The Rewatchables' awards

The categories, most rewatchable scenes, and double features from the episodes read for them so far: 95 films and 1 episode about no one film. Every pick is a host's opinion, with who said it and when.

Casting What Ifs: 536 picks in 94 episodes

Every film and category

Friday the 13th (1980) · ‘Friday the 13th’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan

Casting what-ifs · Almost-castings and who the hosts would recast.

pick Sally Field as Pamela Voorhees: The filmmakers wanted her but could not afford her, which pushed them to unknowns.
“You said the Sally Field thing already.”
unknown · 1:18:40
pick Shelley Winters as Pamela Voorhees: She turned it down; Betsy Palmer took it for a new car.
“Shelley Winters turned it down.”
unknown · 1:18:50
pick Sean Cunningham's son as young Jason: His wife vetoed it.
“to get his son in the movie and the wife vetoed it.”
unknown · 1:19:07
pick Tom Hanks as Ned
“Obviously, Tom Hanks is Ned.”
unknown · 1:24:28
pick Sharon Stone as Alice
“Uh, Young Sharon Stone as Alice?”
unknown · 1:24:36
nominee Kathleen Turner as Pamela Voorhees: Judged too sultry and probably beneath her.
“Kathleen Turner?”
unknown · 1:24:45

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) · ‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ With Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan

Casting What Ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick A 1974 star cast: Jeff Bridges, Rob Reiner, Ron Howard, Penny Marshall, Goldie Hawn as the final girl
“Jeff Bridges, Rob Reiner and Ron Howard, maybe Rob Reiners in the wheelchair.”
Bill Simmons · 1:08:29
pick Tom Hanks as a guy in the van: Tom Cruise floated as the hitchhiker.
“I have Hanks is one of the dudes in the van.”
unknown · 1:16:54

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006) · 'Talladega Nights' With Craig Horlbeck, Danny Heifetz, and Danny Kelly

Casting What Ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick John C. Reilly as Brick Tamland: Dropped out for scheduling.
“John C. Riley was originally supposed to be Brick Tamlin from Anchorman.”
Craig Horlbeck · 1:23:19
pick Jack Black as Cal Naughton: Also up for Cal; the hosts think Jack Black would steal too much thunder.
“Jack Black, Billy Crystal, and Dennis Quaid?”
Craig Horlbeck · 1:24:13
pick John Stamos as Jean Girard: The other options for Jean Girard; Stamos is the only one the hosts could see.
“Michael J. Fox, Seth Green, and John Stamos.”
Craig Horlbeck · 1:24:48
pick Danny McBride as Cal or Ricky: Said it is too close to the original era to bother.
“I kind of was wondering if Danny McBride could try either role”
unknown · 1:33:36
pick Tom Hanks as Ricky Bobby: Cruise or Hanks as Ricky Bobby; Hanks wins.
“It's got to be Tom Hanks.”
unknown · 1:47:06
pick Christopher Nolan remake: Talladega Dark Knight
“Talladega Dark Knight.”
unknown · 1:33:14

The Italian Job (2003) · ‘The Italian Job’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan

Casting what ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Mark Wahlberg: Dropped out of SWAT to do this, and Colin Farrell got that role.
“Not really a ton here except Wahlberg dropped out of SWAT to do this.”
unknown · 1:25:29
pick Giovanni Ribisi: Was apparently supposed to play the Seth Green part but couldn't do it.
“And then, uh, apparently Giovanni Rabizi was supposed to be the Seth Green part, but couldn't do it.”
unknown · 1:25:35
nominee Matt Damon: Floated for the Wahlberg part, then ruled out because of The Bourne Identity.
“Because Damon can't do it because he's got born identity.”
unknown · 1:27:36
nominee Ben Affleck
“Ben Affleck.”
unknown · 1:27:41
winner Leo DiCaprio: Says it would have been a home run in the Wahlberg part at that point in his career.
“This is like if Leo is is the Mark Wahlberg part. I think this movie is a home run.”
unknown · 1:28:17
nominee Tom Cruise: Could have played Wahlberg's part, or an evil version in the Norton role.
“have cruise play, uh, cruise could have been Wahlberg really easily.”
unknown · 1:33:13

Domestic Disturbance (2001) · ‘Domestic Disturbance’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Casting What Ifs · Almost-castings, recasts and swaps.

pick Swap Travolta and Vaughn: Travolta as the bad guy, Vaughn as the father: Would be funnier, though they are almost 20 years apart.
“I had, uh, Trivoltan Bond, which part's better movie.”
unknown · 1:11:47
nominee 50 Cent as the sergeant: The cultural fun choice, coming off Get Rich or Die Tryin'.
“Um, the cultural fun one, 50 cent.”
unknown · 1:13:55
nominee Ernie Hudson as the sergeant
“I was thinking Ernie Hudson.”
unknown · 1:14:19
nominee Laurence Fishburne as the sergeant: Transcript has Lawrence Fishburne; joked he is overqualified, post-Matrix.
“Lawrence Fishburne?”
unknown · 1:14:24
winner Philip Michael Thomas as the sergeant
“I think I like Philip Michael Thomas the most.”
Bill Simmons · 1:14:50
pick Cruise in the Travolta part, or in the Vaughn part: Cruise or Hanks segment: Travolta is playing a Cruise part, and Cruise saying he'd like to be Danny's friend would be amazing.
“I would have cruise in the Travolta part.”
unknown · 1:21:58

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) · ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ With Bill Simmons, Steven Spielberg, and Sean Fennessey

Casting what ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Sterling Hayden as Heywood Floyd: Bill says Kubrick wanted him and MGM vetoed; the studio wanted Henry Fonda.
“Kubrick won at Sterling Hayden for Floyd and MGM vetoed it.”
Bill Simmons · 1:56:39
pick Holden as Heywood Floyd: Compares the short Floyd role to Janet Leigh in Psycho.
“Which is, I, Holden would have been good for Floyd.”
Steven Spielberg · 1:56:54
pick Robert Shaw as Moon-Watcher
“He looked at a bunch of actors, famous ones for the moon watcher, the lead ape, including your guy Robert Shaw.”
Bill Simmons · 1:57:13
pick Martin Balsam as HAL 9000: Spielberg adds that Balsam was a little too New Yorkish.
“Kubrick rejected Martin Balsam for how?”
Bill Simmons · 1:59:00
pick Pink Floyd as the film's music: Bill is unsure how true it is.
“And then Pink Floyd was approached to perform music and they turned it down due to other commitments.”
Bill Simmons · 1:59:09

· A CR Month Mailbag!

Casting what ifs / actor swaps · Almost-castings and recasts; here also Cruise/Hanks swaps and where Cruise would fit in Sicario.

pick Tom Cruise as a lead in Sicario (Brolin or Bernthal part considered): Good at playing innocence; the hookup scene gone wrong would be one of his best moments.
“Well, see, I mentioned earlier in the pod, this is Nick, that many studios wanted the K character to be a guy.”
unknown · 0:31:36
pick Tom Cruise as Chuck Noland, Cast Away: A listener's swap: Cruise's physicality would suit the fire scene.
“Cruise and Castaway would be pretty amazing.”
unknown · 1:25:28
pick Tom Hanks as Charlie Babbitt, Rain Man
“Hanks as Charlie Babbitt.”
unknown · 1:25:57
pick Dennis Quaid as Joe Don Baker's GoldenEye role: Listener recalled a tense Bill and CR exchange; CR defended Quaid as good as Nick Nolte.
“CR says, I think Dennis Quaid is just as good a suggestion as Nick Nolte, and it gets a little testy.”
unknown · 0:11:56

Fargo (1996) · ‘Fargo’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Kyle Brandt

Casting What-Ifs · Almost-castings, recasts and what-if scenarios.

pick The 1997 TV pilot with Edie Falco as Marge; if picked up she might not play Carmela
“In 1997, a year after this movie, a pilot was filmed for a TV series set in Brainerd shortly after the events of the film, starring Edie Falco as Marge Gunderson.”
unknown · 1:25:06
pick Bill Pullman as Jerry Lundegaard: Pullman was supposed to be Jerry before a scheduling conflict; Richard Jenkins was also considered.
“Bill Pullman was supposed to be Jerry.”
unknown · 1:27:16
pick Robert Duvall as Wade Gustafson
“Robert Duvall as the father-in-law?”
unknown · 1:33:49
pick Tom Hanks as Jerry Lundegaard: From the Cruise or Hanks game; Hanks could have played Jerry, and would have been an interesting Gaear.
“It's Hanks because he thinks this is a perfect movie.”
unknown · 1:40:10
pick Tom Cruise as Gaear Grimsrud: Cruise as Gaear, with the smoking, like Vincent in Collateral.
“I have I have crews written down as Stormer just because... Oh, I want to see that.”
unknown · 1:40:47

Zodiac (2007) · ‘Zodiac’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Casting What Ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Gary Oldman as Melvin Belli: Judged physically wrong; Brian Cox got it.
“Casting what if Gary Oldman was supposed to play Melvin Belai.”
Bill Simmons · 2:08:44
pick Orlando Bloom as Robert Graysmith
“Gyllenha was the 1st choice for Graysmith from Fincher, but if he had said no, they had Orlando Bloom lined up.”
Bill Simmons · 2:09:00
pick Jennifer Aniston as Melanie: Tipped Fincher to Gyllenhaal and Ruffalo, then turned down the girlfriend part for a rom-com.
“His best pal, Jennifer Aniston, who said, I really liked working with Jake Gyllenhaal”
Bill Simmons · 2:09:15
pick Brad Pitt as Paul Avery: The hosts think Downey's fast-talking energy fits better.
“Fincher wanted Brad Pitt as Avery before settling a down.”
unknown · 2:09:38
pick Tom Hanks as Robert Graysmith
“Hanks is Graysmith.”
unknown · 2:27:43
pick Tom Cruise as Robert Graysmith: Settles on Cruise as Graysmith and Hanks as Toschi.
“I'm picking cruise.”
unknown · 2:28:00

F1 (2025) · ‘F1’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan

Casting what ifs · Almost-castings and cut roles.

pick Damson Idris as JP: Hired after passing the F1 driving test; the actors he beat are unknown.
“You mentioned Dampson Idris was hired after passing the F1 driving test.”
unknown · 1:22:28
pick Simone Ashley as JP's love interest (cut)
“Simone Ashley, we do know that she did promotional tour interviews is in the movie as his love interest and then just got cut out.”
unknown · 1:22:40
pick Pitt once attached to a Tom Cruise Ford v Ferrari project with Kosinski directing
“Pitt was supposed to be in the original Ford versus Fryer with Tom Cruise, and it was called Golek Hell with Kaczynski to direct, but it fell apart.”
unknown · 1:23:07

Weird Science (1985) · ‘Weird Science’ With Bill Simmons and Kyle Brandt

Casting What-Ifs and Recasts · Almost-castings, recasts and directing swaps.

pick Kelly Emberg as Lisa
“Kelly Emberg, a motto who had been in Sports Illustrated was cast as Lisa, left after 2 days for creative differences.”
Bill Simmons · 1:16:33
pick Demi Moore as Lisa
“Also auditioning for the part of Lisa and not getting it.”
Bill Simmons · 1:16:57
pick Robin Wright as Lisa
“the other one was Robin Wright”
Bill Simmons · 1:17:18
pick Anthony Michael Hall: He chose Weird Science over European Vacation.
“Anthony Michael Hall had a choice of doing National Lampoon's European vacation or this movie”
Bill Simmons · 1:17:56
pick Robert Downey Jr. as Wyatt
“So, I mean, Downey being the, uh, being Wyatt is clearly the answer.”
Bill Simmons · 1:20:18
pick William Zabka as Downey's buddy
“I'd like to test drive dumping Downey's buddy”
Kyle Brandt · 1:20:27
pick Tom Cruise as Wyatt
“Cruise is Wyatt, like early 80s cruise, like outsiders cruise?”
Kyle Brandt · 1:25:34
pick Steven Spielberg: As director.
“Scorsese or Spielberg, probably Spielberg.”
Bill Simmons · 1:26:20
pick Spielberg directs Weird Science and Hughes directs The Goonies
“If they could have movie swapped, I would have Spielberg direct, weird science, and I would have Hughes direct, uh, the Goonies”
Kyle Brandt · 1:26:44
pick Philip Seymour Hoffman as Chet
“What role of Feeble Philip Seymour Hoffman had played clearly, Chet?”
Bill Simmons · 1:27:05

The Truman Show (1998) · ‘The Truman Show’ With Bill Simmons, Glen Powell, and Chris Ryan

Casting What-Ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Dennis Hopper as Christoph: Bill reads that Hopper was fired after about two days of scenes, then Jack Nicholson was approached and passed.
“Um, Dennis Hopper was supposed to be Christoph and was Christoph in film 2 days of scenes, and then they talked to Ed Harris about this.”
Bill Simmons · 1:11:39
pick Samuel L. Jackson as Truman: Bill read it from research but doubts it; Gary Oldman was also mentioned for screen tests.
“There's some stuff about they talked to Sam Jackson about.”
Bill Simmons · 1:11:27
pick Samuel L. Jackson as Marlon: He wanted something volatile and some doubt about whose side Marlon is on.
“As Marlon, can I, can I test drive Sam Jackson for you guys?”
Glen Powell · 1:14:18
pick Philip Seymour Hoffman as Marlon: He imagines Marlon played like Freddie Miles in The Talented Mr. Ripley.
“What if it was Marlon, but he played it exactly like Freddie and Count Mr. Ripley?”
Chris Ryan · 1:21:50

RoboCop (1987) · ‘RoboCop’ (1987) With Bill Simmons and Kyle Brandt

Casting What Ifs · Almost-castings and recasts, including Recasting Couch and Director City.

pick Actors considered to play Murphy as Schwarzenegger, Ironside, Rutger Hauer, Tom Berenger, Armand Assante, Keith Carradine, James Remar: Spent six to eight months searching; Weller won partly on his chin. Also notes Michael Ironside turned down Boddicker and Stephanie Zimbalist was cast as Lewis but had a Remington Steele conflict.
“They, speaking of Kyle Brant, they spend 6 to 8 months searching for an actor to play Alex Murphy, you were too young.”
Bill Simmons · 1:17:28
winner Steven Seagal as RoboCop: Seagal would never be shot, so the movie would be funnier.
“It's just a better movie.”
unknown · 1:18:37
pick Wes Anderson as director of a RoboCop remake
“I would love to see a Wes Anderson version of Robocop where he's in like a corduroy suit and he goes into the Grand Budapest Hotel and beats people up with ironic banjos and typewriters.”
unknown · 1:23:00
pick Tom Cruise as RoboCop (over Tom Hanks): Cruise getting shot and the bald cap would be funnier than Hanks.
“I think it's probably cruise.”
unknown · 1:32:20
pick Martin Scorsese as director (over Spielberg): The hard R and the cocaine scenes make it Scorsese.
“Scorsese has to do it.”
unknown · 1:32:56
pick Philip Seymour Hoffman as a lab tech with two lines: A scene-stealing young Hoffman as one of the people who works on RoboCop, or as Kenny.
“Like, one of the, like, people in the lab.”
unknown · 1:33:31
pick Brad Pitt as RoboCop 10 years later (also floated Channing Tatum, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe)
“Good chin, like he would have fit it.”
unknown · 1:50:27

Species (1995) · ‘Species’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan

Casting what ifs · Almost-castings and recasts

pick Pierce Brosnan: Guessed the Kingsley part
“Pierce Brosnan was offered a part, but couldn't do it because he, um, had golden eye, but then ended up working with Roger Donaldson on Dante's Peak.”
unknown · 1:08:29
pick Arnold Schwarzenegger: Guessed Preston Lennox or the empath
“Who knows if this is true, but Arnold Schwarzenegger was briefly interested in the script, but the budget wouldn't allow him.”
unknown · 1:08:53
pick Vince Vaughn: As the Hollywood Hills guy
“Ironically, Van brought him up before, but I had Vince Vaughn playing Hollywood Hill's guy instead of Nick Wright.”
unknown · 1:09:57
pick Tom Cruise: Others floated Cruise as the Michael Madsen guy and as the Magnolia-style Hollywood Hills guy
“I was going to say cruise now in the Ben Kingsley role.”
unknown · 1:16:44
pick Philip Seymour Hoffman: The Molina part, or the Palisades guy part
“Philip Seymour Hoffman, Raw.”
unknown · 1:17:41
pick Martin Scorsese as director: One host chose Scorsese for a gritty, Catholic-guilt alien movie; two chose Spielberg
“Interesting.”
unknown · 1:17:25
pick Tom Cruise: Gets him running
“I got Cruz as the Michael Matson guy.”
unknown · 1:16:57

After Hours (1985) · ‘After Hours’ with Bill Simmons and Sean Fennessey

Casting What Ifs · Almost-castings and other people who could have played the part.

pick Tim Burton as director: Burton stepped aside when Scorsese wanted in.
“This was originally supposed to be directed by Tim Burton.”
unknown · 1:13:40
pick Linda Fiorentino as Kiki Bridges
“There's no real more casting what ifs except for they really had trouble casting the Linda Fiorentino part.”
unknown · 1:15:03
pick Tom Hanks as Paul Hackett
“I think this would have been a really good Tom Hanks movie.”
unknown · 1:20:36
pick Michael Keaton as Paul Hackett
“Can I offer you Michael Keaton?”
unknown · 1:21:04
pick John Cusack as Paul Hackett: The first of a list of who would fit if the movie were made in a later year.
“Well, so 1990 John Cusack.”
Sean Fennessey · 1:22:10
pick Josh Hamilton as Paul Hackett
“Josh Hamilton.”
Sean Fennessey · 1:22:17
pick Philip Seymour Hoffman as Paul Hackett
“0405 range, I think we get Phil Hoffman.”
Sean Fennessey · 1:22:23
pick Jesse Eisenberg as Paul Hackett
“2010, 11 range Jesse Eisenberg.”
Sean Fennessey · 1:22:36
pick Bill Hader as Paul Hackett
“I think this is a great Bo Hader movie.”
Sean Fennessey · 1:22:46
pick Cooper Hoffman as Paul Hackett
“Cooper Hoffman.”
unknown · 1:23:12

Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) · ‘Die Hard With a Vengeance’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan

Casting what-ifs (casting couch) · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Annabella Sciorra as the Colleen Camp character: Make her McLean's post-divorce ex who works in the department, so the Holly phone calls carry more tension.
“We make her Annabelle, Shiura.”
unknown · 1:19:08
pick Sean Connery as Simon Gruber: Said to be the first choice; the hosts doubt it would have worked.
“We did Fishburne, but that Sean Connery was their 1st choice for Simon Truber.”
unknown · 1:30:00
pick Joe Pantoliano as Walter Cobb
“If Joe Pantigliano is in here as Walter Cobb.”
unknown · 1:34:29
pick San Francisco instead of New York: In LA you would just be stuck in traffic and Simon wins.
“Could this have been in any other city?”
unknown · 1:34:51
pick Tom Cruise as John McLean: Easy pick over Hanks; also floated as a blond Simon with a German accent.
“To me, easy cruise.”
unknown · 1:44:49
pick Martin Scorsese as director
“Scorsese or Spielberg, I would say Scorsese.”
unknown · 1:46:07
pick Philip Seymour Hoffman as Simon: Asked what role Phil Hoffman would have played; the answer given is Simon.
“What role would Phil Hoffman have played?”
unknown · 1:46:11

Working Girl (1988) · ‘Working Girl’ With Bill Simmons, Amanda Dobbins, and Joanna Robinson

Casting what-ifs · Who else was or could have been cast.

pick Michelle Pfeiffer as Tess: Too beautiful; you couldn't watch her bloom because she is already bloomed.
“Yeah, you know, casting what ifs, but Michelle Pfeiffer.”
unknown · 0:16:07
pick Alec Baldwin as Jack Trainor: Told as a story that Baldwin was given Ford's part first and then bumped down when Ford wanted it.
“They then give the role to Alec Baldwin. And then he goes, actually, I want the movie. then they bump Alec Baldwin down.”
unknown · 0:32:46
pick Demi Moore as Tess: Once attached under director Jim Bridges; the hosts can see it via her St. Elmo's Fire Jules.
“At one point, this movie was supposed to be directed by Jim Bridges, starring Demi Moore.”
unknown · 1:29:03
pick Molly Ringwald as Tess: Auditioned but judged too young.
“Molly Ringwald, apparently edition was deemed too young.”
unknown · 1:30:16
pick Madonna as Tess: Among those they thought about; they auditioned everybody.
“I mean, they auditioned everybody, including they thought about Michelle Pfeiffer and Madonna.”
unknown · 1:30:18
pick Shelley Long as Tess: The Fox head (named as Scott Ruden in the transcript) pushed for her.
“Scott Ruden was running Fox, which I don't think I knew and was really pushing for Shelley Long, who was red hot on shares.”
unknown · 1:30:23
pick Lorraine Bracco as Tess: She wrote in her memoir that she nailed the audition and didn't get the part.
“Lorraine Brocco wrote in her memoir that she thought she nailed the edition and didn't get it.”
unknown · 1:30:31
pick Melanie Griffith as Muriel: She was weighing the Accidental Tourist part (Muriel) against Working Girl and was told Working Girl would make her a star.
“Tells Melanie Griffith, whoever plays Muriel and accidental tourists could win the academy reward and whoever does working girl will be a star.”
unknown · 1:31:13
pick Whoopi Goldberg as Tess: Considered because Nichols had directed her stand-up show.
“would be Goldberg, was the one they were considering because Nichols did her, like, stand-up, uh, show, Goldie Hawn.”
unknown · 1:32:11
pick Goldie Hawn as Tess: Dismissed as too old by then.
“Goldie Hawn.”
unknown · 1:32:11
pick Meg Ryan as Tess: Doubtful she could pull off the accent, the baggage, or the sex appeal.
“Meg Ryan, maybe. I don't know if she could have pulled off the accent and the baggage part.”
unknown · 1:32:39
pick Cher as Tess: Too famous and too much of a presence to buy as Tess.
“She brings too much share.”
unknown · 1:33:03
pick Marisa Tomei as Doreen DiMucci: Floated as a young unknown, or a famous actress, in the Doreen part.
“Could we have gotten, could we have snuck, uh, like a young Marissa Tome in that part or could we have like an actual famous actress?”
unknown · 1:35:23
pick Mira Sorvino as Doreen DiMucci: Floated as a famous actress in the Doreen part.
“Yeah, Mira Sarino?”
unknown · 1:35:30

Rocky (1976) · ‘Rocky’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan

Casting what ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Robert Redford, Ryan O'Neal, Burt Reynolds and James Caan as Rocky (studio wish list): United Artists wanted an established star.
“United Artists wanted a well-established star. Redford, who I think that's just mentioned for every movie ever.”
Bill Simmons · 1:19:12
pick James Caan and Harvey Keitel as Rocky and Paulie
“What is this movie if it's James Conn is Rocky and Harvey Keitel is Polly?”
unknown · 1:19:47
pick Ken Norton as Apollo Creed: Pulled out and the part went to Carl Weathers; Stallone wanted Harvey Keitel as Paulie.
“Ken Norton was targeted for Apollo Creed, pulled out, and they gave it to Carl Weathers.”
Bill Simmons · 1:20:21
pick Carrie Snodgress as Adrian: Cast, then a money dispute; they auditioned Susan Sarandon and Cher, and liked Sarandon but thought her too pretty.
“Carrie Snodgress? I don't even know who that is, was chosen to play Adrian, and they had a money dispute”
Bill Simmons · 1:20:33
pick Lee Strasberg as Mickey: Wanted too much money.
“They wanted Lee Strasburg for Mickey and he wanted too much money.”
Bill Simmons · 1:20:50
pick John Cazale as Paulie: A more likable Paulie, though Cazale had played the failed brother a few too many times.
“I think that there is a different version of Pauly that's like a little bit more likable?”
unknown · 1:23:29
winner Tom Cruise as Rocky: Cruise over Hanks as a heavyweight challenger; one host dissents for Hanks.
“I can't buy Hanks as a heavyweight boxing challenger.”
unknown · 1:34:15
pick Martin Scorsese co-directing with Steven Spielberg: Spielberg's inspirational side with Scorsese's grit; the group leans Scorsese.
“The inspirational side of Spielberg, the gritty side of Scorsese.”
unknown · 1:34:41
pick Philip Seymour Hoffman as Paulie, Gazzo's driver or Jergens
“Polly? Pauly. I got Polly. Or Gazo's driver. How about Jurgens?”
unknown · 1:35:16

Friday Night Lights (2004) · ‘Friday Night Lights’ With Bill Simmons and Mallory Rubin

Casting what ifs · Almost-castings and directors who were attached before the film was made.

pick James Hetfield as Charlie Billingsley: Per a text from Peter Berg, he tried to cast the Metallica singer as Don's dad before Tim McGraw.
“The person that he tried to get was James Hetfield from Metallica.”
Bill Simmons · 1:19:24
pick Richard Linklater as director: Linklater wrote a script and was all in, but it was too expensive, before Peter Berg got it.
“Richard Linklater.”
Bill Simmons · 1:18:45
pick Matt Damon as Mike Winchell: The part would have suited a mid-90s Matt Damon, who was too old by 2004.
“this would have been an amazing mid 90s Matt Damon part.”
Mallory Rubin · 1:21:52

Pulp Fiction (1994) · ‘Pulp Fiction’ (Part 2) With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Casting What Ifs · Who else was or could have been cast

pick Eddie Murphy as Jules: On Tarantino's initial list.
“Eddie Murphy was on the initial list too, which I thought was a really fun idea.”
Bill Simmons · 1:37:31
pick Michael Madsen as Vincent Vega
“Madson as Vincent.”
Bill Simmons · 1:38:04
pick Daniel Day-Lewis as Vincent Vega: Weinstein pushed for him; Sean would still not replace Travolta.
“But I'm trying to imagine what Daniel Day-Louis would have done to get into the mind state of an assassin heroin addict.”
Sean Fennessey · 1:38:41
pick Matt Dillon as Butch Coolidge: Lost it when Bruce Willis said he wanted the part.
“Um, Matt Dillon is Butch.”
Bill Simmons · 1:39:16
pick Virginia Madsen as Mia Wallace: Miramax wanted Meg Ryan or Holly Hunter; Tarantino fought for Uma.
“Initially he had Virginia Madson as Mia, which is another great call.”
Bill Simmons · 1:40:34
pick Max Julien as Marcellus Wallace: Sid Haig was the other name floated.
“Yeah, and it wasn't even positive, but he definitely wanted Max Julian.”
unknown · 1:41:00
pick John Cusack / Gary Oldman as Lance: Eric Stoltz was the backup to the backup.
“So, Lance, he wanted John Cusack initially, or maybe Gary Oldman, who he'd already done, uh, True, yeah.”
Bill Simmons · 1:42:22
pick Irene Jacob / Julie Delpy as Fabienne: Hosts say Delpy would bring an intelligence the character lacks.
“Irene Jacob was the initial choice for Fabian, and then it became the lady it became.”
Bill Simmons · 1:43:02
pick Courtney Love: A claim Bill says he half believes.
“Courtney Love, at some point, claimed Kurt Cobain turned down the part of Lance, and Love would have played the heavily pierced girlfriend played by Rosen Arquette.”
Bill Simmons · 1:43:48
pick Juliette Binoche as Fabienne: One of three recast nominees for Butch's girlfriend, with Salma Hayek and Jennifer Beals.
“Juliette Benoche.”
unknown · 1:23:13
winner Tom Cruise: Hosts argue Cruise as Butch or Vincent; Hanks as Vincent or Maynard is rejected.
“Cruise wins.”
unknown · 2:10:08

Notting Hill (1999) · ‘Notting Hill’ With Juliet Litman and Amanda Dobbins

Casting what ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick No real alternatives: the movie needed Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant
“So basically, they were not going to make this movie without Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.”
unknown · 0:37:13

Twister (1996) · ‘Twister’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan

Casting what ifs · Who was almost cast, or who could have been.

pick Tom Hanks as Bill: Passed but suggested Paxton.
“Tom Hanks read for the part of Bill.”
Bill Simmons · 1:16:53
pick Mira Sorvino as Dr. Melissa Reeves: Did not want to dye her hair.
“Mir Servino considered to play Dr. Melissa Reeves.”
Bill Simmons · 1:17:15
nominee Garth Brooks as Dr. Jonas
“Garth Brooks for Jonas?”
unknown · 1:17:27
nominee Sally Field as Aunt Meg
“Who was available at? Ellen Bursten? Sally Field? Coming off Forrest Gump?”
unknown · 1:21:17
nominee Shirley MacLaine as Aunt Meg
“Shirley McLean?”
unknown · 1:21:52
winner Darlene Love as Aunt Meg: A Black Aunt Meg meets Van Lathan's approval ('That's perfect').
“Darlene, love?”
unknown · 1:22:35
winner Tom Hanks as Bill: Hanks over Cruise; Cruise is the movie he never made in the 90s.
“It's Hank's, but then I, I, when I imagine a scene of cruise out running a tornado in a scene, I'm like, man.”
Craig Horlbeck · 1:33:09
nominee Tom Cruise as Bill
“I'll tell you, if you put cruise in it, number one, the women are different.”
unknown · 1:32:53
nominee Denzel Washington as Bill: Argued he is too cool to lose to a tornado.
“What if you throw in Denzel?”
unknown · 1:33:42

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) · ‘Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me’ With Bill Simmons and Sean Fennessey

Casting What-Ifs · Almost-castings and who could have played whom.

pick Jim Carrey as Dr. Evil: Myers wanted Carrey as Dr. Evil in 1997.
“Mike Myers wanted Jim Carrey to play Dr. Evo and carry past.”
Bill Simmons · 0:33:43
pick Colin Quinn as Scott Evil
“Colin Quinn turned down the role of Scott Evil in 1997.”
Bill Simmons · 0:39:28

Breaking Away (1979) · ‘Breaking Away’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Casting what-ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Bob Fosse: Apparently wanted to direct the Eagle of Naptown script; no casting what-ifs found.
“But Bob Fosse was like, I want to drive.”
unknown · 1:13:09
pick Tom Hanks: Hanks could play the lead or Cyril; Cruise closer to Jackie Earle Haley's part or Dennis Quaid's.
“Cruise or Hanks?”
unknown · 1:23:19

Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) · ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Mallory Rubin

Casting what-ifs · Almost-castings and a different director.

pick David Lynch as the director Universal recommended: A much darker version of the movie.
“You mentioned the David Lynch thing.”
unknown · 1:17:39
pick Justine Bateman as Linda Barrett: Offered the part and turned it down because of Family Ties.
“Justine Bateman was offered Linda Barrett and turned it down because she had family ties.”
unknown · 1:17:57
pick Nick Cage as Brad Hamilton: Auditioned and was judged too young.
“Um, Nick Cage was supposed to be Brad Hamilton.”
unknown · 1:18:25
pick Matthew Broderick: They liked him but could not figure out a part; the Spicoli story is probably not true.
“So there's a Matthew Broderick piece of this.”
unknown · 1:18:33
pick Jodie Foster as Stacy: Offered it, and decided to stay at college.
“The big one for me was Jody Foster as Stacy.”
unknown · 1:19:01
pick Fred Gwynne as Mr. Hand: Turned it down because he thought the movie was too nasty.
“And then they offered Fred Gwyn the role of Mr. Hand, but he thought the movie was too nasty.”
unknown · 1:19:28
pick Brad's girlfriend, Lisa: Never understood the actress's appeal in 80s movies; wants a real quarterback instead.
“I don't love Brad's girlfriend and she's been in a bunch of movies from the 80s and I never got it.”
unknown · 1:20:19

The War of the Roses (1989) · ‘The War of the Roses’ With Bill Simmons, Mallory Rubin, and Amanda Dobbins

Casting What-Ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Cher as Barbara Rose: The only near-casting he could find in research.
“I couldn't really find any other than that Cher was in the mix for Barbara Rosa for a little while.”
Bill Simmons · 1:05:20
pick Jonathan Demme: Pictured as a black comedy with characters talking into the camera.
“What's this movie of Jonathan Demi's directing it?”
unknown · 1:07:23
pick Set it in Seattle rather than Washington, DC: Community-property law comes up as a wrinkle.
“just should have been Washington and the city just should have been Seattle and we could have gotten some Seattle.”
unknown · 1:07:50
pick Westchester outside New York
“So I thought I thought Westchester outside of New York.”
unknown · 1:08:18
pick Tom Hanks: Argues Hanks is lovable and could do the physical comedy; others say he cannot turn off the likability.
“Oh, I think this is clearly Hanks.”
unknown · 1:15:54
pick Tom Cruise: Says Hanks is too lovable and soft.
“I think it's Cruz.”
Craig Horlbeck · 1:17:15
pick Tom Cruise: Cites Collateral crossed with the first 30 minutes of Jerry Maguire. Attribution inferred from Bill saying 'Amanda's right'.
“No, just like, I'm thinking like collateral cruise crossed with Jerry Maguire cruise.”
Amanda Dobbins · 1:17:39
pick Tom Cruise: Started on Hanks, switched after rewatching Jerry Maguire.
“I think Amanda's right.”
Bill Simmons · 1:19:07
winner Tom Cruise: The hosts tally it 3 to 1 for Cruise.
“I think it is 31 cruise.”
unknown · 1:19:16

Internal Affairs (1990) · ‘Internal Affairs’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan

Casting what-ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Annabella Sciorra as Heather: Proposes swapping Annabella Sciorra and Nancy Travis; Bill agrees the movie is better because it adds contrast with Peck.
“What if, is this movie better if Annabelle Shiora and Nancy Travis swap roles?”
Chris Ryan · 0:58:46
pick Nick Nolte as Dennis Peck: Offered the role and turned it down for Another 48 Hrs.
“Our guy Nick Nolte was offered the role of Dennis Peck, turned it down to do another 48 hours.”
unknown · 1:08:30
nominee Harrison Ford as Dennis Peck
“Harrison Ford, which is the one that I would nominate.”
unknown · 1:08:53
pick Christopher Reeve as Dennis Peck
“So my three from that is oddly enough, Christopher Reeve.”
unknown · 1:09:16
pick Don Johnson as Dennis Peck
“Don Johnson is almost as good.”
unknown · 1:09:35
nominee Denzel Washington as Dennis Peck: Floated as a thought experiment: 1990 Denzel, a totally different movie.
“1990 Denzel as Dennis Peck?”
unknown · 1:10:02

The Insider (1999) · ‘The Insider’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Casting What Ifs · Almost-castings and what ifs.

pick Val Kilmer: Kilmer was up for Wigand; Crowe showed what Kilmer's career could have been.
“Just Val Kilmer was up for Wygand”
Chris Ryan · 1:00:49
pick What if nobody had said to get Wings Hauser
“My biggest casting what if is what if somebody had never said, hey, we should get Wingshauser.”
unknown · 1:01:29

The Big Chill (1983) · ‘The Big Chill’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Casting What Ifs and Recasting Couch · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick JoBeth Williams and Glenn Close as Meg: Both wanted to play Meg.
“Um, As you mentioned, Joe Beth Williams going close want to play Meg.”
unknown · 1:22:53
pick Phoebe Cates as Chloe: She auditioned for Chloe, where Kevin Kline met her; Meg Tilly got the part.
“Kevin Klein met Phoebe Cates because she auditioned for Chloe.”
unknown · 1:22:59
pick Kevin Kline as Michael: Wanted Goldblum's part as the funnier role.
“Kevin Klein wanted Goldbloom's part because he thought it was a funnier role, but they pushed him too.”
unknown · 1:23:36
nominee Sean Penn as Alex: Rejected as too young at the time.
“Ormer, which is Sean Penn for Alex.”
unknown · 1:23:58
pick Glenn Close as Meg: Recasting couch: Close in Mary Kay Place's part and Meryl Streep as Sarah, which one host thinks is a better movie.
“Meryl Streep and the Glenn Close part and Glenn Close playing Mary Kay plays this part.”
unknown · 1:25:56

A Bronx Tale (1993) · ‘A Bronx Tale’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, Sean Fennessey, and Van Lathan

Recasting couch · Casting what-ifs and recasts.

pick Lillo Brancato Jr.: Research tidbit: Narducci's son was a different kid who auditioned for young Calogero; she was cast herself.
“The aforementioned Catherine Narducci brought her nine-year-old son to the open casting call. to audition for Cologito. and they were like, hey, are you saying Cologito?”
Bill Simmons · 1:20:16
pick Frank Vincent: He was to appear as the boss of the family, but the scene was never filmed.
“Frank Vincent, our guy.”
Bill Simmons · 1:21:10
pick Philip Garbarino
“And then, uh, the guy who played Sonny's killer at the end of the movie was an actor named Philip Garbarino.”
Bill Simmons · 1:21:21
pick Adrian Grenier
“Like, it would have been funny if like Adrian Grenier was one of those four. Oh, yeah.”
unknown · 1:23:45

Eyes Wide Shut (1999) · ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, Sean Fennessey, and Mallory Rubin

Casting What-Ifs · Who was considered for the film instead.

pick Woody Allen as Dr. Bill
“Casting what ifs in the 70s when Kubrick wanted to do this, he had Woody Allen.”
unknown · 1:08:59
pick Steve Martin as Dr. Bill: Named for the 1980s version, a sex comedy.
“It was going to be a sex comedy with a quote, wild and somber streak running through it.”
unknown · 1:09:20
pick Harrison Ford as Dr. Bill
“Harrison Ford was a top choice at one point.”
unknown · 1:09:27
pick Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger
“Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger, considered at one point.”
unknown · 1:10:09
pick Jennifer Jason Lee and Harvey Keitel: Lee shot the Marion scene and Keitel left the production.
“And then we mentioned Jennifer, Jason Lee and Harvey Keitel.”
unknown · 1:10:18
pick Johnny Depp: Another host says he doesn't believe it.
“Johnny Depp.”
unknown · 1:10:22
pick Val Kilmer
“But, uh, Val Kilmer apparently sent 30 unsolicited audition tapes, Kilmer, did Kubrick.”
unknown · 1:10:33

A Few Good Men (1992) · ‘A Few Good (Re)Men’ Live From L.A. With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Casting what-ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Gene Hackman as Jessup: Turned it down to do Unforgiven, and won the Oscar; James Woods was also considered until Nicholson said yes.
“So, Gene Hackman turned down Jessop.”
Bill Simmons · 1:12:34
pick Jodie Foster and Linda Hamilton as Joe Galloway: The two actresses Demi Moore was up against; she dropped her asking price to $2 million.
“But she was battling 2 actresses.”
Bill Simmons · 1:13:48
pick Jason Alexander as Sam Weinberg: Originally cast, then had to drop out when Seinfeld was renewed; the hosts split on whether Weinberg is better with him.
“Originally cast as Sam Weinberg.”
Bill Simmons · 1:14:28
pick Will Smith and Brad Pitt as Dawson and Downey: Asks if the movie is better or worse with them.
“If we just had Will Smith and Brad Pitt as Dawson and Downey, is this the better or worse movie?”
Bill Simmons · 1:20:40
winner Angela Bassett as Joe Galloway: Runner-ups were Julianne Moore and Geena Davis.
“My winner is Angela Bassett.”
unknown · 1:21:15

My Cousin Vinny (1992) · ‘My Cousin Vinny’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Wesley Morris

Casting what-ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Andrew Dice Clay as Vinny: The studio's original choice before an off-screen falling-out.
“The studio originally wanted for Vinny, Andrew Dice Clay.”
Bill Simmons · 1:01:54
pick Jim Belushi as Vinny: Says he regrets turning the role down.
“Jim Belushi said that he regretted turning down the title role in this film.”
Bill Simmons · 1:02:32
pick Lorraine Bracco as Mona Lisa Vito: Approached along with another actress who passed.
“They, uh, they approached Lorraine Bracco and Carol Davis from Elisa they passed.”
Bill Simmons · 1:02:41
pick Will Smith as Stan Rothenstein: Auditioned per the casting director; Wesley prefers the actual casting because a Black man arrested for murder would change the film's tone.
“We auditioned Will Smith for Rothenstein.”
Bill Simmons · 1:02:51
pick Wil Wheaton as Bill: Part of a recast riff on the two film-school kids, along with Corey Feldman, Robert Downey Jr. and River Phoenix.
“Well, Wheaton wouldn't be bad.”
Bill Simmons · 1:06:57
pick Marisa Tomei as Sofia Coppola in The Godfather Part III
“I think she would have been a great, Sophia Coppola, for Godfather 3.”
unknown · 0:20:12

This Is the End (2013) · ‘This Is the End’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Craig Horlbeck

Casting What Ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Mila Kunis as the role that went to Emma Watson: Scheduling kept her out of the movie.
“That Emma Watson part was supposed to be Mila Kunis, and she couldn't do it with scheduling, and it sucks that she's not in this movie.”
unknown · 0:50:14
pick Cameron Diaz as celebrity cameo at the party: Lost when the production moved from LA to New Orleans.
“And they lost Cameron Diaz as a celebrity camera.”
unknown · 0:51:04
pick Daniel Radcliffe: Turned the part down.
“They wanted Daniel Radcliffe to be in it, and he turned it down.”
unknown · 0:51:13
pick Morgan Freeman as God: The original ending had Morgan Freeman as God before it became the Backstreet Boys.
“They go to heaven and they're greeted by Morgan Freeman.”
unknown · 0:51:35

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) · ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Casting what ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Gregory Peck as Henry Jones Sr.: Backup choice if Connery had said no, along with John Pertwee.
“So apparently if Connery said no, Gregory Peck and John Pertwee were the backup choices.”
Bill Simmons · 1:16:30
pick Amanda Redman as Elsa: Was asked to play Elsa but turned it down over a fear of rats.
“And then Amanda Redmond was asked to play the female lead of Elsa, but turned it down because she had a real-life fear of rats.”
Bill Simmons · 1:16:44
pick Laurence Olivier as the Grail Knight: Considered for the Grail Knight but died.
“Oh, the only other classic what if, by the way, Olivier was considered for the grill night, but he passed away.”
unknown · 1:17:57
pick Greta Scacchi as Elsa: Would swap her for Doody, since she was underused in Presumed Innocent.
“I wish we could have just switched her with Alison Duty and presumed innocent.”
unknown · 1:07:01
pick Sharon Stone as Elsa: Hot in 1989 and available; maybe make her American.
“Sharon Stone is throwing 120 miles an hour in 1989 and was available and was in a whole bunch of movies right there.”
unknown · 1:07:21
pick Michelle Pfeiffer as Elsa: The ballsy choice, in the year of The Fabulous Baker Boys.
“Our queen, Michelle Pfeiffer. If you really want to get ballsy.”
unknown · 1:07:41

Blood Diamond (2006) · ‘Blood Diamond’ With Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan

Casting What-ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Russell Crowe as Danny Archer: The only what-if they found; Crowe was the other possibility.
“So unfortunately, the only casting what F I found was that Russell Crowe was the other possibility for Danny Archer.”
unknown · 0:58:48
pick Daniel Kaluuya as Danny Archer: Recast in 2023.
“We basically already did this, but in 23, I think Daniel Kalua is Danny Archer.”
Bill Simmons · 1:00:34
pick Sydney Sweeney as Maddie Bowen
“Maybe she's Maddie.”
unknown · 1:00:56

Iron Man (2008) · ‘Iron Man’ With Bill Simmons and Van Lathan

Casting what ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Sam Rockwell as Tony Stark: Favreau's initial choice until Downey's screen test.
“Fabro wanted Sam Rockwell initially because people like Sam Rockwell in the mid 2000s and then Downey killed it and the screen test and that was that.”
Bill Simmons · 1:10:31
pick Rachel McAdams as Pepper Potts: Favreau's first choice; she turned it down. Van says she should have played Pepper.
“Favre's 1st choice for pepper pots was not. Quinn Paltrow.”
Bill Simmons · 1:10:41
pick Terrence Howard as James Rhodes: Highest paid in the cast, promised a three-picture deal, then replaced in the sequel.
“Highest paid actor in the set, promised a 3 picture deal.”
Bill Simmons · 1:11:05
pick Scarlett Johansson as the Vanity Fair reporter: Recast the reporter role (played by Leslie Bibb) with a bigger star for three scenes.
“Let's put Scarlet in there for 3 scenes.”
Bill Simmons · 1:12:35
pick Jessica Chastain as Pepper Potts
“But Jessica Chastain would have been interesting for pepper pots.”
Bill Simmons · 1:12:55
pick Beth from Yellowstone as Pepper Potts: He is watching her in Flight while scouting it and likes the actress.
“Beth from Yellowstone was dope.”
Bill Simmons · 1:14:13

Catch Me If You Can (2002) · ‘Catch Me If You Can’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Casting What Ifs and Recasting Couch · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick James Gandolfini as Carl Hanratty: Gandolfini was locked in but the window closed because of The Sopranos shooting; Chris says he would bring menace and vulnerability.
“Yeah, so this would have been my SAS hot take, which is that this is a better movie with James Gandalfini, who was originally supposed to play hit ratty.”
Chris Ryan · 1:16:10
pick Johnny Depp as Frank Abagnale: Reported from research; the hosts think the timing would have made sense.
“Well, this was in the research and I have no idea how true it is, but apparently Spielberg wanted Johnny Depp at one point.”
unknown · 1:18:38
pick Dustin Hoffman as Frank Abagnale
“And then going back to 1981, there was like when they 1st started developing it, Dustin Hoffman was involved for a split second, which doesn't work for me at all.”
unknown · 1:19:05
pick Scarlett Johansson as Brenda Strong: Recast for Amy Adams; another host says she'd be too sexy.
“If you give me 2003 Scarlet Johansson in that part.”
Bill Simmons · 0:59:59
pick Chalamet as Frank, Zendaya, and Tom Hanks if made in 2023
“I mean, I think that the Chalamet, if you were going to do it today.”
unknown · 1:22:12
pick Leonardo DiCaprio as Carl Hanratty: A recast flip: Leo in the Hanks role.
“What about Leo is Tom Hanks?”
unknown · 1:22:24
pick Sterling K. Brown as Carl Hanratty
“I was thinking about our guy Sterling K. Brown as the Tom Hanks would have been.”
unknown · 1:22:35
pick Jon Bernthal as Pilot on Frank's first flight
“But I think it would have been interesting if the 1st time Frank rides the airplane, if the pilot had been John Bernthal, and it had been like, goddamn, Frank.”
unknown · 1:39:41

Alive (1993) · ‘Alive’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Craig Horlbeck

Casting what-ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Brad Pitt as Canessa: Was supposed to be Canessa but did a bad reading; a host would put him in as Tintin or Nando.
“Roberto is supposed to be, or Canessa was supposed to be, Brad Pitt.”
unknown · 1:01:00
pick Ben Affleck as Antonio: Replacing Vincent Spano's part; Mallrats-era Affleck.
“The big the big miss for me or the recasting thing would be Affleck as Spano's part.”
unknown · 1:01:27
pick Leonardo DiCaprio as one of the younger guys: Wishes one future star had been in the cast.
“I just wish there was one awesome star who wasn't a star yet in the movie, whether it was Brad Pitt, Leo, any of those guys.”
unknown · 1:01:59

The Edge (1997) · ‘The Edge’ With Bill Simmons and Van Lathan

Casting what ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Harrison Ford as Charles Morse: Everyone wanted him; he would have made it one of the biggest movies in a decade.
“And at that point, it's like, we have to get Harrison Ford.”
Bill Simmons · 0:25:31
pick Bill Pullman as Bob Green: Lined up at the last second when Baldwin wouldn't shave his beard.
“they have Bill Pullman lined up to come in in the Alec Baldwin part last second.”
Bill Simmons · 0:27:38
pick Jeff Goldblum as Charles Morse
“I think Jeff Goldblum could have pulled this off in like in a weird, quirky sort of the rich.”
unknown · 0:28:03
pick Dustin Hoffman as Charles Morse: Turned the role down.
“So Dustin Hoffman turns down the roll.”
Bill Simmons · 1:11:40
pick Robert De Niro as Charles Morse: Went far down the road, including a table read he mailed in, but the bear worried him.
“They go really far down the road with De Niro.”
Bill Simmons · 1:11:44
pick Uma Thurman or Nicole Kidman as Mickey: Would pay a real actress for the McPherson part.
“I'll give you Uma Thurman or Nicole Kidman for the part of Elle McPherson, and we're just dropping a bag.”
Bill Simmons · 1:15:07
pick Uma Thurman as Mickey
“I have Uma too.”
Van Lathan · 1:15:16

Margin Call (2011) · ‘Margin Call’ With Bill Simmons, Ryen Russillo, and Brian Koppelman

Casting what-ifs · Actors who were almost cast, and recasts the hosts imagine.

pick Ben Kingsley as the Jeremy Irons role: He was offered the part first but had other projects.
“The Jeremy Ions ions world was originally offered too. Sinbad. Sir Ben Kingsley.”
Bill Simmons · 1:05:32
pick Tim Robbins: He had to refuse because of other obligations.
“Also, Tim Robbins. He had to refuse because of other obligations, and same for Billy Cruddup”
Bill Simmons · 1:05:43
pick Billy Crudup: Bill does not know which part he was wanted for; he was busy.
“and same for Billy Cruddup, and I don't know what part it would have been, but those were the 2 that they wanted that couldn't do it because they were busy.”
Bill Simmons · 1:05:47
pick Carla Gugino as the Demi Moore character: She dropped out at the last minute when another project ran long, and Demi Moore stepped in late.
“was supposed to play the Demi Moore character, and at the last minute had another project that ran long”
Bill Simmons · 1:06:00
pick Tom Hanks as the Spacey role: Recasting couch: he thinks viewers would root for Hanks while the character is not good, and that it would have worked.
“Tom Hanks in the spacy role.”
Bill Simmons · 1:08:45
pick Tom Hanks as the Spacey role: He says Hanks plays human moments so well he would have been better than Spacey.
“Oh, totally would have worked.”
Ryen Russillo · 1:09:18
nominee Tom Hanks as the Spacey role: He doubts Hanks, who does not play sleaze, could deliver the drifting-away end speech.
“He doesn't play sleaze.”
Brian Koppelman · 1:10:36
pick Russell Crowe as the Spacey role: An Insider-version Russell Crowe, heavier and with a Jersey accent.
“I think like Russell Crowe could have played that part in the insider version of Russell Crowe and it would have been kind of fascinating.”
Brian Koppelman · 1:11:11
pick James Gandolfini as Sam
“Also, Gandalfini would have been fucking incredible as Sam.”
unknown · 1:26:18
pick Philip Seymour Hoffman as Sam
“Philip Seymour Hoffman, the other guy who obviously could have played Sammy, would have killed it.”
unknown · 1:26:40

Scent of a Woman (1992) · ‘Scent of a Woman’ With Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan

Casting what-ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Matt Damon and the cast of School Ties: The whole School Ties cast auditioned for Charlie; Damon told the Chris O'Donnell script story.
“Every single kid in the cast.”
Bill Simmons · 0:21:00
pick Jack Nicholson as Frank Slade: Offered and turned it down, then did A Few Good Men; unclear whether better or worse, probably darker.
“Belatedly agreed, but in the meantime, Jack Nicholson was offered Colonel Slade turned it down.”
unknown · 1:01:32
pick Sylvester Stallone as Frank Slade: Stallone claimed to Conan in 1997 that he turned it down; they can't picture it.
“But according to an interview with Conan O'Brien, 1997, slash Stallone claim that he turned down the role of Colonel Frank Slade.”
unknown · 1:02:19
pick Philip Seymour Hoffman as George: He auditioned five times, and Paul Thomas Anderson wrote Scotty J after seeing him.
“So Hoffman said, um, he had to audition 5 times to get the part of George.”
unknown · 1:02:52
pick Chris Rock as Charlie: Rock wanted the part and thought Charlie should be black.
“went out for this role and then later was like, I think it did need to be me, but I think this movie would have been more interesting if Charles was played by a black guy.”
Chris Ryan · 1:03:44
nominee Leonardo DiCaprio as Charlie: He thinks the ceiling goes up.
“Leo in this scene, I think, I think the, I think the ceiling of this movie goes up.”
Bill Simmons · 1:07:36
nominee Matt Damon as Charlie: More interested in Damon, but he seems too smart for the part.
“I would probably be more interested in seeing Damon in this role.”
Chris Ryan · 1:07:50
winner Chris O'Donnell as Charlie: He looks like a kid from the sticks on a scholarship, better than young Affleck.
“I actually think Chris O'Donnell for this part is better than young Affleck.”
Chris Ryan · 1:08:37

Unforgiven (1992) · ‘Unforgiven’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Casting what-ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick John Malkovich as William Munny: Coppola had the script in the early 1980s and met with Malkovich.
“Coppola had the script in the early 80s for a little bit and met with Malkovich about William Money.”
Bill Simmons · 1:20:30
pick Jeremy Irons as English Bob: He doubts it, since Clint likely just called Richard Harris.
“There was some Jeremy Iron stuff for English Bob”
Bill Simmons · 1:20:36
pick River Phoenix as The Schofield Kid: Offered with Joaquin Phoenix and Leo (DiCaprio) as recasts for the Kid.
“We mentioned River Phoenix, Joaquin Phoenix, and Leo, were my 3 for Schofield Kid, right around the time.”
unknown · 1:23:19
nominee Keanu Reeves as The Schofield Kid: Offered as a worst-case recast.
“I think a worst case scenario would have been Keanu Reeves, as much as we love Keanu.”
unknown · 1:23:27
nominee Mark Wahlberg as The Schofield Kid: Coming off the Good Vibrations video, maybe two years early but with the right energy.
“Mark Wahlberg is not a bad call at all.”
unknown · 1:24:10

Misery (1990) · ‘Misery’ With Bill Simmons and Brian Koppelman

Casting what-ifs · Who else could have played the parts.

pick Warren Beatty as Paul Sheldon: Would have been unbelievable but did not want to play a loser stuck in the bed.
“It's like they have Warren Beatty, who would have been unbelievable in the James Con part.”
Bill Simmons · 0:17:35
pick Richard Dreyfuss as Paul Sheldon: He would have bought Dreyfuss as a writer.
“So Dreyfus, I think, is would have been a really interesting one because I would have bought Dreyfus as a writer.”
Brian Koppelman · 0:35:27
pick Robin Williams as Paul Sheldon: Caged energy, and you would believe he read all the books.
“Yeah, Robin Williams to me would have been incredible.”
unknown · 0:35:35
pick Robert Duvall as Paul Sheldon: Was thinking Duvall for the late-50s version of the character.
“I was thinking Duval.”
unknown · 0:35:53
pick Michael Douglas as Paul Sheldon: Same demons and the IQ, at a good time of his career.
“Michael Douglas would have crushed it too, because he would have had the same demons.”
unknown · 0:35:56
pick Donald Sutherland as Paul Sheldon: Would have crushed it, with the joke that he would have tried something with Annie.
“You know who would have been the best?”
unknown · 0:37:15
pick Richard Gere as Paul Sheldon: Reads Goldman's view that Gere was the perfect fit but nobody mentioned his name.
“Richard Gere.”
Bill Simmons · 0:39:41
pick Lauren Bacall as the agent: Says the part could have hit harder and felt TV-movie-ish.
“I feel like Lauren Bacall could have hit harder.”
Bill Simmons · 1:06:26
pick Faye Dunaway as the agent: Offered Faye Dunaway and Jane Fonda as alternatives to Bacall.
“Fade down away.”
Brian Koppelman · 1:06:57
pick Jane Fonda as the agent: Second alternative to Bacall; Bill says he had her too.
“Jane Fonda.”
Brian Koppelman · 1:07:01

Knocked Up (2007) · ‘Knocked Up’ With Bill Simmons, Juliet Litman, and Craig Horlbeck

Casting What-Ifs · Almost-castings and auditions.

pick Anne Hathaway as Alison: Originally cast and dropped out, reportedly over the plan to use real birth footage; Juliet says she would have been good.
“Anne Hathaway, originally cast.”
Bill Simmons · 0:57:06
pick Mila Kunis as Alison: Auditioned and didn't get it; Apatow remembered her for Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
“We know Mila Kunis auditioned and didn't get it, but Jed Appatau remembered her and put her around forgetting Sarah Marshall.”
Bill Simmons · 0:58:28
pick Sydney Sweeney as Alison
“but I have Sidney Sweeney in the Heiger role.”
Bill Simmons · 1:04:49
pick Gaten Matarazzo as Ben
“What about Gated Moderazo from Stranger Things?”
unknown · 1:05:05

Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) · ‘Beverly Hills Cop II’ With Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan

Casting what ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Bronson Pinchot as Serge: Was filming Perfect Strangers and could not do it.
“He was filming Perfect Strangers couldn't do it.”
Chris Ryan · 0:46:13
pick Dennis Hopper as the Stockwell part: They wanted him but he could not do it; Dean Stockwell took the role.
“They wanted Dennis Hopper for the John Stockwell part, but he couldn't do it.”
Chris Ryan · 0:46:51
pick Geena Davis as Bogomil's daughter: A star would force the writers to give the part more to do.
“So just I'm just giving you Gina Davis as Bogomo's daughter.”
Bill Simmons · 0:51:02
pick Lisa Bonet as a new strip-club character: Adds a character Axel befriends who is killed, giving him a revenge motive.
“We go to the strip club, right? What if that's Lisa Bonet?”
Chris Ryan · 0:52:04

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997) · ‘Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Casting what-ifs · Almost-castings and recasting catches.

pick Jim Carrey as Dr. Evil: Myers wanted Carrey, who was not done with Liar Liar, so Myers played it himself.
“What if he wanted Jim Carrey to play Dr. Evil?”
Bill Simmons · 0:22:13
pick Rhea Perlman as Frau Farbissina: She was in talks but had scheduling conflicts.
“Ria Perlman was in talks to play Frau Farbissina, but had scheduling conflicts.”
Bill Simmons · 0:51:24
pick Colin Quinn as Scott Evil: He turned it down and has had regrets since.
“And then Conquin turned down Scott Evil.”
Bill Simmons · 0:51:31
pick Robert Wagner as Number Two: Floated as a recast, then dropped because the Rob Lowe casting in the sequel pays off.
“We got to get rid of Bob Wagner, right?”
unknown · 0:55:33
pick Ali Larter as lead Fembot
“I'm going to give you Allie Larder as the lead fembat.”
unknown · 0:56:00
pick The Irish henchman, Lucky Charms as Lucky Charms: Wants the actor swapped out.
“The guy who played the Lucky Charms guy.”
unknown · 0:57:09
pick Gary Oldman or Tim Roth as a British method actor in the cast
“It would have been great, though, if they had gotten one of like the really edgy British method actors to play Patty, like got Gary Oldman or Tim Roth.”
unknown · 0:57:33

The Player (1992) · 'The Player' With Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, and Wesley Morris

Casting what-ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Chevy Chase as Griffin Mill: He wanted the part; Warner Brothers passed.
“Chevy Chase wanted to play Griffin Mill.”
Bill Simmons · 1:13:46
pick John Travolta as Griffin Mill: Allegedly considered by Altman; the hosts are glad it did not happen because of Pulp Fiction.
“Allegedly, Robert Altman was considering John Travolta for the lead at one point.”
Bill Simmons · 1:13:51
pick Robert De Niro as the Fred Ward part: Four scenes, popping in and out; the others doubt his process fits an Altman set.
“Could he have just played the Fred Ward part for like 4 scenes.”
Bill Simmons · 1:19:11
pick Jennifer Jason Lee as Bonnie: Over Cynthia Stevenson; others float Joan Cusack, Glenne Headly, Lisa Kudrow, Holly Hunter and more, each rejected.
“All due respect to Cynthia Stevenson, but this, it just has Jennifer Jason Lee crying all over it.”
unknown · 1:19:53

Die Hard 2 (1990) · ‘Die Hard 2’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Casting what ifs / recasting · Almost-castings and who they would recast.

pick John McTiernan as director: He was supposed to direct but had committed to The Hunt for Red October; the host still thinks Renny Harlin did a good job.
“Didn't really have any other than John McTiernan was supposed to direct this film, but he had committed to the hunt for Red October already and they wanted to make it.”
unknown · 0:51:52
pick Sandra Bullock as the TV reporter: He would recast the TV reporter with a young up-and-comer who later becomes somebody.
“I was thinking Sandra Bullock for a young whippersnapper.”
Bill Simmons · 0:56:03
pick Markie Post as the TV reporter: Offered as a recast for the TV reporter; transcript says Marky Post.
“What about what about Marky Post?”
unknown · 0:55:48
pick Dana Wheeler-Nicholson as the TV reporter: Offered as a recast for the TV reporter.
“What about Dana Wheeler Nicholson?”
unknown · 0:55:55
pick Treat Williams as John McClane: Offered as someone else who could have been McLane; another host doubts he had the humor.
“What about like Treat Williams?”
unknown · 0:18:33
pick Jeff Bridges as John McClane: Offered as a different vibe that might have worked.
“What about Jeff Brid? Jeff Bridges?”
unknown · 1:18:38

Panic Room (2002) · ‘Panic Room’ (Plus a Mini Will Smith–Oscars Recap) With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Casting what-ifs · Who was almost cast, or replaced, in the film.

pick Nicole Kidman as Meg Altman: Cast first, hurt her knee and was replaced by Jodie Foster.
“This usually doesn't happen, but Nicole Kidman was cast as the role in the role of Meg.”
Chris Ryan · 0:34:25
pick Angelina Jolie as Meg Altman: Mentioned in passing as someone considered for the part.
“It's like an Angelina Jolie part almost, which is interesting because I think they considered Angelina for this.”
Bill Simmons · 0:26:07
pick Hayden Panettiere as Sarah: Originally cast in the Kristen Stewart role and left the project.
“So Hayden Painted Tier was originally cast in the Kristen Stewart row and, um, left the project toward the end of 2000.”
Bill Simmons · 1:12:31
pick Maynard James Keenan as Raul: Offered Raul first; Bill calls it possibly the greatest casting what-if in the show's history.
“The role of Raul was originally offered to Maynard James Keenan.”
Bill Simmons · 1:13:08
pick Anthony Hopkins as Stephen Altman: Jodie owes him; she won him an Oscar.
“Have him played by Anthony Hopkins.”
Bill Simmons · 1:16:14
pick Michael Douglas as Stephen Altman: Foster was once attached to Douglas's film; doubts he would have taken the beating.
“I think Michael Douglas would have been a great cameo, Steven, especially I don't think he would have wanted the shit kicked out.”
unknown · 1:16:28
pick Ted Levine as Raul
“Ted Levine in the Dwight Yoakam part.”
Bill Simmons · 1:16:55
pick Wes Studi as Raul: Offered as a wild card while running through the cast of Heat.
“Here's my my wild card would be Wes Study.”
unknown · 1:17:38
pick Tom Sizemore as Raul: Named as the answer from the Heat cast.
“Sizemore, I think, is the answer.”
unknown · 1:17:57

The Batman (2022) · ‘Batman’ (1989) With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Casting what ifs · Almost-castings and recasts, drawn from half-assed internet research.

pick Morgan Freeman as Harvey Dent
“Morgan Freeman was right there to be Harvey Dent.”
unknown · 0:51:10
pick Phil Hartman as Knox: His recast for Robert Wuhl's part.
“Just give me Phil Hartman.”
Bill Simmons · 0:53:33
pick Daniel Day-Lewis as Knox
“Daniel Day Lewis?”
unknown · 0:53:26
pick Bill Murray as Batman: Peters was excited about him for years; Bill would not have enjoyed it.
“A bunch of people were excited about Bill Murray as Batman in the early 80s”
Bill Simmons · 0:55:01
pick Robin Williams as the Joker: Offered the role as a way to lock in Nicholson, then released and angry.
“They offered Robin Williams the role and they might have offered it because this was their way to lock Nicholson in.”
Bill Simmons · 0:57:30
pick Sean Young as Vicki Vale: Replaced by Kim Basinger; versions of why differ.
“So, cast as Vicky Vale, horse riding accident, broker carbone, Kim Basinger stepped in”
Bill Simmons · 1:00:58
pick Adam West as Batman: Disappointed not to be asked to reprise the role.
“Adam West, who played the original Batman, was really disappointed that he wasn't asked to reprise the role”
Bill Simmons · 1:02:47
pick Morgan Freeman as Harvey Dent: Recasting couch: Daniel Day-Lewis as Knox, Phil Hartman for Robert Wuhl, Morgan Freeman as Dent.
“And then Morgan Freeman is Two-face.”
Bill Simmons · 1:07:01

The Ice Storm (1997) · ‘The Ice Storm’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Casting what-ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Natalie Portman as Wendy: Hosts glad Christina Ricci did it instead.
“Natalie Portman turned down the role of Wendy.”
Bill Simmons · 0:58:01
pick Sharon Stone as Sigourney Weaver's part: Concluded Weaver is more believable as a suburban housewife.
“Sharon Stone and the Sigourney Weaver part.”
unknown · 1:02:54
pick Harrison Ford as Kevin Kline's part
“How about Harrison Ford instead of coin?”
unknown · 1:04:04
pick Macaulay Culkin as Elijah Wood's part
“Yeah, what if we just swapped Elijah Wood for Macaulay Culkin?”
Sean Fennessey · 1:04:56
pick Philip Seymour Hoffman as the Reverend, or Jim Carver, or Paul
“if we could have just worked Philip Seymour Hoffman into this movie somewhere, it would have been amazing.”
Chris Ryan · 1:05:38
pick Jeff Bridges or Nick Nolte as Jim Carver: Argues the Jim Carver part is the one to recast.
“If that was like Jeff Bridges, you'd be like, oh, wow, this movie has a fucking event.”
unknown · 1:06:42

Miracle (2004) · ‘Miracle’ With Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan

Casting what ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Kevin Costner as Herb Brooks: Costner would overpower it and Hanks is too soft; Russell is perfect.
“Costner, I think he overpowers it.”
unknown · 0:16:15
pick Ryan Gosling as a player: Would have learned to skate.
“Get Gosling in here.”
unknown · 0:54:57
pick Taylor Kitsch as McClanahan: Transcript has Taylor Kitt; he could skate, maybe as McClanahan.
“Maybe it's McClanahan.”
unknown · 0:55:27

The Godfather Part II (1974) · ‘The Godfather Part II’ With Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, Chris Ryan, and Brian Koppelman

Casting what-ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick James Cagney: Coppola offered him a part and he refused.
“Um, Coppola for James Cagney a part in the film, but Cagney refused.”
Bill Simmons · 1:48:00
pick Peter Sellers: Was also considered for Hyman Roth.
“Apparently Peter Sellers was also considered for Heim and Rath.”
Bill Simmons · 1:48:20
pick Richard Castellano as Clemenza: Declined to return after demanding to write his own dialogue; the hosts then debate whether the film is better with Clemenza.
“After demanding, A, he could write Comenza's dialogue, which is just insane.”
Bill Simmons · 1:48:39
pick Harvey Keitel as Janko: Recasting couch: a famous actor of the era as Janko.
“Harvey Kaitau as Jenko.”
unknown · 2:02:24
pick Joe Pesci as Bruno Kirby's part or Janko: Recasting couch.
“Could Pesci have done Bruno Kirby's part?”
unknown · 2:03:04

Father of the Bride (1991) · ‘Father of the Bride’ With Bill Simmons and Amanda Dobbins

Casting What Ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Steve Martin as George Banks: Cast before the screenplay was written; the movie was built around him.
“Steve Martin cast before they wrote the screenplay.”
Bill Simmons · 0:53:35
pick Phoebe Cates as Annie Banks: Offered the role but turned it down because she was pregnant.
“Phoebe Cates, who my generation, um, completely loves and is all in on, but, um, never had like, like great follow-up role and then just got married to Kevin Klein started having kids.”
Bill Simmons · 0:54:20
pick Diane Keaton as Nina Banks: Reads her account that Disney did not want her after The Good Mother and Shyer and Meyers had to beg.
“Charles Shire, Nancy Myers, who'd worked with me before, had to beg to get me into Father of the Bride.”
Amanda Dobbins · 0:55:06
pick George Clooney as Brian MacKenzie: 1991 Clooney as the son-in-law, boyish and charming, and a bit more of a threat.
“And now as you're watching this years later, it's like, 0 my, I can't believe George Clooney was the son-in-law, just would have been a fun wrinkle.”
Bill Simmons · 0:59:37

Saturday Night Fever (1977) · ‘Saturday Night Fever’ With Bill Simmons and Jimmy Kimmel

Casting what-ifs · Who else was considered for the roles.

pick Carrie Fisher as Stephanie: Reportedly auditioned; Bill reads the list of actresses considered.
“Carrie Fisher.”
Bill Simmons · 0:58:10
pick Carrie Fisher as Stephanie: Thinks she would have figured out the dance and beaten Gorney.
“And you think about it, like, I actually think that would have been amazing if she had done that because I think she's a good actress.”
Jimmy Kimmel · 0:58:19
pick Fran Drescher as Stephanie: Would also accept Fran Drescher as the lead.
“I got excited for it, but you could have also talked me into Fran Dresher.”
Bill Simmons · 1:02:43
pick Cher as Stephanie: Floats Cher as an older actress for the part.
“What about like Cher?”
Jimmy Kimmel · 1:03:04

The Color of Money (1986) · ‘The Color of Money’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Casting what-ifs · Almost-castings and who they would recast.

pick Jackie Gleason as Minnesota Fats: They considered bringing him back; Gleason found the part an afterthought.
“They thought about Gleason, bringing back Minnesota fats.”
Bill Simmons · 0:52:04
pick Julie Christie as the Helen Shaver part
“Julie Christie.”
unknown · 0:56:46
pick Charlotte Rampling as the Helen Shaver part
“Charlotte Rampling, another.”
unknown · 0:57:50
pick Helen Mirren as the Helen Shaver part
“Why not Helen Mirren?”
unknown · 0:57:59

Trainspotting (1996) · ‘Trainspotting’ With Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Casting what-ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Ewen Bremner as Renton: Bremner played Renton in the stage version before playing Spud in the film.
“Obviously, I mentioned you and Brunmer was played Renton in the play version in the theatrical version of the movie or of the screenplay.”
Chris Ryan · 0:59:51
pick Christopher Eccleston as Begbie: Was originally supposed to play Begbie, and Boyle saw him in the role; the hosts muse about both actors' careers.
“Christopher Eccleston, who had appeared in Shallow Grave, and would go on to be Doctor Who, and has had a very story career, was originally up for Begby, or was originally supposed to play Begby,”
Chris Ryan · 1:00:00
pick Robert Carlyle as Begbie: Carlyle blew the Shallow Grave audition, then won Begbie after Boyle told him small psychos are the best.
“So, uh, Carlisle had auditioned for Shallow Grave for the, um, Ewan McGregor role.”
Andy Greenwald · 1:00:39

Fight Club (1999) · ‘Fight Club’ With Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan

Casting What Ifs · Who else was up for the parts, or what else could have been.

pick Matt Damon as the narrator: Imagines the universe where Damon does Fight Club and Norton does The Talented Mr. Ripley.
“At the same time, Damon grabs talented Mr. Ripley, and the merry-go-round stops, and Norton ends up with rounders, but like, there is a weird alternate universe where Damon does Fight Club, and Norton does talented Mr. Ripley, and I'm not sure both movies aren't better, even though I love both actors in those roles.”
Bill Simmons · 0:40:18
pick Russell Crowe as Tyler Durden: One producer wanted Crowe; he would still rather have Pitt, and Chris says the film is Pitt.
“Um, one producer went for Russell Crowe.”
Bill Simmons · 1:09:58
pick Janeane Garofalo as Marla Singer: Fincher's first choice for Marla, per his research.
“I, I double research this because it blew me away and I was just so dumbfounded by it, but Fincher's 1st choice for the role of Marlo was Janine Garofalo.”
Bill Simmons · 1:10:52
pick Sarah Michelle Gellar as Marla Singer: Per Variety, they tried for her but she was doing Buffy.
“According to Variety Magazine, they tried to get Sarah Michelle Geller, but she was doing Buffy the Vampire Slayer, couldn't get the part.”
Bill Simmons · 1:11:20
pick Courtney Love as Marla Singer: The studio wanted her, but she was dating Norton at the time, so it was too weird.
“Studio wanted Courtney Love.”
Bill Simmons · 1:11:40
pick Radiohead doing the score: Fincher wanted Radiohead; the hosts agree it would have made a different, gloomier film, though Chris thinks it needs the Dust Brothers' energy.
“Fincher wanted Radiohead to do the score, which would have been amazing.”
Bill Simmons · 1:13:12
pick Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Marla Singer: Skeptical this was real; thinks it came from IMDb trivia.
“The one that I thought was incredible was Julia Louis Dreyfus?”
Bill Simmons · 1:14:45
pick Winona Ryder as Marla Singer: Also in the research as a possible Marla; he thinks it was made up.
“And Winona Ryder was also in the research as like a possible Marla.”
Bill Simmons · 1:15:07
pick Reese Witherspoon as Marla Singer: On the recasting couch he loves the idea and thinks she would have been nominated.
“But I really, really, really like the idea of Reese Witherspoon is Marla in this movie.”
Bill Simmons · 1:19:28

Boyz n the Hood (1991) · ‘Boyz n the Hood’ With Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, Van Lathan, and Logan Murdock

Casting What Ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Will Smith as Trey: Offered Trey, chose Fresh Prince; Bill thinks he would have nailed it.
“Will Smith offered the roll of tray.”
Bill Simmons · 1:12:34
pick Will Smith as Ricky: Would rather have seen him as Ricky, a tall guy who maybe plays another sport.
“would have been cool to see him as Ricky.”
unknown · 1:13:01
pick Morgan Freeman as the USC recruiter: Just one scene, jokes he would have made it about himself.
“Morgan Freeman is the USC recruiter.”
unknown · 1:21:30
pick Samuel L. Jackson as the USC recruiter: Considered for the recruiter, but the film felt well cast.
“I went through a whole, could Sam Jackson have been the USC recruiter?”
unknown · 1:22:27
pick Denzel Washington as Furious Styles: Thought it was a Denzel part.
“I thought Denzel was furious.”
unknown · 1:22:32

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) · ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Casting What Ifs · Who was almost cast or considered.

pick Philip Kaufman: Kaufman was to direct but left for The Outlaw Josey Wales.
“So Coffin was supposed to direct this film.”
Bill Simmons · 1:13:22
pick Debra Winger as Marion
“Lucas wanted Deborah Winger wasn't interested.”
Bill Simmons · 1:13:35
pick Sean Young: Screen-tested opposite Ford, which led to Blade Runner.
“They use Sean Young for the screen test for all the India auditions”
Bill Simmons · 1:13:50
pick Jeff Bridges as Indiana Jones
“Jeff Bridges would have been good.”
unknown · 1:14:15
pick Tom Selleck as Indiana Jones: Fit for the costume, but tied to Magnum P.I.
“Lucas's wife preferred Tom Selleck, planted that bug.”
Bill Simmons · 1:15:53
pick Danny DeVito as Sallah
“DeVito was supposed to play Sala.”
Bill Simmons · 1:19:31
pick Klaus Kinski as Toht
“Klaus Kinsky. Was offered the role of, of Tot”
Bill Simmons · 1:19:51
pick Jonathan Pryce as Belloc
“Jonathan Price was considered for Bellac”
Bill Simmons · 1:21:13

What About Bob? (1991) · ‘What About Bob?’ With Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, and Van Lathan

Casting what ifs / Recasting couch · Who was almost cast, and who the hosts would recast today.

pick Woody Allen as Dr. Leo Marvin: Approached to play Marvin and considered to direct; said no. The hosts say it would not work.
“Woody Allen was approached to play Dr. Leo Marvin, was also considered to direct, which is bizarre, and possibly co-write the script.”
Bill Simmons · 0:47:34
pick Patrick Stewart as Dr. Leo Marvin
“They also approach Patrick Stewart.”
Bill Simmons · 0:48:13
pick Robin Williams as Bob Wiley: First choice for Bob, before Murray.
“And then Robin Williams was the 1st choice for Bob.”
Bill Simmons · 0:48:19
pick Tiffani Amber Thiessen as Anna Marvin: Recast the daughter with a real high schooler instead of a 26 year old.
“If we wanted to intentionally go high school age for the daughter and not have a 26 year old.”
Sean Fennessey · 0:54:34
pick Sterling K. Brown as Dr. Leo Marvin: All-black cast recast.
“Richard Dreyfuss character, Sterling K. Brown.”
Van Lathan · 0:55:38
pick Sanaa Lathan as Lila Marvin
“Um, his wife is played by Sana Lathin.”
Van Lathan · 0:55:54
nominee Kevin Hart as Bob Wiley: The obvious choice for Bob, but one host says he can only play himself.
“Well, can we just can we just say my fear would be Kevin Hart here?”
unknown · 0:56:21
winner J.B. Smoove as Bob Wiley: A Bob-like figure in Larry's life; he would charm the whole family.
“My other bob is JB Smooth.”
Van Lathan · 0:57:00
nominee Keenan Thompson as Dr. Leo Marvin
“I was thinking to him as Dr. Marvin.”
unknown · 0:57:36
nominee Tracy Morgan as Bob Wiley: Others agree Tracy Morgan as Bob might be even better.
“I think there's a there's a Tracy Morgan possibility here.”
unknown · 0:57:53

Predator (1987) · ‘Predator’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, Shea Serrano, and Kyle Brandt

Casting what-ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Jean-Claude Van Damme as the Predator: Cast and fired; the hosts say the reasons are unclear.
“All right, casting what ifs.”
Bill Simmons · 0:59:28
pick Apollonia as the hostage
“What about Apollonia as the hostage?”
unknown · 1:05:32
pick Rebecca De Mornay as the hostage
“Rebecca De Mornay is a hostage.”
unknown · 1:05:39
pick Elisabeth Shue as the hostage
“What about what about Elizabeth Shu for the hostage?”
unknown · 1:05:58
pick Ally Sheedy as the hostage
“Ali Sheedy?”
unknown · 1:06:04
pick Corey Feldman as the Shane Black part (Hawkins)
“With like Corey Feldman?”
unknown · 1:06:17
pick Damon Wayans as the wisecracking young soldier
“I had a, I had an idea for that, the, uh, it's a young Damon Wayans.”
unknown · 1:06:31

Thief (1981) · ‘Thief’ With Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, and Chris Ryan

Casting what-ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Jeff Bridges as Frank: Mann's choice, rejected by the studio as too young; the hosts say he is too sweet.
“So Jeff Bridges was Michael Mann's choice to play Frank. was rejected by the studio because he was too young.”
Bill Simmons · 0:56:49
pick Roy Scheider as Frank: Gene Hackman and Scheider were reportedly considered; the hosts would have been all in on Scheider.
“It says, there's research that says Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider were considered.”
Bill Simmons · 0:57:11
pick Rutger Hauer as Frank: A host calls Rutger Hauer (rendered 'Russ Shatter') a good option.
“I thought Russ Shatter was a good one, though.”
unknown · 0:57:17
pick Jonathan Banks as The Sarge: Would have been the perfect time for him, as the character-actor type the film was missing.
“Was thinking, what about Jonathan Banks?”
Bill Simmons · 1:01:22

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) · ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ With Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Casting What-Ifs · Almost-castings and who they would cast today.

pick Gene Wilder as Royal Tenenbaum: Reported as the rumored third choice.
“the most significant one is the rumor that uh, Gene Wilder was considered for Royal Tenenbaum.”
Chris Ryan · 1:03:00
pick Michael Caine as Royal Tenenbaum: Reported as the second choice after Hackman balked at scale pay.
“it was so clear that he was going to say no that Wes and company turned to Michael Kane.”
Chris Ryan · 1:03:28
pick Robert Downey Jr. as Royal Tenenbaum: His pick to play Royal in a remake today.
“And that's Robert Downey Jr.”
Chris Ryan · 1:20:37
pick John Goodman as Royal Tenenbaum: His pick to play Royal today.
“I'm still hung up on the idea of someone who could be physically imposing and like could command a stage literally, but also do drama and comedy.”
Andy Greenwald · 1:21:34

Home Alone (1990) · ‘Home Alone’ With Chris Ryan, Sean Fennessey, and Mina Kimes

Casting what ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Robert De Niro as Harry: Almost cast as Harry.
“We had Robert De Niro, almost as Harry, John Lovitz also was up for the role of Harry”
Chris Ryan · 0:57:25
pick Jon Lovitz as Harry: Also up for Harry.
“John Lovitz also was up for the role of Harry”
Chris Ryan · 0:57:25
pick Kelsey Grammer as Uncle Frank: The Uncle Frank role was written for him.
“Kelsey Grammer, the role of Uncle Frank, was actually written for Kelsey Grammer, but wound up going to.”
Chris Ryan · 0:57:25
pick Al Pacino as Uncle Frank: Recast pick: Pacino as Uncle Frank rather than in the Pesci role.
“I think Pacino should have played Uncle Frank.”
unknown · 1:22:53
pick Marlon Brando as Marley: Joke continuation of the McAllister-men-as-mafiosos recast.
“Marlon Brando is Marley.”
unknown · 1:23:12

The Game (1997) · ‘The Game’ With Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, and Chris Ryan

Casting what ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick The 1992 version: Jonathan Mostow directing, Kyle MacLachlan and Bridget Fonda: Chris: thank God that didn't happen.
“This movie was originally supposed to happen in 1992 and a director named Jonathan Mostow was going to be the director with Kyle McLaughlin and Bridget Fonda as the leads.”
Bill Simmons · 0:40:11
pick Jodie Foster as Conrad: Announced for the Sean Penn part at the 1996 Cannes festival; Fincher reportedly thought she was too big a star.
“They announced Jody Foster would be starring with Michael Douglas in the game directed by David Fincher.”
Bill Simmons · 0:41:23
pick Jeff Bridges as Conrad: Declined; Bill thinks he is too close to Douglas's age to play the younger brother.
“Then, the role Conrad was offered to Jeff Bridges.”
Bill Simmons · 0:41:56
pick Diane Lane: Recast for Deborah Kara Unger's part: a better movie and the part Lane should have been trying to play.
“If you put Diane Lane in this movie over Deborah Carr Unger.”
Bill Simmons · 0:46:56
pick Denzel Washington as Nicholas Van Orton: Can play a flawed guy you stay interested in.
“I like Denzel.”
unknown · 0:47:29
pick Al Pacino as Conrad: Imagines a de-aged Pacino in the Conrad role, as Neil McCauley.
“What if we put Pacino in the Sean Penroll?”
Bill Simmons · 0:48:10

Seven (1995) · ‘Se7en’ With Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, and Chris Ryan

Casting what ifs · Who else was offered or attached to the film.

pick Denzel Washington as Mills: Turned it down as too dark and evil, and later regretted it.
“Denzel turned the part that went down to Brad Pitt or went to Brad Pitt.”
Bill Simmons · 1:00:20
pick Sylvester Stallone as Mills
“Slice Stallone also turned down the world of mills.”
Bill Simmons · 1:00:30
pick Robert Duvall and Gene Hackman as Somerset: Both turned down Somerset; Pacino was also in the mix before choosing City Hall.
“Duval and Gene Hackman both turned down the part of Somerset, apparently, allegedly.”
Bill Simmons · 1:01:21
pick Val Kilmer as John Doe: They wish they had a Kilmer version of the car ride.
“His name is Val Kilmer.”
unknown · 1:01:53
pick Guillermo del Toro as director: Allegedly passed on directing as too dark; Bill doubts it.
“And then Guillermo del Toro allegedly turned on the chance to direct.”
Bill Simmons · 1:00:40
pick Jason Patric as Mills: Recast for Pitt's part.
“Jason Patrick.”
Sean Fennessey · 1:06:49
pick River Phoenix as Mills: Had he been alive, he had the right dark element.
“One guy I thought of was River Phoenix for the Brad Pitt part, if he was alive”
unknown · 1:07:11

Easy A (2010) · ‘Easy A’ With Juliet Litman, Amanda Dobbins, and Shea Serrano

Casting What Ifs / The Recasting Couch · Who almost played the roles, and who else could play Olive today.

pick Logan Lerman as Brandon: Auditioned for Brandon, a part that went to Dan Byrd.
“Number one, Logan Luhrmann auditioned for Brandon”
Juliet Litman · 1:02:20
pick Jennifer Lawrence as Olive: Auditioned for Olive; Shea and Amanda argue she would not have worked, with Shea saying insults seem to penetrate her shell.
“Jennifer Lawrence auditioned for the role of Olive.”
Juliet Litman · 1:03:01
pick Zendaya as Olive: Recast pick: she has the confidence to make you trust Olive will be okay.
“and that's Zendaya.”
Amanda Dobbins · 1:22:40
pick Florence Pugh as Olive: Might end up an Emma Stone impersonation, but she brings fire.
“she brings like some of the fire is Florence Pugh.”
Amanda Dobbins · 1:23:33
pick Isabela Moner as Olive: Recast pick; cites her in Instant Family and Sicario: Day of the Soldado.
“Uh, one of my favorite uh, actors, Isabella Monair.”
Shea Serrano · 1:24:51

Fletch (1985) · ‘Fletch’ With Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, and Chris Ryan

Casting what ifs (and the recasting couch) · Who else might have played Fletch or other roles, and recasts.

pick Ryan Gosling as Fletch (a 2020 version): Maybe too pretty but he nails the smart-assery, and his talk-show humor is close to Chase's.
“I think I would probably do Gosling.”
Chris Ryan · 0:24:08
pick Burt Reynolds, Jeff Bridges, Charles Grodin, Mick Jagger and Barry Bostwick, considered for Fletch as Fletch: The author rejected Burt Reynolds and Mick Jagger.
“Burt Reynolds, Jeff Bridges, Charles Groder, Mick Jagger, and Barry Bostwick were among those considered to play Fletch.”
Bill Simmons · 0:52:31
pick Richard Dreyfuss as Fletch
“Jonathan Burrows originally wanted Richard Dreyfus after Chevy Chase, who was this high school classmate, his managers rejected the part.”
Bill Simmons · 0:52:54
pick Flip Gina Davis and Dana Wheeler-Nicholson: Sean says the movie is better if the two actresses swap roles; Bill would flip them too.
“Yes.”
Sean Fennessey · 0:58:37
pick Flip Gina Davis and Dana Wheeler-Nicholson: Bill: I would flip them.
“So recasting catch.”
Bill Simmons · 0:59:33
pick Jason Lee as Fletch (Kevin Smith's remake)
“I thought Jason Lee was one of the last guys who did that archetype that we're talking about”
unknown · 1:15:30
pick Vince Vaughn as Fletch
“But Vince Vaughn as Fletch, I think could have made it.”
unknown · 1:16:00

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) · ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ With Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, and Chris Ryan

Casting What Ifs · Almost-castings and recasts, for the film and its people.

pick Matthew Broderick as Alex P. Keaton: Bill's research: Broderick turned down Family Ties, which he wonders might have changed Back to the Future.
“He was the 1st choice to play Alex P. Keaton in Family Ties.”
Bill Simmons · 0:09:51
pick Matthew Broderick: Broderick dropped out of The Flamingo Kid; Matt Dillon took it.
“He was also cast in the Flamingo Kid, but he dropped out and that became Matt Dillon's breakout role.”
Bill Simmons · 0:10:13
pick Matthew Broderick as Johnny Utah: Chris says Broderick is too slight and not a quarterback for it.
“He turned down the role of Johnny Utah, point break.”
Bill Simmons · 0:10:26
pick Emilio Estevez as Cameron Frye: Hosts are glad Alan Ruck got it.
“Emilio Estevez turned down the role of Cameron?”
Bill Simmons · 0:57:25
pick Molly Ringwald as Sloane Peterson: Hughes went with Mia Sara instead.
“Molly Ringwald wanted to play Sloan.”
Bill Simmons · 0:58:18
pick John Cusack as Ferris Bueller: Backup if Broderick had not been the lead.
“Their backup choice, according to the cast and directors, John Cusack.”
Bill Simmons · 0:58:48
pick Bill Paxton as garage attendant: Paxton thought it too small and was never offered another Hughes role.
“And then he offered him the role of the garage attendant, Ferris, and Paxton turned it down.”
Chris Ryan · 1:00:37
pick Paul Gleason as Ed Rooney: Hosts weigh Gleason's Dick Vernon energy against Jeffrey Jones; Sean prefers Jones.
“Paul Gleason considered.”
Bill Simmons · 1:00:54
pick Alan Rickman as Ed Rooney: Bill wants someone other than Jeffrey Jones; Hans Gruber as the assistant principal.
“Um, I was thinking Alan Richmond would have been really fun.”
Bill Simmons · 1:09:30

Edge of Tomorrow (2014) · 'Edge of Tomorrow' With Sean Fennessey and Chris Ryan

Casting What Ifs · Almost-castings and cut castings.

pick Jeremy Piven: Added late, cut from the finished film; Chris says his energy would not have worked.
“actor Jeremy Piven was added to the cast and extra scenes, including him, were filmed.”
Sean Fennessey · 0:50:16
pick Brad Pitt as Bill Cage: Chris says it would take the winking Pitt, but Cruise is the better fit.
“Brad Pitt was originally considered for the role of Bill Cage.”
Sean Fennessey · 0:51:19
pick Ryan Gosling as Bill Cage
“I read that Ryan Gosling was also considered for Cage”
Sean Fennessey · 0:52:17
pick Berenice Bejo as Rita Vrataski
“I read that Berenice Bejo was up for, um, the role of Rita Vertaski”
Sean Fennessey · 0:53:06

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) · ‘Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood’ Live From Sundance With Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, and Chris Ryan

Casting What Ifs · Who was almost cast, and who they would recast.

pick Burt Reynolds as George Spahn: Reynolds was the first choice for the role Bruce Dern played, but died during rehearsals.
“Bruce Stern's character was not the 1st choice.”
Bill Simmons · 0:52:37
pick Tim Roth as J.C. Butler: Tim Roth was cut from the movie; James Marsden, also cut, was to play Burt Reynolds.
“Tim Roth cut from the movie.”
unknown · 0:53:17
pick Jennifer Lawrence as Sharon Tate: Tarantino originally approached her; the hosts doubt it would have worked.
“Tarantino originally approached for Sharon Tate.”
unknown · 0:53:38
pick Al Pacino as Marvin Schwarz: The role was written specifically for Pacino.
“Uh, Tarantino wrote the role of Marvin specifically for Al Pacino.”
unknown · 0:53:55
pick Tom Cruise as Cliff Booth: Internet gossip that Cruise was in the mix for Cliff.
“There was also, I think Tom Cruise was originally thought of for Cliff, right?”
unknown · 0:54:32
pick Jack Nicholson as George Spahn: The recast pick for the Bruce Dern part; he wouldn't have done it, but it would have been amazing.
“He wouldn't have done it, but Jack Nicholson and the Bruce Dern part would have been amazing.”
Sean Fennessey · 1:01:03
pick Johnny Depp and Robert Downey Jr. in the Brad and Leo parts: Floated as the leads if not Pitt and DiCaprio; others floated Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, and Jake Gyllenhaal and Gerard Butler.
“I had, what about Johnny Depp and Robert Downey Jr.?”
unknown · 1:01:26

Skyfall (2012) · ‘Skyfall’ With Chris Ryan, Sean Fennessey, and Amanda Dobbins

Casting What-Ifs · Almost-castings and recasts, including the Recasting Couch for who plays Bond next.

pick Sean Connery as Kincaid: Discussed for Kincaid, then rejected because the stunt casting would pull people out of the movie.
“They were in discussions with Sean Connery to play Kincaid.”
Chris Ryan · 0:57:07
pick Kevin Spacey as Mallory: Said to have been approached because Mendes directed him in American Beauty.
“I think I think Kevin Spacey was originally approached to play Mallory.”
unknown · 0:57:19
pick The Peter Morgan version of the script: A behind-the-scenes what-if rather than a casting one: release the Peter Morgan cut.
“Release the Peter Morgan cut.”
unknown · 0:58:49
pick Idris Elba as James Bond: Dismissed as too old now, the conversation being over.
“I think Idris Elba is like way older now than any bond who had been previously cast at that point.”
unknown · 1:15:09
pick Daniel Kaluuya as James Bond
“That wouldn't stop someone like Daniel Kaluya, being a potential bond is an interesting talking point, he kind of fits some of the profile.”
unknown · 1:15:16
nominee Richard Madden as James Bond: Floated, then judged a little wooden and lacking Craig's layers of pain.
“Anyway, Richard Madden is not my particular pick for James Bond, because I think he's a little, he's a little wooden, is evidenced by Chris just screaming Vicki a lot.”
unknown · 1:16:02
pick Tom Hardy as James Bond
“I mean, like, I would like Tom Hardy to play James Bond.”
unknown · 1:16:43
pick Kano as James Bond: Wild card: a grime MC from Top Boy as a Bond nobody has seen before.
“Kano, who is a grime MC who's in this show, top boy is fucking awesome.”
unknown · 1:17:03
pick Emily Blunt as James Bond: If they ever cast a woman: charisma, British, and action credibility (Edge of Tomorrow, Sicario).
“But Emily Blunt.”
unknown · 1:17:44
pick Ruben (Rubeneck) as M: Wishes the film had brought in the person named Rubeneck as M; the name is unclear in the transcript.
“Um, I wish they would have brought Rubeneck in as M.”
unknown · 1:18:27

The Holiday (2006) · ‘The Holiday’ With Juliet Litman, Amanda Dobbins, and Kari Simmons

Casting What Ifs · Who else could have played the roles.

pick No real what-ifs: Nancy Meyers wrote it for Winslet and Diaz and cast Jack Black early: Juliet plays a Meyers interview clip about writing the part for Jack Black.
“Not a lot of casting what ifs for this movie because Nancy Myers insists that she wrote it with Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz in mind. And very early on, cast Jack Black.”
Juliet Litman · 0:32:13
nominee Matt Dillon as Miles
“I thought maybe Matt Dillon because he had just come.”
unknown · 0:35:47
nominee Jason Segel as Miles: Nominated again on the recasting couch later; one host says she was swayed.
“I feel like Jason Siegel would be perfect if you were to remake this movie right now.”
unknown · 0:36:20
nominee Emilia Clarke as Iris
“What about Amelia Clark as IRS?”
unknown · 0:59:19
nominee Kate Hudson as Amanda: Pitched as having both the LA-ness and the rom-com chops, maybe better at the emotional side.
“Could Kate Hudson have been Cameron Diaz?”
unknown · 0:59:27
nominee Colin Firth as Graham: Hugh Grant ruled out as too sappy a fit; Firth could do the direct, helpless I love you.
“What about Colin Firth?”
unknown · 1:00:26

The Shining (1980) · ‘The Shining’ With Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, and Chris Ryan

Casting What-Ifs · Who else was considered or could have been cast.

pick Jessica Lange as Wendy: Kubrick talked him out of it.
“Jack Nicholson wanted Jessica Lang for the role of Wendy.”
Bill Simmons · 1:14:35
pick Harrison Ford as Jack Torrance
“According to Stephen King, Kubrick briefly considered Harrison Ford.”
Bill Simmons · 1:14:55
pick Robert De Niro as Jack Torrance: Robin Williams was also considered.
“He also considered Robert De Niro and Robin Williams, pretty seriously, decided, um, decided against an era and thought Rob Williams would be too psychotic in the world.”
Bill Simmons · 1:15:12
pick Harry Dean Stanton as Lloyd the bartender: Stanton couldn't take it because he was filming Alien.
“The role of Lloyd the bartender.”
Bill Simmons · 1:15:39
pick Meryl Streep as Wendy: The group says it is hard to imagine without Shelley Duvall's off-the-rails energy.
“Meryl Streep is Wendy.”
unknown · 1:19:23

Beverly Hills Cop (1984) · ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ With Bill Simmons, Wesley Morris, Sean Fennessey, and Chris Ryan

Casting What Ifs · Almost-castings and other stars who could have led the movie.

pick Mickey Rourke as Axel Foley: Signed a holding contract, then left; Simpson tore his picture out of a magazine.
“Casting what ifs, you mentioned Mickey work.”
Bill Simmons · 1:01:05
pick Sylvester Stallone as Axel Foley: Signed for the lead and rewrote it as a straight action film before leaving two weeks before filming.
“Stallone was signed up for the lead.”
unknown · 1:03:19
pick Top Gun: Answer to which 80s movie they wish Eddie had starred in.
“Top Gun.”
unknown · 1:11:40

Do the Right Thing (1989) · ‘Do The Right Thing’ With Sean Fennessey and Wesley Morris

Casting what-ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Robert De Niro as Sal: De Niro had to decline; both hosts think his star baggage would have tilted the movie.
“Spike Lee campaigned for Robert De Niro as so.”
Sean Fennessey · 0:59:56

Gone Girl (2014) · 'Gone Girl’ With Bill Simmons, Shea Serrano, Mallory Rubin, and Sean Fennessey

Casting What Ifs · Who almost played the parts, or who might have.

pick Jon Hamm as Nick Dunne: Was reportedly set to lead but Mad Men would not release him; Bill thinks it would have ignited his career.
“I think John Hamm was supposed to be the lead of this movie.”
Bill Simmons · 0:05:13
nominee Tom Cruise as Nick Dunne: Floated and then shot down as too short and not savvy enough to keep up with Amy.
“Do you think Tom Cruise could have been in this?”
Bill Simmons · 0:13:12
nominee Reese Witherspoon as Amy Dunne: Optioned the rights and wanted to play Amy; the hosts agree she is too open and likable.
“Reese Witherspoon obtains the film rights.”
Bill Simmons · 0:15:22
nominee Charlize Theron as Amy Dunne: Listed among the other actresses considered; Bill says the natural move would have been Charlize and Ben Affleck.
“I think that the natural move would have just been to get Charlize in call it a day.”
Bill Simmons · 0:18:09
nominee Julianne Hough as Amy Dunne: The weirdest name on the list of actresses considered for Amy.
“The weirdest one is Julianne Huff.”
Bill Simmons · 0:16:55
pick Emily Ratajkowski as Emily: Fincher cast her on a recommendation from Ben Affleck.
“Fincher cast Emily Radikowski.”
unknown · 1:07:23

Collateral (2004) · ‘Collateral’ With Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan

Casting what ifs · Who else almost made the movie.

pick Russell Crowe as Vincent: Crowe was interested and Mann was about to do it with him before he committed to another project.
“Russell Crowe becomes interested in playing Vincent.”
unknown · 1:00:08
pick Adam Sandler as Max: An early idea paired Cruise as the hitman with Sandler as the cabby; the hosts doubt it would work.
“The idea was cruised as the hitman, Adam Sandler as the cabby.”
unknown · 1:01:16
pick Val Kilmer as Fanning: Said to have pulled out right before filming over a schedule conflict.
“as Detective Fanning.”
unknown · 1:02:16
pick Dennis Farina: Was originally the Bruce McGill part.
“And then Dennis Farina was originally the Bruce McGill part.”
unknown · 1:03:03

Reservoir Dogs (1992) · ‘Reservoir Dogs’ With Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, and Chris Ryan

Casting what ifs · Actors who were considered or almost cast in the film.

pick James Woods as unnamed role: Tarantino made him five offers that his agent never passed along; online guesses say Mr. Orange, but another host likes him as Mr. White.
“Tarantino wanted James Woods made him 5 different cash offers.”
Bill Simmons · 1:02:46
pick Tom Sizemore as Mr. Pink: A finalist for Mr. Pink.
“Tom Sizemore was a finalist for Mr. Pink.”
Bill Simmons · 1:03:37
pick George Clooney as Mr. Blonde: Read for the role.
“George Clooney, read for the role of Mr. Blonde.”
Bill Simmons · 1:04:17
pick Tony Scott as director of Reservoir Dogs: Scott wanted to direct Reservoir Dogs and was given True Romance instead; the hosts imagine his version.
“Tony Scott, read both scripts of True Romance Reservoir Dogs.”
Bill Simmons · 1:05:24

When Harry Met Sally (1989) · ‘When Harry Met Sally’ With Bill Simmons, Juliet Litman, and Amanda Dobbins

Casting What Ifs · Who else was considered or turned down the roles.

pick Albert Brooks as Harry Burns: Turned the part down because the film felt too much like Woody Allen.
“Albert Brooks turned down the role of Harry.”
Bill Simmons · 0:56:24
pick Susan Dey as Sally Albright: Rob Reiner's first choice for Sally, per the host.
“Susan Day.”
Bill Simmons · 0:56:58
pick Molly Ringwald as Sally Albright: Considered but had a scheduling conflict; one host is glad she missed it.
“They had Molly Ringwild and she had a scheduling conflict.”
Bill Simmons · 0:57:10
pick Meg Ryan as Shelby: She would have had her first leading role in Steel Magnolias but gave it up to be Sally.
“Meg Ryan's 1st leading row would have been Shelby and Steel Magnolias.”
Bill Simmons · 0:57:41

Mean Girls (2004) · ‘Mean Girls’ With Bill Simmons, Juliet Litman, and Amanda Dobbins

Casting what ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams as originally cast in the opposite roles: McAdams seen as too old for the homeschooled Katie.
“Originally an edition for the opposite roles.”
unknown · 0:50:51
pick Lindsay Lohan as Regina George (wanted to play her)
“Lindsay Lohan wanted to play Regina.”
unknown · 0:51:15
pick James Franco as Aaron Samuels (considered): A darker, less jockey Aaron; he would take up space the men don't take in this movie.
“Considered for the role of Aaron Samuels.”
unknown · 0:51:44
pick Elisha Cuthbert as Regina George (lost the part)
“Somebody who lost the part of Regina George.”
unknown · 0:52:53

Reality Bites (1994) · ‘Reality Bites’ 25th Anniversary With Bill Simmons, Chuck Klosterman, and Chris Ryan

Casting What Ifs · Who else was considered, fired or swapped in.

pick Ethan Hawke as Troy Dyer: Winona Ryder fought to cast Hawke while he was in a slump.
“I'm not doing this movie unless Ethan Hawke.”
Bill Simmons · 0:55:35
pick Gwyneth Paltrow as Vickie: Among those who auditioned for Vickie and did not get it.
“Gwyneth Paltrow.”
Bill Simmons · 0:55:47
pick Parker Posey as Vickie: The only person who could have done the part as well as Garofalo.
“Parker Posey is the only person that I feel like could have done that.”
unknown · 0:55:54
pick Janeane Garofalo as Vickie: Fired before filming, then rehired when Winona Ryder stepped in.
“Before filming began, Jeanine Garofalo was fired.”
Bill Simmons · 0:55:59
pick Renee Zellweger as the first girl Troy kisses: Nephew Kyle spotted her in the opening.
“Renee Zellweger in the beginning.”
Bill Simmons · 0:58:33
pick Beth by Kiss, the planned song for the scene that used Frampton Comes Alive: Stiller could not get the rights to the Kiss song.
“The son that was supposed to be playing Beth by Kiss.”
unknown · 1:00:41

Old School (2003) · ‘Old School’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Casting What-Ifs · Almost-castings and recasts.

pick No casting what-ifs: the movie was written for Vince Vaughn and there is no oral history: The hosts find no drama or near-misses; the only what-if is the unmade sequel script.
“They wrote it for Vaughn.”
Bill Simmons · 0:36:12

Tombstone (1993) · ‘Tombstone’ With Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, and Chris Ryan

Casting what ifs · Who was nearly cast in the film.

pick Richard Gere / Willem Dafoe as Wyatt Earp / Doc Holliday: Kurt Russell said the film was nearly cast with Gere and Dafoe, but Buena Vista balked at Dafoe after Last Temptation.
“Kurt Russell said the film was nearly cast with Richard Gere as Wyatt Earp and William de Willem Defoe as Doc Holiday.”
Bill Simmons · 0:41:26
pick Mickey Rourke as Johnny Ringo: He turned it down; the group thinks it might have been one too many cooks.
“Mickey Rourke was almost cast as Johnny Ringo and turned it down.”
unknown · 0:41:50

Taken (2008) · 'Taken' With Bill Simmons and Shea Serrano

Casting what ifs · Who was cast or almost cast instead of the actual lead.

pick Jeff Bridges as Brian Mills: Was first cast as Brian but dropped out because the role was too physically demanding, which opened the door for Liam Neeson.
“Do you know who his 1st cast is Brian, who dropped out of the movie because he didn't realize it was going to be so physically demanding, paving the way for Liam Neeson to be Brian?”
Bill Simmons · 0:43:46

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) · 'Mad Max: Fury Road,' With Chris Ryan, Sean Fennessey, Micah Peters, and Jason Concepcion

Casting What Ifs · Almost-castings and who else could have played the part.

pick Mel Gibson as Max: Presumptive Max for years until he declined, fascinated by what became The Passion of the Christ.
“Obviously, this movie was conceived in the 80s shortly after Beyond Thunderdome, so Mel Gibson was the presumptive Mad Max for this movie for a long time.”
Sean Fennessey · 0:27:03
pick Heath Ledger as Max: Considered before his death in 2008.
“Heath Ledger was considered before his death in 2008, which I think maybe let's use this as an opportunity to talk about Tom Hardy and what he is doing in this movie”
Sean Fennessey · 0:27:33
nominee Jason Statham as Max: Floated and dismissed as too comicky.
“And Statham... No, no, no, no, no.”
unknown · 0:47:25
pick Michael K. Williams as a War Boy: Wanted another person of color in the cast besides Zoe Kravitz.
“Michael K. Williams, because I would have, like, liked to have seen at least, you have Zoe Kravitz, but in addition, somebody who's somebody else, somebody else in color would have been nice.”
Micah Peters · 0:50:04
nominee Steve Buscemi as Immortan Joe: Floated with a Fargo-style voice.
“What if Bushemi had played a Morton Joe?”
unknown · 0:50:18

Mission: Impossible (1996) · 'Mission: Impossible' With Chris Ryan, Sean Fennessey, and Jason Concepcion

Casting what-ifs · Who turned the movie down or might have been cast.

pick Juliette Binoche as Claire: Turned down Claire because she did not want to be known for blockbusters.
“The big ones were that Juliet Benoche turned down the role of Claire because she didn't want to be known for blockbusters.”
Chris Ryan · 0:32:13
pick Peter Graves and Martin Landau as from the original series: Both turned down the movie after reading the script; Graves disliked Jim Phelps being the villain.
“Peter Graves and Martin Landau from the original series both turned down opportunities to be in the movie after reading the script.”
Chris Ryan · 0:32:37
pick Demi Moore as Claire: Would have liked another Cruise and Moore pairing; the others doubt it would have suited the Sphinx-like part.
“And I've always kind of missed out ever since a few good men on cruise doing another movie with Demi Moore, and I thought she would make a good Clare.”
unknown · 0:33:15

Midnight Run (1988) · 'Midnight Run' With Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan

Casting What Ifs · Who else was considered or almost cast, and how the movie changes.

pick Robert De Niro as Josh Baskin in Big: De Niro wanted Big, the studio went to Tom Hanks, and De Niro settled for Midnight Run.
“De Niro goes for big, going back to the De Niro conversation, for whatever reason, decided that he needed to be in a lighthearted, some sort of funny comedy, he needed to show a different side of himself, goes for big, and the studio says, no thanks, Robert De Niro, and they go to Tom Hanks.”
Chris Ryan · 0:17:53
pick Harrison Ford as Jack Walsh: Paramount's first lineup, with Chevy Chase as the Duke; Ford dropped out.
“They line up Harrison Ford as Jack Wallace, Walsh, and Chevy Chase as the Duke.”
Bill Simmons · 0:39:59
pick Chevy Chase as the Duke: Had a conflict with two other movies and couldn't do it.
“Chevy Chase has a conflict.”
Bill Simmons · 0:40:33
pick Albert Brooks as the Duke: Turned it down; the hosts think he could have played it much like Grodin.
“They go to Albert Brooks to be the Duke.”
Bill Simmons · 0:40:43
pick Cher as the Duke: Paramount's idea, which he can't imagine working.
“But they wanted Cher to play the Duke.”
Bill Simmons · 0:41:33
pick Robin Williams as the Duke: Paramount pushed for him and he auditioned; Brest insisted on Grodin and Paramount sold the rights to Universal. Bill doubts it is Midnight Run with Williams doing bits.
“So Paramount pushes for Robin Williams.”
Bill Simmons · 0:41:54
pick Ron Perlman, Dennis Hopper, Harvey Keitel, Ray Liotta and Alec Baldwin as Jimmy Serrano: All considered for the Serrano part; nobody is better than Farina.
“Ron Perlman, Dennis Hopper, Harvey Keitel, Ray Liotta, and Alec Baldwin, all considered to play Jimmy Serrano.”
unknown · 0:46:10

Jaws (1975) · 'Jaws,' With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Casting What Ifs · Who turned down or almost played the parts.

pick Robert Duvall as Brody: Duvall turned down Brody because he wanted to play Quint; Spielberg said he was too young.
“Robert Duvall, turn down Brody.”
Bill Simmons · 0:43:33
pick Lee Marvin and Sterling Hayden as Quint: Both turned down Quint; Hayden's reason was that he was a tax fugitive.
“Lee Marvin and Sterling Hayden turned down Quint.”
Bill Simmons · 0:45:24
pick Oliver Reed as Quint
“Oliver Reed turned down Quint.”
Bill Simmons · 0:45:40
pick John Voight as Hooper: Spielberg wanted him; Kevin Kline also came close.
“Spielberg wanted John Voight for Hooper.”
Bill Simmons · 0:45:43
pick Charlton Heston as Brody: Expressed interest; the hosts agree he would have been too masculine and confident.
“Oh, Charlton Heston was the other one.”
unknown · 0:46:00

Forrest Gump (1994) · ‘Forrest Gump’ With Bill Simmons and Sean Fennessey

Casting What Ifs · Who else was cast, offered, or turned the part down.

pick Harry Anderson as Forrest Gump: Zemeckis's first choice, unavailable because of Dave's World on CBS.
“Robert Smeck is his 1st choice for the title role was Harry Anderson.”
Sean Fennessey · 0:34:00
pick Bill Murray as Forrest Gump: Turned the role down; the hosts don't think it would work.
“Bill Murray.”
Sean Fennessey · 0:34:31
pick John Travolta as Forrest Gump: Turned it down and reportedly regrets it; the hosts say he'd have been terrible.
“John Travolta and Chevy Chase.”
Sean Fennessey · 0:34:32
pick Chevy Chase as Forrest Gump: Turned the role down.
“John Travolta and Chevy Chase.”
Sean Fennessey · 0:34:32
pick David Alan Grier as Bubba: Turned down Bubba.
“David Allen Greer.”
Sean Fennessey · 0:35:00
pick Dave Chappelle as Bubba: Thought the movie would bomb and regretted it.
“Dave Chappelle.”
Sean Fennessey · 0:35:03
pick Ice Cube as Bubba: Refused to play an idiot.
“Ice Cube refused to play an idiot.”
Sean Fennessey · 0:35:11
pick Tupac Shakur as Bubba: Auditioned and didn't get it.
“Tupac auditioned for Bubba.”
Sean Fennessey · 0:35:32
pick Jodie Foster as Jenny: Turned down Jenny.
“Jody Foster turned it down.”
Sean Fennessey · 0:35:54
pick Nicole Kidman as Jenny: Turned down Jenny.
“So did Nicole Kidman.”
Sean Fennessey · 0:35:56
pick Demi Moore as Jenny: Turned it down; the hosts think she'd have been too old for the part.
“So did Demi Moore.”
Sean Fennessey · 0:36:00
pick Terry Gilliam as director: Turned down directing; the hosts say that would have been amazing and very different.
“Terry Gilliam and Barry Seinenfield.”
Sean Fennessey · 0:36:25
pick Barry Sonnenfeld as director: Turned down directing.
“Terry Gilliam and Barry Seinenfield.”
Sean Fennessey · 0:36:25

The Social Network (2010) · 'The Social Network' With Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, and Chris Ryan

Casting What Ifs · Who else was nearly cast.

pick Shia LaBeouf as Mark Zuckerberg: He turned it down; the hosts agree Eisenberg is an A plus and LaBeouf would have been too manic or fired.
“Shy LeBeuff, turn down the world of Zuck?”
Bill Simmons · 0:43:33
pick Jonathan Groff as Sean Parker: Almost got the Parker role; Fincher later used him in Mindhunter.
“The other one is, um, Jonathan Graff almost got the Sean Parker role.”
unknown · 0:44:27
pick Aziz Ansari as Divya Narendra's role (Maxwell): Added later, he tried out and apparently bombed.
“Aziz Zansari tried out for that Maxwell.”
unknown · 0:59:32

The Departed (2006) · ‘The Departed’ With Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan

Best casting, what if? · Who was almost cast, and who else could have played the parts.

pick Brad Pitt: Pitt dropped out of the Damon part and ended up producing the movie.
“Brad Pitt was supposed to be Damon's part dropped out, ended up producing the movie.”
Bill Simmons · 0:14:43
pick Ray Liotta as Dignam: First choice for Dignam; Dennis Leary was second and also could not do it.
“Ray Liotta was supposed to be Dignam.”
Bill Simmons · 0:14:47
pick Al Pacino as Frank Costello: Nicholson was second choice for Costello.
“Nicholson, 2nd choice for Frank Costello, who is choice number one.”
Bill Simmons · 0:15:16
pick Robert De Niro: Turned it down to be in The Good Shepherd.
“De Niro, turn down Martin Sheen's part because he wanted to be in the Good Shepherd.”
Bill Simmons · 0:15:27
pick Mel Gibson: First choice, but he was filming Apocalypto.
“Mel Gibson, couldn't do Alec Baldwin's part.”
Bill Simmons · 0:15:34
pick Al Pacino as Frank Costello: Thinks Pacino would have been the better Costello and would have owned the cast-smashing scene.
“I think Costello's better with Pacino.”
Chris Ryan · 0:16:14
pick Sean Penn as Frank Costello: Imagines Penn doing the opening monologue as unhinged.
“Like, Sean Penn doing that opening monologue would have been insane.”
Chris Ryan · 0:51:55
pick Matt Damon as Billy Costigan: Switching the parts: Damon could have played Costigan, maybe better; Leo could not have played Colin.
“I actually think there's there's a chance he could have been better than Leo was in that role because he the Boston would have felt a little more authentic.”
Chris Ryan · 0:54:14
pick Josh Hartnett: Wants a more famous younger actor as Leo's killer.
“That should have been like a Ryan Gosling.”
Chris Ryan · 0:43:13