Billy Bob Thornton’s Near Miss in Misery Unveiled

Billy Bob Thornton recently revealed that he was almost cast in the psychological thriller Misery. This film, adapted from Stephen King’s 1987 novel, is regarded as one of the finest in its genre and earned Kathy Bates an Academy Award for Best Actress. Directed by Rob Reiner, known for classics like Stand by Me and When Harry Met Sally…, Misery tells a gripping story about author Paul Sheldon who finds himself in a perilous situation with his obsessive fan, Annie Wilkes, after a car accident.

During an engaging Actors on Actors discussion for Variety, Thornton shared with Bates that he initially auditioned for a role as a deputy to Sheriff Buster, a part he even secured. However, he later learned from Reiner that his role would be cut from the final edit. Despite this setback, Thornton expressed gratitude for Reiner’s transparency and kindness. They conversed about this experience, highlighting both the director’s integrity and Thornton’s appreciation:

BILLY BOB THORNTON: There was a time I went in and read for Rob Reiner for “Misery.”

KATHY BATES: You did not.

THORNTON: I swear to God. Originally, Richard Farnsworth, who played the sheriff, had a deputy. I saw Rob Reiner for it. And Rob said right in the room, “You’re the guy. We can send everybody else home.”

I was very excited. And I got a call from Rob Reiner — not many directors would do this — he called me and he said, “Listen, I’ve been looking at the script and been planning out what I’m going to do with this movie.” He said, “You can come up here and shoot this for the money or the insurance or whatever you need, but I’m just telling you, it’s not going to be in the movie.”

BATES: Oh, wow.

THORNTON: He said, “I don’t want you to come up here expecting that this is going to be in the movie. And I didn’t want you to be disappointed.” He said, “But I’ll leave it up to you. Do you want to come shoot it anyway?” And I said, “No.”

I thought that was very cool of him.

The Impact of Casting Changes on Misery

Thornton’s Career Journey

While Misery revolves predominantly around Annie’s fixation on Paul, who is plotting his escape, the character of Sheriff Buster does play a crucial role in the narrative. He investigates Paul’s mysterious disappearance, ultimately leading him to Annie. Given that Buster often appears alongside his wife Virginia, it becomes clear why a deputy character was ultimately removed from the film. However, it’s intriguing to ponder the depth Thornton could have brought to this cut role.

Reflecting on the film’s success, Thornton’s involvement could have greatly influenced his career trajectory earlier. Although he missed out on Misery, he later experienced a significant breakthrough with Sling Blade, a psychological drama he both wrote and directed. Released in 1996, this film was met with acclaim and earned him an Academy Award, paving the way for more recognition with films like A Simple Plan and his collaboration with Bates in Primary Colors.

What If Thornton Had Been in Misery?

The Benefits of Minimalism in Storytelling

While it’s uncertain if other significant changes were made to Misery aside from the deputy’s removal, Rob Reiner’s choice likely enhanced the film’s impact. The streamlined character focus strengthens the tension between Annie and Paul, allowing audiences to immerse themselves deeply in their harrowing dynamic. It’s a fascinating “what if” scenario to consider how Thornton’s missed role might have altered the film’s experience, yet his story also underscores the importance of supportive direction in the highly competitive world of cinema.

Source: Variety