David Fincher Wanted Ned Beatty, Christopher Guest for ‘Se7en’ Villain

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As a cinephile with a soft spot for psychological thrillers and a deep appreciation for the artistry of David Fincher, I can’t help but marvel at the intriguing behind-the-scenes tales that surfaced regarding the casting of John Doe in “Se7en.”

Imagine, if you will, the film with Ned Beatty as John Doe, a man known for his roles in films like “Network” and “Deliverance,” rather than Kevin Spacey. While it’s hard to picture anyone other than Spacey in that role now, I can’t help but wonder how a more laid-back, humorous performance from Christopher Guest might have played out against the grim backdrop of the film.

The casting process for “Se7en” was a veritable treasure trove of interesting choices, with R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe, Val Kilmer, and R. Lee Ermey also considered for the role. It’s fascinating to consider how different the film might have been had any of those performers taken on the role.

Ultimately, it was Spacey who stepped into the role, albeit under some unusual conditions: he asked for too much money and refused to be included in the poster or opening credits. Can you imagine going to see “Se7en” and not knowing that Kevin Spacey was the villain until the end? That would have been quite a twist!

In closing, let me leave you with this thought: if only we could go back in time and see how different choices might have shaped the film. Perhaps next time they’ll cast a chicken for the lead role and we can all wonder what “Se7en” the Cluckster would have been like!

Being a longtime fan of David Fincher’s work, I must say that his filmography is nothing short of extraordinary. As a child of the ’90s, Se7en, released in 1995, was one of those movies that had a profound impact on me and left an indelible mark on my psyche. Now, as I find myself approaching middle age, I can’t help but marvel at how the years have flown by, and yet here we are, celebrating the 30th anniversary of this cinematic masterpiece.

In a recent interview, Fincher revealed an intriguing tidbit that has added another layer to my appreciation for the film: it seems that Kevin Spacey wasn’t his first choice to play the chilling antagonist, John Doe. Instead, he had his sights set on a legendary actor who, in retrospect, would have brought an entirely different dynamic to the role.

This revelation has piqued my curiosity and made me wonder what might have been if that original choice had come to fruition. It’s fascinating to consider how the film’s narrative and Spacey’s unforgettable performance could have been altered by a different interpretation from an actor with a unique style. Regardless, I am grateful for the version of Se7en that we have come to know and appreciate, as it has become a timeless classic in the annals of cinema history.

Fincher recently discussed with Variety the upcoming 4K restoration of his film, taking a moment to reflect on the significant role it played in his career. Despite the negative reception that Alien 3 received when it was first released, its impact lingered for three years, leaving Fincher feeling overlooked by the industry. However, this period eventually led to a positive outcome as Se7en propelled him into prominence, establishing him as one of today’s most intriguing filmmakers in contemporary cinema.

One significant aspect that Fincher elaborated during their chat concerned the selection of Kevin Spacey as John Doe. Interestingly, it was reported that character actor Ned Beatty, renowned for his roles in movies like ‘Network’ and ‘Deliverance’, had once been considered for the part of the sinister serial killer. This is due to a suggestion made by someone close to Fincher who thought Beatty bore a resemblance to the 1969 sketch of the Zodiac Killer, although it’s worth noting that Beatty does not resemble the sketch in any way. According to Fincher:

“I believe we received a response quite promptly… I suspect he had it over the weekend, possibly calling on Saturday morning with a ‘No, thank you.’ At that moment, Christopher Guest was the person I found most intriguing. Our search was extensive, as wide as casting a net. It’s an unusual blend of chemistry. It feels like, ‘I know this man excelled working alongside Brad. Will he thrive working against Morgan?’ I strive to be someone who focuses less on appearances and less on the one labeled ‘police chief.’

Christopher Guest, a well-known comedian, is recognized for his roles in “This Is Spinal Tap” and “Saturday Night Live.” Later, he ventured into directing some of the most hilarious films ever made, such as “Best in Show” and “A Mighty Wind.” Given his background, Guest could have been an intriguing pick for the role in “Se7en.” Other performers under consideration for the character Doe included R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe, Val Kilmer, and R. Lee Ermey, with the latter eventually portraying the police captain. These choices were all noteworthy considering that Fincher’s prior directorial experience was “Alien,” a sequel which studio interferences tainted, demonstrating misalignment with Fincher’s creative vision.

John Doe in ‘Se7en’ Is One of Cinema’s Most Effective Villains

Initially, Kevin Spacey was set to portray John Doe in the movie “Se7en“, but it wasn’t an easy choice as Spacey demanded high compensation. The studio balked at this, leading to Brad Pitt eventually taking over the role after negotiating and convincing everyone that he was ideal for the part. Initially, a stand-in actor filled in for John Doe during filming.

When the studio finalized the deal, it was subject to a few stipulations: Firstly, he was required to finish filming within only a few weeks’ time. Secondly, and most crucially, Spacey’s name wasn’t allowed on the poster or in the opening credits. The reasoning behind this was that they wanted to preserve the element of surprise for the massive audience who would later witness one of cinema’s most indelible villains unleash his fury.

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2025-01-03 22:32