These Martin Scorsese Films Were Perfectly Cast
22nd December, 2021
Warner Bros.
Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese is not only known for his sublime direction but also for tailoring roles for the actors he has in mind. But can you picture someone other than Robert De Niro playing the lead in Raging Bull? To be brutally honest, we simply can’t fathom the idea! The five movies we’re gonna talk about could’ve gone in a completely different direction if alternative casting choices were made.
Gangs of New York
Daniel Day-Lewis’ performance as Bill “The Butcher” Cutting was a spine-chilling spectacle in this epic Martin Scorsese film. But Day-Lewis wasn’t the first choice for the role; it was long-time collaborator Robert De Niro. Scorsese had approached De Niro, but the actor had to turn down the role owing to commitments made to star in The Score with Edward Norton.
Taxi Driver
One Scorsese movie that we really can’t avoid talking about is Taxi Driver. Robert De Niro played the role of Travis Bickle, an insomniac loner who increasingly became deluded. We’re all well aware of the impact Taxi Driver had on De Niro’s career, but that could’ve all changed if Dustin Hoffman was cast as the lead. Hoffman turned the role down because he wasn’t sure of what he was getting into.
Mean Streets
Harvey Keitel’s performance as Charlie in Mean Streets seamlessly complemented Robert De Niro’s character Johnny Boy, who was a reckless youngster and small-time gambler. While Keitel was the perfect fit in retrospect, the studio first approached Jon Voight to play the role of Charlie. Fortunately, Voight turned down the role, and before financers could suggest another name, Scorsese suggested Keitel.
The Aviator
Leonardo Di Caprio’s execution of flamboyant pilot, business magnate, and movie director Howard Hughes in The Aviator deserved all the accolades he received. However, while Di Caprio perfectly portrayed Hughes’ eccentric personality, it was Warren Beatty who initially planned to direct and star in his own rendition of this biopic. In 2016, Beatty directed and starred as Hughes in Rules Don’t Apply, but the movie tanked.
GoodFellas
