From Jonathan Demme, the creator of acclaimed projects like Silence of the Lambs, Manchurian Candidate, and more, came the 1993 Oscar-winning movie Philadelphia. But surprisingly, Demme’s seminal work that garnered critical acclaim was initially plagued with significant controversies during the production.
The controversy arose from Jonathan Demme’s attempt to dissuade Denzel Washington from joining the cast, alongside Tom Hanks, who played a homosexual man. Looking for a popular comedian, or to be precise, a white comedian, Demme apparently expressed concerns over having a homosexual and a member of a racial minority in the same film.
Denzel Washington Wasn’t Jonathan Demme’s First Choice for Philadelphia
Denzel Washington’s road to success in Hollywood has undoubtedly been marked by extremities and hardships. How the actor was almost pushed out of the 1993 Oscar winner Philadelphia despite previously showcasing his cinematic prowess and winning an Oscar for 1990’s Glory, only proves the fact.
According to El País, despite Denzel Washington’s growing popularity and proven skills in Hollywood, the actor wasn’t the first choice for legendary filmmaker Jonathan Demme. The director was more inclined towards starring a white comedian to portray lawyer Joe Miller. As per Demme, Robin Williams or Bill Murray were the perfect choice, since they were familiar and “likable” to viewers.
However, things changed when Denzel Washington met Jonathan Demme’s co-producer Edward Saxon, on a flight, who was working on the script. Washington urged Saxon to let him read the screenplay, when he developed a deeper connection with the character, Joe Miller. The actor then felt the desire to play the lawyer, who evolved from being a homophobic man to befriending Tom Hanks’ character Andrew Beckett.
Jonathan Demme Tried Convincing Denzel Washington Out of the Film
Nonetheless, despite Denzel Washington’s desire to appear in the movie, filmmaker Jonathan Demme wasn’t convinced. Demme initially attempted to prevent Denzel Washington from taking on the role of Joe Miller. The reasoning behind Demme’s opposition purportedly stemmed from his reluctance to have a gay and a racial minority character appear in the same film.
Jonathan Demme’s stance undoubtedly raised eyebrows, especially considering the progressive themes that Philadelphia addressed and championed. According to reports, the filmmaker even tried persuading Denzel Washington out of the role by using the excuse that the character had to be funny. But thankfully nothing worked, as Washington was simply adamant about playing the role.
“I said, ‘There’s a big problem… it’s meant for an actor with a gift for comedy,’ Demme recalled.
“I can be funny,” Washington replied.
Released in 1993, Philadelphia garnered widespread acclaim for its sensitive handling of themes like HIV/AIDS, homophobia, and discrimination in the legal and corporate world. The movie starred Tom Hanks as Andrew Beckett, a successful lawyer who is wrongfully terminated due to his HIV-positive status. Thereafter, appears Denzel Washington’s Joe Miller, the attorney who represents Beckett in his lawsuit against his former employers.
Philadelphia is available on Peacock.
