Crime thriller, Pulp Fiction is regarded as one of the most iconic films of the 1990s, becoming an instant cult classic and grossing a staggering $213.9 million at the Worldwide Box Office – all from a budget of just $8 million (£6million).
Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, the independent movie starred the likes of Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, Tim Roth and John Travolta – and is hailed as the spark that reignited the latter’s career. The film follows intertwining tales of crime and violence in Los Angeles, with Vincent Vega (Travolta) and Jules Winnfield (Jackson) at the heart of the action.
At the 67th Academy Awards in March 1995, Pulp Fiction was nominated in seven categories, scooping the Oscar for Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen. In the years that have passed since, a list of potential Hollywood stars from the mind of Tarantino has circulated online – outlining the actors and actresses he had shortlisted for each major role.
Whilst some of those came to fruition, others slipped away, the identities of whom have caused a stir on social media. X account All The Right Movies posted a snap of the now 62-year old’s list, which outlines his “first choice”, “second choice” and “strong possibility” for each position.
The list begins with candidates for the role of Pumpkin, ultimately landed by Roth. The notable second choice, however, was a certain Johnny Depp, whilst the likes of Christian Slater, Gary Oldman and Nick Cage were also considered.
The document states that Honey Bunny was written specifically for the successful Amanda Plummer, with Patricia Arquette and Lili Taylor earmarked as potential alternatives “if Amanda can’t do it”. A big talking point, however, is that over who would play the role of Vincent.
Whilst the part was written for Michael Madsen, it was Travolta who would star as the protagonist after being labelled by Tarantino as a “strong, strong, strong second choice”. Again, Oldman was considered, as was Alec Baldwin and Michael Keaton amongst others.
Similarly, the role of Lance was written for John Cusack, but it was Eric Stoltz who would ultimately play the character. Stoltz was second choice, ahead of the aforementioned Slater and Cage, as well as Robert Carradine.
The final excerpt from Tarantino’s notes concerns the role of Jody – described as “open” for consideration. With no first and second choices named, instead the director listed six “strong possibilities”. These were: Rosanna Arquette; Bridgit Fonda; Jennifer Beals; Pam Grier; Cathy Griffin; and Angel Aviles. Arquette was chosen – the sister of Patricia, who was an option for Honey Bunny as above.
Writing in response, one film fan admitted: “I’ve always found it interesting how each director has a list of ‘their guys’. So many of QT [Tarantino]’s usual suspects are featured here.”
A second person joked: “In another universe theres a version of Pulp Fiction with Gary Oldman playing every character.” A third pondered: “Dennis Quaid, Gary Oldman and Johnny Depp would have been a wild alternative version, I definitely want to see that now.”
A fourth X user penned: “Lili Taylor would’ve been great as Honeybunny. Loved Amanda as her.” Whilst a fifth individual claimed: ” If I recall correctly, Madsen was filming Wyatt Earp and couldn’t do it. The studio wanted Matt Dillon but QT held firm on Travolta. And Fishbourne was the original choice for Jules but his management turned it down because it wasn’t a lead role.”