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Why John Malkovich didn’t want to be John Malkovich in 1999: “It could have been anybody”
John Malkovich was unsure about starring as himself in the 1999 surreal comedy *Being John Malkovich*, fearing the film could fail or leave him permanently tied to its unusual premise. His reluctance reflects the risks of making a film centred on a star who was not convinced he was the right person for the role.
Malkovich said he thought actors including William Hurt, Tom Cruise and Sean Penn could have played the part, but writer Charlie Kaufman disagreed. Malkovich’s suggestion that Charlie Sheen play his best friend led to Sheen joining the cast while in rehab; the film also featured cameos from Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and Winona Ryder. It made a modest box-office profit and received three Academy Award nominations.
In short
- Malkovich was hesitant to play himself in the 1999 comedy.
- He thought several other actors could have taken the role.
- The film made a modest profit and earned three Oscar nominations.