Michael Ovitz, who was instrumental in creating the classic movie Schindler’s List, disclosed a little-known detail
about the movie’s main character in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter thirty years after the film’s Oscar victory.
Continue reading to learn more.
Michael Ovitz, a Hollywood agent, claims that Mel Gibson expressed interest in starring in Schindler’s List.
However, it wasn’t as easy as assigning Gibson to play Oskar Schindler.Gibson was simply one of several names that were floated for the part.
‘I heard the name Harrison Ford.’ The name of Costner. I noticed that Australian actor Jack Thompson ‘looks a lot like Schindler.’
The Hollywood Reporter was informed by Liam Neeson, who would eventually be cast as Schindler.
‘I’m not saying those names are accurate, but a lot of people were interested in playing Schindler, and a lot of them were movie stars,
and to all of them I promised never to divulge any of their history with me,’ Spielberg remarked. ‘I’m saying there were more people than the names you gave me,’ the speaker said.
Gibson had no chance, according to Ovitz, because Spielberg was looking for a ‘non-movie star for the part.’
Spielberg didn’t realize he needed to play the lead until he and his wife and mother-in-law saw Neeson in Anna Christie on Broadway.
‘We went backstage to meet him after the show. Uncensored, Kate’s mother glanced at Liam and nearly started crying.
He was really beloved by her during that performance.Kate persisted in nudging me in the side. Yes, that is him! That’s the one!
‘The legend goes that, on their way home, Kate told Steven, ‘That’s exactly what Schindler would have done, was give my mother a hug!’’ Neeson stated.
Twelve Oscar nominations were later received by Schindler’s list, and seven of them—including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay—were won. Neeson received a Best Actor nomination.
When Gibson screamed an anti-Semitic epithet at a police officer in 2006 while he was being held for a DUI, he came under fire.
‘I acted like a person completely out of control… and said things I do not believe to be true and which are despicable,’ he subsequently apologized. I feel very embarrassed.