In 1994, Quentin Tarantino directed Pulp Fiction, a film that left an indelible mark on cinema. Renowned for its unconventional storytelling, clever and incisive dialogue, and unforgettable characters, the movie intricately threads multiple narratives within the criminal underbelly of Los Angeles. But did you know Harvey Weinstein tried interfering with the casting?
Featuring a stellar cast including John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, and Bruce Willis, the film delves into themes of redemption, violence, and life’s absurdity. “Pulp Fiction” garnered critical acclaim, clinched the Palme d’Or at Cannes, and became a cultural juggernaut. Its enduring influence on filmmakers cements its status as a timeless cinematic masterpiece.
Quentin Tarantino Had Trouble Casting For The Film
Looking back, it’s quite astonishing to think that Quentin Tarantino faced difficulties getting a script produced. Surprisingly, all the major studios rejected Pulp Fiction. However, Harvey Weinstein, who was overseeing Miramax under Disney at the time, wasted no time in sealing the deal.
Casting presented a significant hurdle during the film’s production. Harvey Weinstein strongly opposed the idea of John Travolta portraying Vincent Vega.
Mike Simpson, the agent representing Quentin Tarantino at William Morris Endeavor, described John Travolta’s career at that time as being at its lowest point. Travolta was essentially “cold” in the industry. Simpson had provided Harvey Weinstein with a document outlining Tarantino’s requirements, which encompassed having final editing authority, a two-and-a-half-hour film duration, and complete control over casting decisions.
The discussions regarding John Travolta’s involvement in the film reached a critical point. According to Simpson, Harvey Weinstein proposed finalizing the deal and addressing certain matters later in good faith, which was declined. Simpson made it clear that Weinstein needed to agree immediately, or there would be no deal at all.
Harvey Weinstein Took Credit For The Casting
After watching the completed film in Los Angeles, Harvey Weinstein humorously remarked, approximately 20 minutes into the screening, that he was delighted to have come up with the idea to cast John Travolta, as recalled by Richard Gladstein, who was then the head of production at Miramax.
Bruce Willis’s enthusiasm for the project alleviated Weinstein’s worries about the film lacking well-known stars. However, the only available role for Willis was that of Butch, the boxer, which Quentin Tarantino had previously assured to Matt Dillon.
Simpson told Vanity Fair:
“So he gave Matt the script, and he read it and said, ‘I love it. Let me sleep on it.’ Quentin then called me and said, ‘He’s out. If he can’t tell me face-to-face that he wants to be in the movie—after he read the script—he’s out.'”
Casting for the character of Jules Winnfield posed a challenge, primarily due to the misunderstanding that Samuel L. Jackson had the role secured, only to discover he was at risk of losing it to Paul Calderon.
Pulp Fiction can be streamed on HBO Max.
Source: Vanity Fair
