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The two hit 1990s movies John Cusack refused to star in: “I saw them and didn’t like them”
John Cusack turned down roles in two successful early-1990s films, *Indecent Proposal* and *Sleeping with the Enemy*. He later told the *LA Times* that he had declined projects he had seen and disliked, saying he was content with his tastes and did not need to chase money.
Cusack had become well known through 1980s films such as *Say Anything* and *Stand by Me*, but struggled to find a hit until 1997, when *Grosse Pointe Blank* and *Con Air* revived his box-office prospects. The article also notes he turned down *Pulp Fiction*, and highlights later successes including *High Fidelity* and *Adaptation*.
In short
- Cusack passed on *Indecent Proposal* and *Sleeping with the Enemy*.
- He said he chose roles according to his own taste.
- *Con Air* and *Grosse Pointe Blank* helped revive his career.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Cusack was right to prioritise artistic integrity over financial gain. By declining projects he found creatively inadequate, he maintained his principles rather than selling out for money. His subsequent success with films like High Fidelity and Adaptation, which he genuinely believed in, suggests this selective approach ultimately yielded more rewarding work than commercial opportunism would have.
The case against
Cusack's decisions proved commercially short-sighted. Those films became successful precisely because audiences valued them; accepting such roles could have maintained his visibility and momentum through a crucial period when his career nearly stalled. A more pragmatic approach to accepting solid professional work would have provided both financial security and sustained relevance whilst waiting for better opportunities.
Explained simply
John Cusack became well known through 1980s films such as 'Say Anything' and 'Stand by Me'. The early 1990s proved more challenging for his career, as his films failed to achieve significant box-office success. These years also saw him turn down some roles that would become notable films.
Cusack turned down roles in two early-1990s films, 'Indecent Proposal' and 'Sleeping with the Enemy', both of which became commercially successful. He told the LA Times he had seen these films and did not like them, adding that he was content with his choices and did not need to pursue work for financial reasons alone. He also declined to star in 'Pulp Fiction'.
His career eventually revived in 1997 with films such as 'Grosse Pointe Blank' and 'Con Air', and he went on to appear in well-regarded films including 'High Fidelity' and 'Adaptation'.