Martin Scorsese has named two of the high-profile films he turned down the chance to direct.
The filmmaker, whose most recent film was mob drama The Irishman, has reflected upon his career and working relationship with Robert De Niro in an extensive interview with Deadline, where he explained that he got sent many scripts following the box office flop of The King of Comedy in 1982.
Scorsese explained that he considered “working in a studio situation where everything had to be discussed and figured out” and that he was sent “a lot” of screenplays.
Two of the rejected films Scorsese specifically named were Peter Weir’s 1985 thriller Witness and action comedy Beverly Hills Cop (1984) starring Eddie Murphy.
“I was getting many scripts,” he said. “Witness, Beverly Hills Cop – there were a lot. But I didn’t want to make those. Then you choose your course. It’s a harder course.”
Scorsese’s next film would be religious drama The Last Temptation of Christ, which resumed production having shut down years before. It would eventually be released in 1988.
The director said that, before Willem Dafoe joined the cast as Jesus Christ, De Niro said he would play the role if it meant the film could get made.
“Out of respect for everyone, including Bob, we did have a conversation but I knew that was not his kind of role,” Scorsese said. “He did tell me, listen, if you have trouble getting it made, I’ll do it for you.”
The Irishman has 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actor for both Al Pacino and Joe Pesci.
