The popular Hollywood star Jamie Foxx is certainly one of the most versatile actors in the world of film, television, and music. With a successful career spanning decades, Foxx has made his mark as an accomplished actor, comedian, and singer. He rose to prominence through his memorable performances in movies like Ray, for which he won an Academy Award and Django Unchained.
It has come to light that he once convinced an actor to leave a film.
Before securing the role in Django Unchained, Jamie Foxx had reservations about whether he would be cast in the film. He harbored concerns that Quentin Tarantino would choose Idris Elba instead, considering the role highly sought after. In a fortuitous encounter, the Oscar-winning actor even attempted to dissuade Elba from participating in the movie to increase his own chances.
“‘ Your beautiful black as* ride up on that horse, it’s gonna be problems for everybody,’” Foxx recalled telling Elba via Cheatsheet.
Upon reading the script, Jamie Foxx discovered a profound personal connection to it, which solidified his belief that he was the right fit for the role. Growing up in Texas, Foxx had familiarity with the language and context presented in Django Unchained. This shared background enabled him to understand and embody the character more authentically.
“But I understand that me being from Texas coming from a Southern place, it wasn’t as heightened as you guys listened to it. It was sort of like just another Tuesday. I had already learned the text and everything, I performed it in front of him. But here’s what I think won him over; I had my own horse,” he said.
When Quentin Tarantino was considering actors for his action-packed film Django Unchained, he contemplated a roster of renowned Hollywood stars. His initial choice for the lead role was Will Smith, but Smith declined the offer, leaving the opportunity for other actors to pursue. Idris Elba, known for his role in The Wire, briefly had a chance to be a part of the Tarantino project. However, Tarantino dismissed the idea early on, citing Elba’s British background as disqualifying.
(H/t Fandomwire)
