Why was Kurt Russell the only choice for the role in Stargate?

When Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin started casting Their sci-fi adventure film “Stargate”, Their wish list for the role of Colonel Jonathan J. “Jack” O’Neal consists of one name: Kurt Russell. There was no fallback option, and there was a very good reason for that. Jack is a no-nonsense military man who essentially plays the straight man to James Spader’s sassy Dr. Daniel Jackson. It’s the emptiness of charisma. So, instead of casting a tough character in the mold of Lee Marvin (who was pretty much dead at the time), Emmerich and Devlin chose to cast a movie star that every right-thinking person in the world would love.

Although “Stargate” is little more than a watchable B-movie with impressive production values, O’Neill’s reluctant alliance with Jackson gives the film some much-needed excitement. A touch of existing tension aside, Russell and Spider They are great actors who instinctively know how to play their own types. A 2016 GQ The former’s profile also revealed that Russell rejected Emmerich and Devlin until they paid him double his market value. He couldn’t refuse this offer, but he was still puzzled by their insistence on choosing him. As the star recalls:

“They said, ‘Well, we’ve done a survey around the world.’ They wanted to rate the actors based on their dislike. They wanted to find someone likable because the role, as written, was not that. And they said, “Do you know the only star out there who doesn’t have any dislikes?” “Kurt Russell.” Zero stamina!” (Laughs) Now, that was a long time ago. This number has probably changed dramatically.”

The author of the GQ article emphasized that Russell’s performance in the movie “Stargate” allowed the actor to stretch a little and change people’s perception of his image. Aside from his tight military haircut, I don’t think there’s much distance between his portrayal of the laconic Snake Plissken in Escape from New York or the relatively humorless MacReady in The Thing. He also played a gruff authority figure in the movie “Backdraft.” So, the performance itself was no surprise if you’re a Russell fan.

I also highly doubt that his “dislike” has changed since then, even after blunders like “Soldier”, “3000 Miles to Graceland” and “Crypto”. As Russell thought about his beloved character, he came to accept it as reality. “Inherent like, or inherent dislike, is something I think we all carry with us,” he told GQ magazine. But the relatively unassuming star was quick to undermine that remark, adding: “Now, when you talk about yourself in those terms, I find it objectionable. Stop! You idiot! There are millions of people who can’t stand to see you fucking up!” That may be true.”

I would disagree with the police work there as well, sir. I have yet to meet someone whose face doesn’t light up when I mention them One of many great Kurt Russell films to rewatch that already exist. You’re the king of the dad movie, sir. Hug her. Enjoy it. and please Keep making movies.