MovieChat Forums > Tron (1982) Discussion > Who the hell chooses Bruce Boxleitner ov...

Who the hell chooses Bruce Boxleitner over Peter O'Toole?

posted 13 years ago by Iwishyouwell
23 replies | jump to latest

You're trying to tell me that Steven Lisberger's vision for Tron was a much older character, he auditions then 49 year old Peter freaking O'Toole, who by Lisberger's admission gives an amazing reading, and O'Toole is so super enthusiastic about getting the role that he says he wants "Tron" on his tombstone right next to "Lawrence of Arabia", and despite all the signs clearly lining up he rejects one of the great actors of our time to cast...

Bruce Boxleitner.

And what does Lisberger say decades later? "Who knows, maybe he would have been great, maybe I really missed it right there."

So. Much. Fail.

[–] BobbyT24 8 years ago

I have to agree Peter O'Toole can act circles around BB. But TRON was a security program that needed youth, strength, and square-jawed toughness to overcome a nearly-invincible opponent.

I've seen several Peter O'Toole movies, and not once did I get the "He-Man" vibe from Sir Peter. Smart, eloquent, crafty... yes. Kicking ass and taking names was just not one of Peter's attributes. Besides, he was 49yo at the time of filming. Boxleitner (or someone w the same physical attributes) was the right choice. Besides, the sexy-as-hell Cindy Morgan (Lacey Underall in "Caddyshack" anyone?) kissing passionately with the antiquated Sir Peter??? That's like watching Princess Leia kissing Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original "Star Wars". Just, no.

Missed opportunity to cast a legend? Absolutely. I'd also cast Meryl Streep in any movie she's interested in. But would I give her the lead to "The Black Widow" over Scarlett Johansen simply because Meryl wants it? The ultimate right casting choice for a youthful security program I'm afraid was someone other than Sir Peter. No disrespect. God rest his soul.

[–] PaladinNJ (21528) 6 years ago

Interesting. I had never heard this before.

[–] Druff (1802) 2 years ago

However ridiculous anyone thinks this movie is, it would be twice as ridiculous with O'Toole in the role of Tron.

Lisberger made the right call and OP is a nitwit.