Throughout his decades-long career, Tom Cruise has starred in some of the most iconic movies and has portrayed some memorable characters. While the actor is largely known for his action films, he has constantly showcased his versatility with a wide range of roles across a variety of genres. The long list of his on-screen characters could have also included one more iconic role portrayed by the late actor Patrick Swayze in the 1990 supernatural film Ghost. However, the Mission Impossible star reportedly turned down the offer.
Tom Cruise Denied the Offer to Star in the 1990 Hit Ghost
Directed by Jerry Zucker and starring Demi Moore alongside Patrick Swayze, the 1990 film Ghost was a huge hit, earning positive critical and box office reception. However, Swayze later revealed in his autobiography that he was not the initial choice for the role.
According to his autobiography, The Time of My Life, the makers of the film were eyeing multiple actors for the role, including Tom Cruise. The actor had recently starred in Barry Levinson’s 1988 Oscar-winning comedy-drama Rain Man.
His next film, Born on the Fourth of July, which also earned him his first Oscar nomination, was released a few months after the production for Ghost began. It is unclear why, but Cruise reportedly went on to star in the sports action drama Days of Thunder, and the role eventually went to Swayze.
Not just the Top Gun star but many big names, including Tom Hanks, Harrison Ford, Kevin Bacon, and Alec Baldwin, were considered to be cast as Sam Wheat as well. Moore’s ex-husband, Bruce Willis, was also reportedly in talks, but he denied the offer as he was unable to understand the film’s concept.
Jerry Zucker Did Not Want to Cast Patrick Swayze in Ghost
Ghost follows the love story of Sam Wheat and Molly Jensen, where Sam, after being killed, becomes a ghost and attempts to save Molly from the potential danger with the help of a psychic medium. Overcoming everyone’s expectations, the movie was a huge hit, making over $500 million at the box office.
However, the director of the film was not interested in casting Patrick Swayze as Sam Wheat initially. In his autobiography, the actor shared that Jerry Zucker was adamant that he was the wrong guy for the role. When the Green Dragon actor was suggested for the role, the filmmaker bluntly responded with, “Over my dead body!” Despite his initial denial, he agreed to let Swayze audition for the role and later cast him as Sam Wheat in the 1990 film.
Ghost is available to stream on Max.
