Betrayal Revealed as Crucial Factor
Charlie Sheen recently reminisced about the pivotal moment he learned he would not star in the acclaimed film “Born on the Fourth of July.” At the time, Sheen was gaining recognition for his performances in films like “Platoon” and “Wall Street.” He believed he had an agreement with director Oliver Stone to play the lead role of Vietnam War veteran Ron Kovic, but the role ultimately went to Tom Cruise, who received an Oscar nomination for his performance.
Betrayal Revealed as Crucial Factor
Sheen’s brother, Emilio Estevez, was the bearer of the disappointing news. He called Sheen with the words, “Hey, man. You sitting down?” Concerned for his brother’s wellbeing, Estevez sensed the gravity of the situation. Sheen recalled thinking someone had died and was shocked to learn that Cruise was cast in the film.
Connections in Hollywood
The relationship between Sheen, Cruise, and Estevez runs deep. Estevez and Cruise had previously co-starred in the 1983 film “The Outsiders,” and Cruise had temporarily lived with the Sheen family upon his arrival in Los Angeles. Sheen expressed gratitude for Estevez’s concern, noting the emotional weight of the news, although he also downplayed the significance of the film in the grand scheme of things.
Communication Breakdown
Sheen revealed that he had regular discussions with Stone about the role, including a dinner meeting with Ron Kovic. However, communication ceased unexpectedly, and when Sheen reached out to Stone, he was informed that Stone was in Cuba. This abrupt change left Sheen feeling sidelined.
Reflecting on the experience, Sheen stated, “You can’t lose something you never had.” He pointed out that although there was no formal contract, a handshake agreement had been made.
Confronting the Director
In an intriguing encounter, Sheen confronted Stone in a bar about his experiences. Stone suggested that Sheen had shown a lack of passion for the role. Sheen questioned this assertion, saying, “How do you know how much passion I lost or interest that evaporated if we never talked about it again?”
Admiration Despite Adversity
Despite the tumultuous situation, Sheen holds respect for Cruise’s work in the film. He admitted, “When someone gets a job and does that with it, you’re just like, of course.” Sheen acknowledged the talent Cruise displayed, recognizing that the film’s success was undeniable.
Interestingly, Sheen speculated whether his career path would have been different had he taken the role. He reflected on how his success with “Major League” might not have occurred if he had committed to “Born on the Fourth of July.”
This conversation featuring Charlie Sheen will air on “In Depth with Graham Bensinger,” providing fans with further insights into the world of Hollywood’s intricate relationships.
