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Gene Hackman missed out on a major movie in his career that could give a different direction to his career. The actor was attached toThe Silence of the Lambswhich is still considered one of the best thriller movies ever made. The OG Lex Luther actor heartily wanted to make the project before his daughter urged him to back out of the project.
The Silence of the Lambswas based on the work of Thomas Harris. Even though the 1991 movie was highly appreciated, it contained many disturbing elements. There are many portions of the film which aren’t meant for everybody. Seemingly, this also led to a list of big names who backed out from doing the movie.
Also Read:Even 2 Oscars and a Massive $80M Fortune Can’t Make Gene Hackman Forget His Greatest Career Regret: “I keep getting offered similar roles”
Why did Gene Hackman back out fromThe Silence of the Lambs?
Thomas Harris’ novel chronicled the investigation by FBI trainee Clarice Starling to find a gruesome serial killer Buffalo Bill. However, the Jodie Foster lead also finds another imprisoned and cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter advising her in the case.
Long before we got the critically and commercially successful 1991 movie,Gene Hackmanwanted to directThe Silence of the Lambsand also star in a major role. Hackman loved the story and split 50-50 rights of the book with Orion Pictures. Ted Tally was set to write the movie. Even though he wanted to make a movie on the book very much, he wasn’t involved that much with the project.
Also Read:“It’s a pain in the a**”: Anthony Hopkins Reveals He Absolutely Despises Method Acting After Jim Carrey Revealed He Took Acting Lessons From Hannibal Actor
It wasn’t even sure if theUnforgivenactor was willing to play Hannibal Lecter or the FBI agent Jack Crawford. But soon, he left the movie. Earlier it was thought that he didn’t want to star in two violent and gritty movies in a row. At that time, he was just enjoying the success ofMississippi Burningwhich was also a violent movie.
However, later one of the associates of the project Robert Bookman spoke toDeadlinethat it was Gene Hackman’s daughter who forced him out of the project.
“Gene Hackman’s daughter read the book. And she called her father and said, ‘Daddy, you’re not making this movie.’ So, Gene called Arthur, told him what happened. Arthur said, ‘Don’t worry Gene, I’ll buy out your half.’ That’s how Orion got the rights.”
While this update presented a big shock to Ted Tally, Orion Pictures assured him that he could continue writing the project. Eventually, Jonathan Demme was attached as the director with a new cast and Ted Tally also won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Also Read:“I’m going to hurt you”: Morgan Freeman Was Convinced Gene Hackman Would Go Off Script and Really Whip Him in an Intense Clint Eastwood Movie
Why did Michelle Pfeiffer reject the project?
It was not only Gene Hackman who backed out of the project.Michelle Pfeifferalso rejected the project for a very similar reason. According to an interview withThe New Yorker, theAnt-Man 3actress revealed that the topic was too dark for her.
“Then, with ‘Silence of the Lambs,’ I was trepidatious. There was such evil in that film. The thing I most regret is missing the opportunity to do another film with Jonathan [Demme].” She added “It was that evil won in the end, that at the end of that film evil ruled out. I was uncomfortable with that ending. I didn’t want to put that out into the world.”
Pfeiffer was the initial choice for Clarice Starling that earned Jodie Foster her Oscar for Best Actress. Meg Ryan was another one who passed on the role due to the gritty themes.
Also Read:“It’s amazing what he did”: Clint Eastwood Was the Reason Why 93-Year-Old Gene Hackman Came Out of Retirement For Another Violent Movie That His Daughters Must Have Hated
The Silence of the Lambswent on to not only win 5 major Academy Awards but also bag a superb $272.7 million worldwide. Although the movie we got is brilliant, it is surely exciting to imagine how the movie could have gotten a completely different direction under Gene Hackman.
The Silence of the Lambscan be streamed on Max.
Subham Mandal
Senior Writer
Articles Published :1461
Subham Mandal is currently working as a content writer for FandomWire with an ardent interest in the world of pop culture. He has written more than 1000 articles on different spheres of modern pop culture and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He’s also an experienced student journalist having demonstrated work experience with the Times of India. He aspires to be a column writer in the future.
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