By ATTS 
The Unseen Story of a Blockbuster’s Casting
Ever wondered why John Travolta didn’t star in the iconic film ‘American Gigolo’? The answer, according to billionaire Barry Diller, is far more complex than initially believed. Diller, a former Paramount executive and co-founder of the Fox Broadcasting Company, has revealed a fascinating tale in his memoir, ‘Who Knew.’ This story unveils the behind-the-scenes drama that led to Richard Gere taking on the role that would become a defining moment in his career. The narrative is filled with intrigue, personal struggles, and the pressures of Hollywood stardom, offering a rare glimpse into the choices that shape cinematic history.
In the bustling world of 1980, Paul Schrader envisioned a film that would challenge societal norms and explore the complexities of human relationships. ‘American Gigolo’ was poised to be a groundbreaking project, and John Travolta, riding the wave of success from ‘Saturday Night Fever’ and ‘Grease,’ seemed like the perfect fit. However, as fate would have it, circumstances, and perhaps hidden anxieties, would lead to a dramatic shift in the film’s destiny. The story behind Travolta’s departure is not just about a missed opportunity; it’s a reflection of the high stakes and personal battles that often play out in the glamorous yet cutthroat world of film production.
The narrative unfolds with the kind of drama that could easily be mistaken for a Hollywood script, with accusations, personal tragedies, and career anxieties converging to create a pivotal moment. This isn’t just a story about a casting change; it’s a window into the pressures and personal demons that even the biggest stars face. The revelation from Diller provides a new layer to the film’s history, making us question the narratives we often accept at face value and highlighting the human element behind the larger-than-life personas we see on screen. It’s a reminder that every success story has its share of setbacks and difficult choices.
The Backstory and the Sudden Change
The genesis of the casting change began with Travolta, fresh from his successes, was slated to portray Julian Kay, the male escort at the heart of Schrader’s film. The storyline was a daring choice for its time, but it was the underlying themes of the film, the ‘somewhat gay sub-text,’ that allegedly caused the biggest issues. According to Diller, Travolta approached Michael Eisner, then the president of Paramount Pictures, citing personal grief as the reason for his withdrawal. Travolta’s public statement was that he was too saddened by the death of his mother and girlfriend Diana Hyland to commit to the role. He allegedly expressed that he was still in mourning and that the film was the wrong project for him at that moment. Diller, however, had a different take.
Diller was not convinced. He felt Travolta was dissembling. According to Diller, he immediately recognized that something else was at play. He believed Travolta was using his personal tragedies as an excuse to back out of a role he was afraid to take. He went on to mention that Travolta was worried about his public image. This difference in perspective highlights the tension between public perception and the realities of the film industry, where both personal and professional anxieties often collide.
Diller’s skepticism was a turning point, creating a rift between himself and the star. He tried to reason with Travolta, urging him to seize the opportunity, given the critical moment in Travolta’s career. But, instead of influencing Travolta, his advice had the opposite effect. This underscores the complexities of managing talent, where ego, fear, and personal insecurities can often overshadow professional advice. It also highlighted that Travolta’s team felt that Diller was being critical of the star.
The Real Reason: Facing the Subtext
Diller alleged the core of Travolta’s reluctance stemmed from the film’s ‘somewhat gay sub-text.’ The fear of portraying a character with a nuanced portrayal of sexuality in a highly publicized film was a significant concern for Travolta. This worry, coupled with his rising stardom, created a perfect storm of uncertainty. The 1980s were a different time, where open discussions of sexuality were less common in mainstream media. Taking on such a role was a risk that, according to Diller, Travolta wasn’t ready to take.
The underlying anxieties were intensified by the fact that Travolta was at the peak of his fame. His decisions at this point would profoundly shape his career. To take on a role that could potentially alienate a large segment of his audience was a daunting prospect. This situation highlights the pressure that public figures face when managing their image, as well as the risk of making a decision that could potentially threaten their career trajectory.
The incident serves as a reminder of the courage required to take on complex roles. It also highlights the importance of considering the historical context in which a film is produced. The social climate of the time influenced the actors, the filmmakers, and the audience, making ‘American Gigolo’ a culturally relevant project. The risk of failure was real, and it appears that Travolta decided that risk was not worth taking. He did not want to ruin his career by taking a risk and losing his audience.
Richard Gere Steps In and the Film Takes Flight
With Travolta out of the picture, the opportunity fell to Richard Gere. Initially, Gere wasn’t the first choice for the role, but he was eventually cast, a decision that would greatly shape his career. Gere stepped into the role, transforming ‘American Gigolo’ into the success it became. The film grossed nearly $53 million at the box office worldwide, a significant achievement given its $5 million budget. This success would cement Gere’s status as a Hollywood star.
Gere’s performance and the film’s overall reception showed that the studio made the right choice. It also revealed that the film was able to overcome the initial casting challenges. The casting shift, and the subsequent triumph of the movie, demonstrated how pivotal a single decision can be in the world of cinema. It also highlights that a change can ultimately benefit all parties. Gere’s commitment and nuanced performance transformed the film into a critical and commercial success. This further suggests that the original decision to back out may have been a blessing in disguise.
The film’s success is a testament to the resilience of the creative vision and the fortuitous choices that led to its completion. This is an example of the often-unpredictable nature of Hollywood success. The success of ‘American Gigolo’ underscores that while the initial casting change may have been a setback, it ultimately led to the creation of a cinematic masterpiece. This highlights how a single decision can affect an entire project and also demonstrate the power of second chances and the ability to turn obstacles into opportunities.
A Legacy of What-Ifs and Realities
The story of John Travolta and ‘American Gigolo’ is a compelling tale of ambition, fear, and missed opportunities. It gives us a glimpse of the complex factors at play behind the scenes of a major Hollywood production. While Travolta’s absence created a narrative of ‘what-ifs,’ the reality is that Richard Gere’s interpretation became iconic. The film became a cultural phenomenon and a hallmark of its time.
Diller’s story is a stark reminder of the human element behind the scenes. It underscores that the industry is built upon personal relationships, fears, and the desire to succeed. This story also tells us that a single decision can affect everything. This account also enhances our understanding of the history of ‘American Gigolo.’ The story of Travolta and ‘American Gigolo’ reminds us that the stories we see on the screen are only part of the full picture.
Ultimately, the story is a study in how ambition, fear, and circumstance intertwine to shape the course of cinematic history. What started as a production with one vision turned into a reality, and the result has become a cultural phenomenon. The film’s lasting legacy is a testament to the enduring power of film and the complex journey of everyone involved.