During Steven Spielberg’s childhood, a single incident sparked his imagination and left a lasting impression – witnessing a meteorite shower with his father. As he matured and established himself as a filmmaker in 1977, he felt the time was right to create his most personal and awe-inspiring film.
Drawing from the wonder of that cherished childhood memory, he transformed it into an extraterrestrial tale, giving birth to the captivating story of Close Encounters of the Third Kind. As he crafted the script, Spielberg faced a challenge in selecting the perfect actor to portray Roy Neary, the electrical lineman who experiences a UFO encounter and becomes deeply obsessed with flying saucers.
Steven Spielberg Couldn’t Decide The Actor For The Role
Steven Spielberg sought someone with a touch of eccentricity to embody the role, and in Hollywood, there was no shortage of candidates to consider. Interestingly, Spielberg was familiar with facing rejection himself in the industry.
In consideration for the role, Spielberg considered Steve McQueen, Al Pacino, Gene Hackman, and Jack Nicholson. Recognizing the parallel fervent energy displayed by Nicholson’s character in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest just two years prior, Spielberg believed he would be an ideal fit for the beloved yet unconventional Neary. However, by this stage, Nicholson was also at the peak of his artistic prowess, and sources have suggested that he declined the role because he didn’t want to be overshadowed by special effects.
In contrast, Richard Dreyfuss enthusiastically embraced the challenge of holding his ground amidst the spectacle of flying saucers, and he put forth every effort to secure the role. During their collaboration on Jaws, Spielberg recalled how Dreyfuss persistently pursued the role, consistently badgering him about it.
“Dreyfuss talked me into casting him. He listened to about 155 days’ worth of Close Encounters. He even contributed ideas,” Spielberg said.
Richard Dreyfuss Went Out Of His Way To Secure The Role
Dreyfuss went above and beyond in his efforts. He openly acknowledges that he didn’t hold back in sabotaging his competition, remembering how he would stroll by Spielberg’s office and make remarks like “Al Pacino has no sense of humor” or “Jack Nicholson is too crazy.” Ultimately, through his persistent campaigning, he managed to persuade Spielberg to cast him in the role.
“I launched myself into a campaign to get the part. I would walk by Steve’s office and say stuff like ‘Al Pacino has no sense of humor’ or ‘Jack Nicholson is too crazy’. I eventually convinced him to cast me.”
Despite Close Encounters of the Third Kind becoming a beloved and highly successful film, it’s unlikely that Jack Nicholson has any regrets about turning down the role. Apart from his laid-back nature, around that period, he had the opportunity to take on a directorial project.
Source: Far Out
