Edward Norton's career breakthrough in 1996 included roles in three well-regarded films, with the thriller Primal Fear marking his most significant performance after he secured the part over several established actors. His audition for the role unexpectedly became a minor legend circulating throughout the Hollywood industry, spreading against his preference for maintaining a low profile.

Norton has explained that he approached the audition using his standard methods, deliberately avoiding casual pre-audition conversation as part of his strategic approach. Though his performance earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the Academy Awards, Cuba Gooding Jr. ultimately won the award, an outcome that has since been viewed as a notable oversight in the ceremony's history.