Val Kilmer lobbied hard for the 1990 role “everyone in town wanted”. He still didn’t get it
Val Kilmer pursued the lead role of Henry Hill in Martin Scorsese’s 1990 film *Goodfellas*, but Scorsese cast Ray Liotta instead. The story highlights the fierce competition for the part and the contrast between the studio’s reported preference for other stars and the director’s decision to back Liotta.
Kilmer’s audition may have been a conventional tape or a short film, accounts differ. Tom Cruise, Sean Penn, Aidan Quinn, William Petersen and Alec Baldwin were also considered or auditioned; Liotta was recommended by Robert De Niro after his performance in *Something Wild*. Liotta later recalled that “everyone in town wanted” the role and that Warner Bros was sceptical of Scorsese’s choice.
In short
- Kilmer wanted the lead in *Goodfellas*.
- Scorsese chose Ray Liotta, backed by De Niro.
- Many stars competed for the part.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Scorsese’s choice of Liotta can be defended as an act of directorial judgement: his performance in Something Wild had impressed De Niro, and the director may have seen a quality in him that better served the character and the film. Casting a less established choice over stars favoured by the studio also allowed the filmmaker to prioritise his creative vision over commercial expectations.
The case against
Warner Bros’ reported preference for better-known actors can be defended as a reasonable effort to manage the financial risk of a major film, since a recognisable star might help attract audiences and support the investment. With many capable actors competing for the part, the studio could reasonably question whether Liotta was the strongest commercial choice, even if Scorsese ultimately preferred him artistically.
Explained simply
Goodfellas is a 1990 crime film directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the real-life account of mob associate Henry Hill. It follows Hill’s involvement in organised crime in New York and his relationships with fellow gangsters.
Several well-known actors were considered for the lead, including Val Kilmer and Ray Liotta. Robert De Niro recommended Liotta to Scorsese after they worked together on another film, while Warner Bros was reportedly sceptical of the choice.
The casting matters because Hill’s character anchors the film’s story and perspective. The competition for the role also shows how a director’s judgement can differ from a studio’s preferences.