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In 2005, Adam Sandler was offered his first action movie in a decade. He refused, and Tom Cruise did it instead
Adam Sandler turned down the lead role in the action comedy that became *Knight and Day*, saying he could not picture himself with a gun. The part eventually went to Tom Cruise, after several other actors were considered or withdrew, making the casting story an unusual detour in the film’s development.
The project began in 2005 under the title *Wichita* and was later called *Trouble Man* before becoming *Knight and Day*, directed by James Mangold and starring Cruise and Cameron Diaz. Chris Tucker and Gerard Butler were also linked to the role during the search; the article describes the finished film as a relatively forgettable, commercially unsuccessful caper.
In short
- Sandler declined the role that became *Knight and Day*.
- Tom Cruise eventually starred opposite Cameron Diaz.
- The casting search included several other actors.
Explained simply
Knight and Day is a 2010 action comedy directed by James Mangold, with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz playing strangers caught up in a chase involving a secret agent. The project began in 2005 as Wichita, and its title changed during development.
Adam Sandler was offered the lead role but said he could not picture himself carrying a gun. Chris Tucker and Gerard Butler were also linked to the part before Cruise took it. The casting gives a glimpse of how a film’s story and tone can shift as it develops, depending on who agrees to star.