Tough Casting Calls for Big Movie
If you’re a movie buff, chances are you’ve heard of the 1993 film “Philadelphia”. This impactful film shook the world with its bold themes, but did you know it was almost made without superstar, Denzel Washington? That’s right, despite his obvious talent, the film’s director, Jonathan Demme, was initially not keen on casting him.
Why Denzel Almost Didn’t Make The Cut
Jonathan Demme, the film’s director, had his own thoughts about the role of lawyer Joe Miller. He was eyeing actors like Robin Williams and Bill Murray, mostly for their renowned comedic skills. Demme thought a funny lawyer would connect better with the audiences.
The idea of casting Denzel, who would play a gay lawyer and happens to be a racial minority, made Demme a little worried. Can you imagine a different actor in Washington’s role? Quite hard, huh?
A Twist in The Casting Tale
Life works in funny ways. Denzel Washington bumped into Edward Saxon, the co-producer of “Philadelphia” on a flight. On discovering that Saxon was working on the script for this film, Washington showed his interest to read it. After going through the script, Washington couldn’t resist the character of Joe Miller. He wanted to play this role, which starts as a homophobic person but later becomes a supportive friend of Tom Hanks’ character, Andrew Beckett.
Not So Easy, Denzel!
However, Washington’s eagerness to play Joe Miller didn’t instantly convince Demme. The director tried to explain that this role required a pinch of comedy, hoping to dissuade Washington. But, this didn’t affect Washington’s determination. “I can be funny”, he told Demme.
Philadelphia – Hitting The Right Notes
Finally, “Philadelphia” hit the screens in 1993 amidst a storm of praise. The movie bravely tackled issues like HIV/AIDS, homophobia, and discrimination. Tom Hanks played Andrew Beckett, a lawyer wrongfully fired due to his HIV-positive status. As for our determined Denzel Washington, he brilliantly brought to life Joe Miller, Beckett’s attorney and staunch ally. Their captivating performances resonated with audiences globally.
A Triumph of A Film
End of the day, Philadelphia succeeded in shining light on important social topics. It bagged two Oscars, proving that all the casting drama was worth it. Washington’s determination to be a part of the film and his unforgettable portrayal of Joe Miller played a big role in this success.
For those who haven’t caught Philadelphia yet, it’s streaming on Peacock. With its intense story and superb performances, it’s going to stick with you. Just keep in mind, this memorable film could’ve turned out quite differently, if not for a hard-headed actor on a luck-filled airplane ride!
For more details, visit Project Casting Blog on https://www.projectcasting.com/blog/news/the-controversial-casting-of-denzel-washington-in-philadelphia-2/