Marlon Brando, a critically acclaimed talent and one of the most prominent actors of the 20th century, remains a highly celebrated icon in Hollywood. Renowned for having won multiple Academy Awards—one even for his terrific depiction of Vito Corleone in 1972’s The Godfather, the esteemed actor was once requested by Warner Bros. to partake in a screen test for the initial take on Nicholas Ray’s Rebel Without a Cause.
As fate would have it and as we all know, the part was ultimately embodied by the then up-and-coming acting sensation James Dean. It is almost impossible to comprehend the film without his presence. However, it does leave the question of how the film would’ve turned out if it featured the On the Waterfront alum as the lead instead.
Rebel Without a Cause Went Through A Long Development Phase
The development of the Nicholas Ray film was carried out in different phases, with several ideas and influences working at play. Its origins can be traced back to almost a decade before its theatrical release in 1955. Initially, the concept emerged from American psychologist Robert Lindner’s book, titled the same as the film, which was published in 1944.
The book was based on the author’s exploration and analysis of a man named Harold, who was presented before the readers as a criminal psychopath.
Warner Bros. was quick to realize the enticing nature of the subject matter. It ended up purchasing the rights to the book in 1946. The development process for the on-screen adaptation of the source material thereafter involved many writers getting on board. Interestingly enough, amidst the list of people that were present, an initial draft was prepared by Theodor Seuss Geisel—the American children’s author the world commonly knows as Dr. Seuss.
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The initial narrative of the 1955 classic went through various changes. Between 1946 and 1949, several drafts were reportedly being worked on by various authors in hopes of seeing a screenplay come to fruition. At this point, the studio decided that a potential face was needed for the endeavor. This is where Marlon Brando came into play.
Marlon Brando’s 5-minute Screen Test For The 1955 Film
Warner Bros. had almost abandoned the film project before Nicholas Ray attempted its revival. However, before such efforts were made years later, a screen test had initially been organized when the project was undergoing its earliest phases of development. Marlon Brando was the actor Warner Bros. decided to go forward with. While the screen test remains a testament to the Hollywood icon’s charm and appeal, the actor never ended up auditioning for the film.
There were no attempts made by the production company in handing Brando out an offer, either. That was where the legendary talent’s involvement with Rebel Without a Cause came to an end. Years later, the role ended up in James Dean‘s hands. It is, at the same time, incredible to think that there could’ve been a reality where the 1955 film starred Brando instead of Dean; with the former exhibiting a unique flair, evident very much from the archaic screen test.
It is safe to say that the outcome would’ve been vastly different. Regardless, Rebel Without a Cause, which remains James Dean’s most popular work, stands up to its reputation of being an accurate and just representation of “teenage angst” in media—the likes of which would not have been possible if not for the actor’s relentless dedication to the role.
There’s a reason why the film was nominated for several Academy Awards, after all.
Source: Mental Floss
