Jon Favreau is currently one of the most celebrated directors in Hollywood, enjoying his A-list status and $60 million worth. His career has spanned from the ’90s and his comedic and innovative arc put him on the map with projects like Swingers (1996), Elf (2003), The Lion King (2019), and most importantly, Iron Man (2008). But a small hitch regarding the NBC sitcom FRIENDS casting could’ve changed it all.
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Jon Favreau’s Wildly Diverse Hollywood Filmography
As brilliant on the screen as behind the lens, the actor, chef, screenwriter, and filmmaker, Jon Favreau found fame with his breakout screenplay of the 1996 buddy comedy and romance film, Swingers. The film which went on to launch Vince Vaughn alongside him proved to be the career-defining start of the filmmaker who would go on to launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe 12 years later.
Iron Man was a mile marker, and everything Jon Favreau did or does is defined by before and after the Robert Downey Jr. movie. His epic and adorable Christmas movie, Elf (2003) starring Will Ferrell is nothing short of a classic and grows only more memorable with time. And the 2019 Disney musical, The Lion King has proved his mastery over making an already beloved classic somehow even more successful.
But his career doesn’t end with comic book movies and feel-good classics. Favreau went on to revive the dying Star Wars franchise with the ubiquitously loved and critically acclaimed series, The Mandalorian.
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Jon Favreau’s Role on the ’90s Famed Sitcom, FRIENDS
It wasn’t without reason that the esteemed director went down the path of filmmaking rather than actively pursuing acting. The NBC sitcom that redefined the genre and became a beloved homestay for the better part of the ’90s, i.e. FRIENDS had almost snagged Jon Favreau in a major role as one of the lead cast members. Luckily for him (and us), the casting committee had other plans that favored the ever-charming Matthew Perry.
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However, Jon Favreau did return to the set of the beloved sitcom for a short stay and ended up delivering one of the most memorable arcs in the entire series spanning 10 seasons. He went on to portray Pete Becker, a millionaire that Monica Geller dated who was the perfect partner in every imaginable way before unraveling over his obsession with achieving the titular honor of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Favreau starred in 6 episodes throughout the third season, beginning with The One With the Hypnosis Tape and ending with The One With the Ultimate Fighting Champion.
The complete season of FRIENDS is available for streaming on Netflix.
Source: Booms Beat
