The American business magnate, Steve Jobs needs no introduction. Popularly known as the founder of Apple company, Jobs lived a life that is no less than an inspiration for budding business minds. To inspire many such people, filmmaker Danny Boyle delivered a biopic of Jobs, starring Michael Fassbender.
Though the film failed to perform at the box office, Fassbender’s role as Jobs was well acclaimed by the audience. Surprisingly, Fassbender wasn’t the first choice for the role of Jobs, as the writer of the film wanted to cast Tom Cruise in the role of Steve Jobs.
Tom Cruise was the first choice for the role of Steve Jobs
Tom Cruise is a versatile actor who has delivered many iconic films throughout his career, Looking at his charm and impeccable acting skills it’s undoubted that the actor is the first choice for many filmmakers for any role. Similarly, Cruice was the first choice of screenwriter, Aaron Sorkin for his 2015 film Steve Jobs. Although the film bombed at the box office, it received positive reviews from the critics.
However, the production of the film was no less than a challenge for the filmmakers. Initially, the project was picked by Sony Pictures but due to some issues regarding casting and direction, the studio dropped the project. Later Universal Pictures decided to develop the film and hired director Danny Boyle to helm the film. But the issue of casting persisted here as well, as both Boyle and the writer Aaron Sorkin were confused about the casting.
According to the Sony leaked emails (via Ars Technica), Sorkin was in favor of casting Tom Cruise as Steve Jobs. He stated in his mail that he has almost convinced film producers Scott Rudin and the director Danny Boyle film producers Scott Rudin and the director Danny Boyle about casting Cruise in the lead role. He described Cruise as
“An actor who can really handle language (Lions for Lambs, Magnolia, A Few Good Men) and a movie star who feels comfortable owning the stage.”
Looking at his statements, one thing is sure, Sorkin was adamant to cast Cruise as Jobs, but there was an issue.
What halted the casting of Tom Cruise in Steve Jobs
Despite, the screenwriter, Aaron Sorkin’s great vision of casting Tom Cruise in the role of Steve Jobs, he failed to convince the filmmakers as their concern was Cruise’s age. He clearly stated in his mail referring to Scott Rudin and Danny Boyle that “both remain concerned about his age (me less so).” In a follow-up mail, Sorkin elaborated,
“I just got off the phone with Danny who’s concerned about the age but I think I got him thinking about it and he’s going to look at some scenes from Lions for Lambs where Tom’s basically auditioning for Jobs. He’s also concerned that the choice will be met with derision because it’s such a commercial choice but I honestly think that ends up working for us. Tom’s going to surprise some people and they’ll want to reward that. I don’t think we’d have to recast”
He added, “I wouldn’t cast Clint Eastwood but if I saw Tom Cruise flying around the backstage corridors of Symphony Hall I wouldn’t think he was too old. I think it would be a dazzling performance.”
However, by that time Boyle was stern on his notion of casting Michael Fassbender, and he eventually did so. Fassbender didn’t disappoint Boyle, as his performance was well acclaimed
Source: Ars Technica
