After reading the script, Gene Hackman initially turned down his role in ‘Unforgiven’ but reconsidered due to Clint Eastwood’s persistence.
Unforgiven was one of Clint Eastwood’s most talked-about films, as well as one of the longest to come to life once the project became official. In the middle of it all, one big challenge was casting, especially since he had to convince one of the actors he really wanted.
Gene Hackman had a pact with himself for reasons enough to avoid accepting the role offered, but even though he was reluctant for a while, Eastwood managed to get him on board and, consequently, help him take home an Oscar. But how much effort was required in the process?
Gene Hackman Went Back On His Word To Star In Unforgiven
Any non-fiction production usually deals with narratives based on real life. Because of this, it’s common for some movies and shows to have violent scenes, and sometimes that ends up being a big part of the whole story, depending on the genre. It turns out that precisely for this reason, some actors are wary of agreeing to take part in these types of projects.
In Wild West films, violence is part of the package, and even though the genre is pretty niche, some actors still get hesitant about joining. For Gene Hackman, the challenge was even tougher because Unforgiven featured not just intense scenes but also a character with a particularly dangerous edge.
In an interview with IGN, Hackman admitted he was initially hesitant because he felt there should be stricter controls on firearms, hinting at the rise in gun crime. He also seemed worried about his daughters. However, Clint Eastwood was determined to have him in the cast and persuaded him by clarifying the purpose behind the film’s violence.
The director, a firm supporter of gun control, emphasized that his film wasn’t about glorifying violence but about depicting reality. His goal was to highlight the brutal side of the Wild West to raise awareness about the issue. (via Project Casting)
According to Flickering Myth, in the DVD interview, Hackman shared how Eastwood persuaded him to take on the role of Sheriff Little Bill Daggett:
I swore I would never be involved in a picture with this much violence in it. But the more I read it, the more I came to understand the purpose of the film, the more fascinated I became.
To add more depth, Eastwood also suggested that Hackman draw inspiration from Los Angeles police chief Daryl Gates.
Gene Hackman Won The Oscar For His Role In Unforgiven
Hackman’s hesitation is actually understandable since, in detail, his character has a remarkable personality, being a great sadistic villain with a dangerous reputation for his deeds.
However, Eastwood elaborated on the sheriff’s character in a conversation with the American Film Institute. While Hackman’s character is labeled a villain, he wasn’t meant to be one in a traditional sense. Instead, the sheriff saw his actions as having noble intentions, which required him to be portrayed with intensity.
In the end, Hackman’s fresh perspective on the role paid off. Eastwood also proved to be an exceptional visionary by insisting that he stay with the project.
Hackman’s portrayal aligned perfectly with his character’s mindset and captured exactly what the director envisioned for the film. Unforgiven went on to win four Oscars, including Best Supporting Actor for him.