Key Takeaways:
– Filmmaker Michael Mann initially considered Adam Sandler for a role in Collateral, which also starred Tom Cruise.
– The roles subsequently went to Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise, due to rewrites of the script.
– The initial script with Sandler would have included Jewish stereotypes which may not have aged well.
– It’s fascinating to consider how different the film could have been with Sandler and Cruise sharing the screen.
Discovering the ‘Collateral’ That Wasn’t
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see Tom Cruise and Adam Sandler in the same movie? Well, so did Michael Mann. The filmmaker, known for creating outstanding action sequences and thrilling suspense, once considered casting these two heavy-hitters in his 2004 film Collateral.
This surprising revelation comes from the director himself during an interview. According to Mann, Sandler was tipped to play the role of a cab driver, a character with a comedic edge that could’ve suited Sandler quite well. But in a surprising turn of events, the role was eventually taken by another talented actor.
Stepping In and Shaking Up
That actor was none other than Jamie Foxx himself. Now known as the easygoing cab driver Max Durocher, Foxx’s contributions to the film gave it a distinct flavor that complemented Cruise’s ruthless hitman character, Vincent. Mann admits the switch was a necessity due to changes made in the script.
The original script defined Max as a foreign Jewish cab driver living in New York. Mann reasoned that this characterization was filled with stereotypes and had a comedic tone that would potentially rob the film of its serious edge. He reasoned that a change was essential to keep the film true to its thrilling heart.
Stepping up to the Challenge
Upon refining the script, Mann felt that the film needed a different kind of protagonist behind the wheel. Seeing this, he approached Tom Cruise to sign on as Vincent, marking a rare occasion where Cruise traded his usual hero’s mantle for a villain’s cloak.
Leaving some fans giddy with excitement, Sandler was still in the mix to play the cab driver, despite the script overhaul. However, the comedic character traits were subdued, and instead of Sandler bringing his usual humor to the role, Mann decided for a more subtle approach and elected Jamie Foxx.
Reflecting on What Might Have Been
Thinking about a version of ‘Collateral’ that starred Tom Cruise and Adam Sandler does cause one to pause. These two actors, known for their successful but very different movies, converging in one film would have created a quite unique movie dynamic.
However, according to Mann’s insights, if the original script had been used, the movie conceivably wouldn’t have aged well given its play on stereotypes. What seems clear is that Sandler’s renowned comedic flair may not have matched the more subtle humor eventually incorporated into the film.
The Final Outcome
Ultimately, Jamie Foxx took control of the cab and, along with Tom Cruise, delivered a film that tickled the taste buds of thriller enthusiasts worldwide. ‘Collateral’ succeeded commercially and is hailed as one of Cruise’s best works to date.
While both Foxx and Cruise delivered stellar performances, the ‘what-if’ scenario of a Sandler-Cruise team-up does present intriguing possibilities. One thing, however, remains clear: the final version of ‘Collateral,’ available to stream at Netflix and Paramount+, continues to thrill viewers even today with its unique blend of action and suspense.
That’s the beauty of cinema! You never really know who might have stepped into the shoes of your favorite characters. But one can’t help but marvel at the endless possibilities, especially when it involves a potential mashup of talents as diverse as Tom Cruise and Adam Sandler.
