s deep portrayal of Munny turned ‘Unforgiven’ into a masterpiece. And it’s safe to say, Malkovich’s humble admission made the whole saga even more interesting. Who knows, maybe this throwback inspires you to take a trip back to the 1990s and watch ‘Unforgiven’ one more time. Or, if you haven’t seen it yet, it’s a must-watch classic. Happy streaming!
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