Story by Grant Dillard, Staff writer
With Thanksgiving over, the Christmas season has officially begun. Of course, one of the biggest traditions of the holiday is Christmas films. With “Elf,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” and even films like “Die Hard” and “Batman Returns,” there’s quite a lineup of films to watch around Christmas. But some Christmas classics would have been very different if other actors were chosen for famous roles. Here’s a quick look at some actors who were almost cast in Christmas movies, according to IMDB’s trivia pages for each of the films listed.
Harrison Ford: “The Santa Clause”
The 1994 hit film, “The Santa Clause,” was the first major motion picture to star Tim Allen in the lead role. Before Allen was cast, several actors including Robin Williams and Allen’s “Toy Story” co-star, Tom Hanks, were considered for the role of Scott Calvin/Santa Claus. But the one considered actor who stands out the most is Harrison Ford. As good as Allen was in the role, it would have been interesting to see Ford don the red suit and white beard. Ford’s natural charm and charisma seem fitting enough for the character of Calvin, as well as jolly old Saint Nick.
Tim Allen: “Jingle All the Way”
In an ironic twist, Allen was actually considered for the lead in another 1990s Christmas flick: “Jingle All the Way.” Thankfully, that casting never came to be; most of the enjoyment of the film is the fact that Arnold Schwarzenegger is in it. Sure, Allen is a better actor compared to Schwarzenegger; but nobody could deliver the line, “Put that cookie down!” like Arnold.
Jack Nicholson: “A Christmas Story”
In what may be the most interesting behind-the-scenes story on this list, Jack Nicholson came close to playing the role of Ralphie’s father (or “The Old Man” as he’s also credited.) According to the trivia section on the website, “A Christmas Story House & Museum” Nicholson was reportedly interested in taking on the role. But the film’s director, Bob Clark, lobbied for Darren McGavin to be cast due to concerns from the producers about Nicholson’s large salary requests. A good thing too, since McGavin gave a perfect blend of harshness and likability at the same time.
Eddie Murphy: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
Ron Howard’s live-action adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic may have gotten mixed reviews from critics and audiences, but most of them can at least agree that Jim Carrey’s performance as The Grinch is easily the saving grace of the film. Carrey’s commitment to his performance was simply amazing; not only having to deal with an uncomfortable costume but also ad-libbing many of his lines. IMDB lists that two actors who were considered before Carrey’s casting were Jack Nicholson and Eddie Murphy. Of the two choices, Murphy seemed like the only alternative that could have worked, as he had proven to be a comedic talent in hit films like “Beverly Hills Cop” and “The Nutty Professor.” However, the early 2000s was also the time where Murphy began turning in a series of lackluster comedies including “The Adventures of Pluto Nash,” “I Spy,” and “The Haunted Mansion.” So it definitely seems best that Carrey landed the Grinch gig.