The world works on capitalism in today’s day and age. To get paid for what one works on is only fair. Actors are no exception to this rule, regardless of whether it is The Untouchables’ Robert De Niro or Kevin Costner. Actors take on big roles and get paid heftily for the same. To put in the work and then getting paid for it, or as the world now knows it to be equivalent exchange.
What may be rare to hear, however, is for someone to get paid for not doing something. When a big project comes into play, many actors get eager to take the role, while at the same time, others may not see things in the same direction. Such was the case with Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables.
Robert De Niro was Always Brian De Palma’s First Choice
Kevin Costner got his first starring role alongside Robert De Niro and Sean Connery in Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables. The film was an immediate hit and was intended to be that way as well. A big-budget film as such needed a lot of dedication and planning. So when it came to the role of Al Capone, Palma had eyes for only one actor.
“Well really, I want De Niro to play this part.” Bob Hoskins imitated, “He’s a bit difficult to get an answer out of. If he won’t do it, would you do it?”
He had proposed the role to the actor, who although seemed interested in the role, had previous responsibilities to take care of. De Niro and Palma had previously worked together on Hi, Mom! And the actor had a rapport with the director as well. Speaking with Conan O’Brien, Bob Hoskins revealed that he was approached for the role of Al Capone. However, the director was candid about one thing, he wanted Robert De Niro first.
The actor was busy with a Broadway show of Cuba & His Teddy Bear. He was hesitant towards committing to the film no matter how much he wanted to do it. De Niro was unaware of whether or not he would be able to make it on time for the filming in between the play and the principal photography.
Bob Hoskins Still Got Something Out of It
Bob Hoskins agreed to play the role of Al Capone in The Untouchable, but at the last minute, the plans changed. The actor read in the newspaper that the role was given to Robert De Niro as the actor had finally managed to make time for the film.
“Linda [Hoskins’ wife] and me are sitting out having breakfast one morning, and Linda’s opening the [mail]. She said, ‘Oh, what’s this?’ It was a check for $200,000. It said, ‘Thanks for your time. Love, Brian.’ I phoned him up, and I said, ‘Brian, listen, you got any films you don’t want me to be in, babe, I’m there for you any day!'”
To both Hoskins and his wife’s surprise, that wasn’t the only news they received. While on one end the actor was taking in the fact that he was no long part of a future cult classic film, the other end saw his wife receiving a check. Brian De Palma had sent the actor $200,000 with a heartfelt note for his dedication.
He got paid for not playing the role, in a way being compensated for a movie he almost became a big part of. Upon receiving the movie, Hoskins called Palma and asked in jest if there were any other roles he needed to be pushed away from because he would gladly be a part of the same.
The Untouchables is available to watch on Paramount+.
