10 Genius Ways Directors Got The Actor They Wanted
1. Barry Sonnenfeld Convinces Chris O'Donnell He's "Not A Very Good Director" - Men In Black
Though he'd already undoubtedly announced himself on the cinematic stage in the likes of Bad Boys and Independence Day, it was Will Smith's starring appearance in 1997's Men in Black that really marked the actor out as a movie star to keep your eyes on.
But the role of Agent J wasn't always a part destined to be played by the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star from the get-go, though. Before Smith was landed on, Columbia Pictures and Amblin Entertainment both wanted eventual Batman & Robin star Chris O'Donnell for the leading character.
Men in Black director Barry Sonnenfield's wife Susan, a.k.a Sweetie, had other ideas, however, telling him that she felt Smith was the actor best suited for Agent J. So, when forced by the studios to meet with O'Donnell, who was weighing up another film offer at the time, about the concept of starring in the upcoming sci-fi blockbuster, Sonnenfield had a trick up his sleeve.
As he'd eventually reveal to Vulture:
"...I told him, 'Here's the truth. I'm not a very good director. I really don't have a clue. I don't think the script is very good. If I were you, I would take the other movie.'"
Sure enough, Sonnenfield's blatant lie was enough to convince O'Donnell to steer clear of this alien escapade, paving the way for Will to step into the iconic suit instead.