The classic movieGhostwould have been a lot different if it had starredMichael J. Fox, but that’s something that might have happened if the iconic actor hadn’t turned it down. Back whenGhostwas starting production in the late 1980s, Fox was one of Hollywood’s hottest stars, riding high off of the success ofBack to the Future. He was among a handful of actors in consideration for playing the role of Sam Wheat inGhost, a part that would ultimately go to Patrick Swayze. In a new interview withVariety, Fox confirms that he was asked about the role during the casting process, but theFamily Tiesstar says he turned it down because he didn’t think the film would turn out well.
“I didn’t see how it would work… It shows I can be an idiot too," Fox says.
Fox isn’t the only Hollywood star to turn downGhostfor the same reason. Bruce Willis was another name in contention for the part, but he similarly turned it down after having a lack of confidence in the script. The actor told the New York Times in 1996 that he was a “knucklehead” for passing on that one after seeing the film’s success, admitting he didn’t see the potential in the project.
“I just didn’t get it," Willis said. “I said, ‘Hey, the guy’s dead. How are you gonna have a romance?’ Famous last words.”
Directed by Jerry Zucker and written by Bruce Joel Rubin,Ghosttells the story of a murdered man, Sam Wheat (Swayze), whose ghost remains behind to protect his wife, Molly (Demi Moore). To keep her safe from the people who had him killed, Sam gets the help of psychic Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg). The movie also starred Tony Goldwyn, Rick Aviles, Vincent Schiavelli, and Stephen Root.
Ghostwas a tremendous hit, grossing $505 million (in 1990 dollars, keep in mind) against a budget of less than $24 million. It also garnered a slew of prestigious awards, including Oscar wins for Best Supporting Actress for Goldberg and Best Original Screenplay for Rubin. It was also up for Best Picture, along with additional noms for its score and editing.
Related:Channing Tatum Is Planning to Remake Ghost
Ghost May Be Remade by Channing Tatum
Given the success ofGhost, it was only a matter of time before it would be remade in Hollywood. While the film has a Japanese remake, it’s never been given an official reboot or sequel in the U.S., but there are plans currently in motion to make that happen. Back in January, Channing Tatum said that his production company had acquired the rights to make the movie. He is also planning to star in the film in addition to producing, and Tatum also says that he’d be updating the film to be less problematic than the original.
“But we’re going to do something different,” Tatum said of his plannedGhostremake, viaVanity Fair. “I think it needs to change a little bit.”
