In Hollywood, there could be multiple reasons for a director and an actor failing to collaborate on a project. The clash of dates, creative differences, and personal rapport are some examples of obstacles in the entertainment business for certain films not taking shape. But director Sam Raimi and Marvel superstar Robert Downey Jr.’s possible professional association was marred by a rather unique and strange occurrence.
The Spider-Man director and the Iron Man actor were reportedly set to collaborate on a prestigious project back in 2010 which was based on an iconic character from a novel. But this project which ultimately went to actor James Franco did not materialize for Downey Jr. and the cause for that is an almost laughable one.
Sam Raimi did not Cast Robert Downey Jr. For The Wizard Of Oz Prequel
Back in April of 2010, The Los Angeles Times reported that Robert Downey Jr. was in talks to star in Disney’s Wizard of Oz prequel, Oz The Great and Powerful. The film, which didn’t even have an official title at that point, was still searching for its director, with Sam Mendes and Adam Shankman’s names being thrown into the fray as possible filmmakers. Director Sam Raimi was eventually hired but his appointment came with the news that Downey Jr. was out of the film even before he was officially in.
According to sources, the initial meetings with the director and the star did not develop into anything significant due to a strange incident with a plant involving the two celebrities. Reports stated that Raimi had gifted a piece of flora to the Due Date star as a goodwill gift when he first met him for a possible collaboration.
On returning to take the project further, Raimi noticed that the plant was unwatered and wilting in a corner of Downey Jr.’s home. This allegedly left a bad taste in the director’s mouth that ultimately led to him rejecting the Marvel star for the role. With Raimi declining to comment, this information is yet to be officially verified.
Sam Raimi Struggled To Cast His Lead Actor for Wizard Of Oz Prequel
Sam Raimi started his dream project of directing Oz the Great and Powerful as early as 2010. The film was ultimately released in 2013 but not before Raimi went through challenging times to find his lead actor for the titular role. Robert Downey Jr. who was allegedly in the running as the first choice, stepped down after clashing with the director on an issue involving a plant.
Raimi then turned to Johnny Depp as a possible replacement but this collaboration also did not materialize owing to Depp’s commitment to The Lone Ranger at the time. Finally, just five months away from the July 2011 start of production, Raimi brought in actor James Franco with whom he had previously collaborated on the Spiderman films. Franco who was more than happy to be part of the project said,
“I met Sam to discuss this film around the Oscars two years ago. I was happy to do it, not only to work with Sam again but also because the character is so iconic.”
Franco revealed that he was excited to do the film as he was also an ardent fan of Frank Baum’s iconic novel The Wizard of Oz. According to sources, Franco was able to command a $7 million payday and received unstinted support from his director even after his critical drubbing as host of the Oscar awards that year.
Source: Huffington Post
