While Leonardo DiCaprio was already a part of some acclaimed releases by the mid-90s, it was Sharon Stone’s The Quick and the Dead that put his acting prowess to the forefront. But the studios weren’t initially interested in having DiCaprio in the Western, even though he had several acclaimed flicks under his belt, such as This Boy’s Life and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.
Alongside Dicaprio, Russell Crowe, who played Cord in the Western, was initially written off by the studio, and if it wasn’t for Stone, their career might not have gotten the boost it got following this film.
Sharon Stone took a shot on her foot to get Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe onboard
Hollywood hasn’t always been fair to the Basic Instinct Star, and the drama behind The Quick and Dead‘s production is one of those instances. Produced by Sharon Stone, the American revisionist Western hit the screens back in ’95, opening to mixed reviews, but it did pave the way for DiCaprio and Russell Crowe’s dominance in Hollywood. However, the studios weren’t too keen on getting the two on board, as they were relatively unknown actors at the time, but Stone didn’t budge and paid DiCaprio’s salary from her own pocket. Per Variety, she said,
“I had so much resistance on [The Quick and the Dead],” Stone said. “I wanted Leo DiCaprio: ‘Pay him out of your own money.’ I wanted Russell Crowe: ‘Why do you want this guy who has only played a skinhead before?’ I wanted Sam Raimi to direct: ‘Sharon, why do you always shoot yourself in the foot?’”
But following this, she got banned for eight years from TriStar Pictures, and the movie’s underwhelming reception upon its release didn’t help her case.
Leonardo DiCaprio can’t stop thanking Sharon Stone
Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio have been pretty vocal about their admiration for Sharon Stone, who took a shot at her foot in order to launch their careers, especially DiCaprio. He once revealed that he has thanked the Basic Instinct Star many times and remains extremely thankful. DiCaprio recalled (via E! News)
“She said, ‘These are the two actors I want to work with’. It’s incredible. She’s been a huge champion of cinema and giving other actors opportunities, so I’m very thankful.”
Crowe too had similar comments on Stone’s conviction to get him boarded on the Western. Not long after starring in the Stone-led Western, which was his first major release in the US, Crowe would go on to star in Gladiator, which would push him to stardom.
The Quick and the Dead is available to rent on Apple TV.
