A belovedAdam Sandlercomedy nearly cast an Oscar-winning actor, only for Sandler to be hilariously turned down. While Sandler will soon return to his famous role in theupcomingHappy Gilmore 2, Billy Madisonremains perhaps the actor’s most popular comedy and a true breakout movie for him.
Sandler embraces his persona of an immature manchild with the story of a spoiled rich adult who must return to complete grades 1 to 12 to take over his father’s business.Sandler is hilarious in the lead role, and he is joined by some of his famous friends in smaller roles, including the late comedy legends Chris Farley and Norm MacDonald.
However,the classic Sandler comedyhad an interesting bit of casting that didn’t work out. As great as Bradley Whitford was as the scheming villain Eric Gordon inBilly Madison, there were some other notable names, including a future Oscar-winner whom Sandler fought hard to cast.
Adam Sandler Wanted Philip Seymour Hoffman To Star In Billy Madison
Hoffman Ultimately Turned It Down
Adam Sandler revealed on theFly on the Wallpodcast with David Spade and Dana Carvey that his original choice to play Eric was Bob Odenkirk. Odenkirk went on to great acclaim inBetter Call SaulandNobody, but he was only awriter onSaturday Night Liveat the times, which helped the studio refuse.
Sandler had to begin auditioning actors for the roles, which is when he came across the audition tape for Philip Seymour Hoffman. While Hoffman went on to become an Oscar winner for his role inCapoteand is considered one of the greatest actors of all time, he was still up-and-coming at this time with roles inScent of a WomanandNobody’s Fool.
Sandler called the audition “hilarious,” but still had to fight hard with the studio to cast Hoffman. However, once they finally agreed to cast him,Sandler found that Hoffman wasn’t very keen on taking the part, despite auditioning. Sandler recalls their conversation:
“I called him up and said, ‘Hey, it’s Adam,’ and he’s like, ‘Oh hey Adam.’ I go, ‘Hey, I saw your tape, you’re so great, buddy, and they said you don’t want to do it.’ And he goes, ‘Aww, thanks man.'‘So, do you want to do it?’ And he goes, ‘Aww, I can’t.’ And I go, ‘Oh, why not?’ And he goes, ‘Awww… I just don’t want to’… And I go, ‘I really love you.’ And he goes, ‘I know you do,'”
Adam Sandler Eventually Worked With Philip Seymour Hoffman On One Of His Most Acclaimed Movies
They Were Great Together In Punch-Drunk-Love
Despite being turned down for the role, Adam Sandler remembers the conversation with Philip Seymour Hoffman fondly. Luckily, that was not the only chance the two actors had to work together,as they eventually teamed for the first ofSandler’s serious movie rolesinPunch-Drunk Love.
While it might be hard to imagine Hoffman appearing in one of those typical Sandler comedies likeBilly Madison, it was equally strange for many people to see Sandler appearing in a Paul Thomas Anderson movie with Hoffman.Punch-Drunk Lovehas Sandler starringas Barry, a socially awkward man who finds love while being blackmailed by a crooked businessman (Hoffman).
Despite having limited interaction in the movie, Sandler and Hoffman are able to go head-to-head as protagonist and antagonist inPunch-Drunk Loveafter missing the opportunity inBilly Madison. Their fiery phone call and climactic confrontation are highlights of the movie and make us wish they had more opportunities to share the screen.
