Django Unchained Nearly Featured Kurt Russell in a Major Role

As a cinephile with a penchant for delving into the behind-the-scenes shenanigans of Hollywood, I can’t help but marvel at the twists and turns that led to the casting of Django Unchained. Kurt Russell, a formidable presence on screen, was initially slated to play Ace Woody, a sinister character that would have undoubtedly sent shivers down our spines. However, it seems the role was just too dark even for the seasoned veterans like Russell and Kevin Costner, who had made their careers playing tough, likable characters.

Originally, Kurt Russell was intended to join the impressive lineup of actors in “Django Unchained,” taking on a significant role that would have seen him portray a character far more malevolent than his eventual roles in Quentin Tarantino’s films such as “Death Proof” and “The Hateful Eight.” In “Death Proof,” he starred as the psychotic driver, while in “The Hateful Eight,” he played the likable bounty hunter John Ruth.

Initially, Russell was intended for the role of Ace Woody in the movie “Django Unchained.” Ace Woody served under Calvin Candie, the main villain played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and trained slaves to fight each other to their death. Had the film been made as planned, Ace Woody would have met a violent end at the hands of Django, as he was another deeply wicked character upholding Candyland’s inhumane system. Russell has the talent to bring such a ruthless character to life, but it seems that the role may have been cursed given the numerous changes and production issues behind the scenes.

As a diehard fan, I wasn’t surprised when I learned that Russell wasn’t the only big name to pass on playing Ace Woody in “Django Unchained.” According to The Guardian, Kevin Costner was originally cast by Tarantino but decided to step down, paving the way for Russell. It seems that the role may have been too grim for the veterans, who are known for their careers portraying lovable yet tough characters. However, Walton Goggins stepped up and took on the challenge, eventually embodying much of what Ace Woody stood for in his role as Billy Crash. The absence of Russell in “Django Unchained” is more than made up for by the consistently exceptional performance of Goggins. His initially minor character becomes crucial in the absence of Ace Woody, a character that was eventually cut from the final script.

Django Unchained Didn’t Need Kurt Russell After All

Django Unchained Nearly Featured Kurt Russell in a Major Role

In the movie, Walton Goggins portrays Billy Crash, the cruel overseer of the Candyland plantation who trains slaves. Goggins excelled at making his character, Billy Crash, as detestable as possible whenever he appeared on screen. A particularly chilling scene involves him tormenting Django (played by Jamie Foxx) in a barn, which foreshadows Django’s well-deserved retribution towards the end of the film. Contrary to popular belief, Goggins did not automatically receive the role; he had to earn it.

As a movie enthusiast, I can attest that my life took an extraordinary turn when Goggins managed to persuade Tarantino to try out for almost every role during the audition process for this film. It didn’t matter to me if I didn’t secure one of those roles; what truly mattered was the priceless opportunity to bring Tarantino’s script to life in his presence. Being given that chance, regardless of the final outcome, was a dream come true for me. Unsurprisingly, my unwavering passion eventually paid off, leading me to land the role of Billy Crash. This, in turn, paved the way for me to step into Russell’s shoes as Ace Woody within the movie.

In “Django Unchained”, Goggins didn’t appear alongside Kurt Russell, but they did share the screen in “The Hateful Eight”. In this movie, Goggins played Chris Mannix, a significant character, which was quite a leap from his portrayal of an evil slave trainer. This role in “The Hateful Eight” is among his finest performances to date, and that’s impressive considering the excellent acting jobs he has delivered since “Django Unchained”, including his breakout role in the FX series “Justified”.

2024-08-28 03:33

Django Unchained Didn’t Need Kurt Russell After All

Read More