Key Takeaways:
– Al Pacino was initially slated to play the male lead in The Bone Collector but preferred to star in The Insider.
– Universal Pictures first considered Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Demi Moore, and Nicole Kidman for the main roles.
– Despite these options, Director Phillip Noyce chose Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie for the lead roles.
– The movie grossed over $151 million worldwide, standing out amidst a plethora of serial killer films of that time.
– Denzel Washington dealt with concerns from his peers about accepting his unusual role in the movie.
The Surprising Changing of Hands
As fans look back at the Hollywood scene at the turn of the century, it’s hard to understand why two of its most in-demand stars, Angelina Jolie and Denzel Washington, decided to jump onto a mid-budget crime thriller. In a surprising twist, Director Phillip Noyce revealed that these award-winning actors were not precisely the first choices for The Bone Collector, a 1999 thriller.
Stepping into the Role
It turns out the legendary Al Pacino was initially eyed to play the male lead, Lincoln Rhyme. But, Pacino had other plans, choosing instead to star in Michael Mann’s The Insider. With Pacino’s decision to step out of Rhyme’s role, Denzel Washington stepped into the spotlight.
Choosing the Stars
While other high-profile actors like Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Demi Moore, and Nicole Kidman were considered to be part of the movie, Director Noyce stood by his decision. He saw something unique in Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie, so much that he proposed a deal to Universal Pictures to shoulder extra costs if he exceeded the budget. If he stayed within the budget, he’d pocket what was left. The gamble paid off, and Noyce landed his top picks for the movie.
Betting on Stellar Performance
In a conversation with SYFY, Noyce explained what drew him to Washington and Jolie. For a story that centered around a serial killer – not a unique plot in that era of film – Noyce knew he needed extraordinary talent to make the movie stand out. Believing in Jolie and Washington’s acting prowess, he banked on their on-screen chemistry to enliven the narrative. The result was a triumph, with The Bone Collector raking in over $151 million in ticket sales worldwide – impressive for a film that had a budget of $48.
Overcoming Character Challenges
In The Bone Collector, Washington portrayed Rhyme, a quadriplegic forensic expert. This unusual role was a departure from the typical action-packed parts Washington had played previously. Some of his peers saw accepting this role as a risky career move, but Washington saw it as an opportunity to do something different and challenging. He aced the role, receiving praises from Jolie and wowing audiences with his performances.
A Boon for Netflix
Now anyone with a Netflix subscription can relive the thrilling on-screen chemistry between Jolie and Washington by streaming The Bone Collector. So, grab your popcorn and immerse yourself in a narrative that shows sometimes the most unexpected casting choices can lead to a cinematic triumph, even in a saturated genre.
