In 2010, The Tourist, starring Johnny Depp and Charlize Theron, was rumored to be in production with a budget of $278 million. But then it came out that Theron had left the project, so the producers had to scramble to find a replacement. In the end, Angelina Jolie was chosen to play the lead, and the film was a financial success.
Why Did Charlize Theron Opt Out of The Tourist?
Charlize Theron had long been attached to The Tourist, a remake of the French thriller Anthony Zimmer. The film centered around an American tourist who goes undercover on behalf of Interpol to entrap a former lover suspected of being a global criminal.
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Theron was set to play the lead role of the seductive and action-packed female lead, opposite Depp’s male lead. However, in 2010, news broke that Theron had dropped out of the project, leaving the filmmakers scrambling to find a replacement.
At the time, neither producer Spyglass Entertainment, nor Theron’s reps, explained her departure. It’s not uncommon for actors to drop out of projects due to scheduling conflicts or creative differences, but the reasons behind Theron’s exit from The Tourist remained a mystery.
Who Replaced Charlize Theron in The Tourist?
After Charlize Theron’s departure, rumors began swirling about who would replace her in the film. Eventually, it was announced that Angelina Jolie had been cast in the lead role. Jolie, who had recently starred in the action-packed thriller Salt, was seen as a natural fit for the seductive and action-packed female lead.
The casting of Jolie was not without controversy, however. Some fans of the original film expressed disappointment that Theron had been replaced, while others questioned whether Jolie was the right choice. Despite the backlash, Jolie delivered a strong performance in The Tourist, earning praise for her chemistry with Depp and action sequences.
Despite its star-studded cast and massive budget, The Tourist received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Some praised the chemistry between Depp and Jolie, while others criticized the film’s lackluster plot and pacing. It underperformed at the box office, grossing only $278 million worldwide against a budget of $100 million.
Several factors may have contributed to the film’s lackluster performance. The script was reportedly unprepared when production began, leading to a rushed and chaotic shoot. Additionally, the film’s marketing campaign was criticized for misleading audiences into thinking it was a high-octane action movie when it was more of a slow-burn thriller.
Despite these issues, The Tourist remains an interesting footnote in Hollywood history, a reminder of the risks and rewards of big-budget filmmaking. It’s also a testament to the power of star power, as even with mixed reviews and a troubled production, the film still managed to draw in audiences thanks to the combined star power of Depp and Jolie.
Source: Reuters
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